This book draws on the author's experience from 26 years of Ukrainian diplomatic service in
among others Bonn Berlin Washington and Vienna and his work as a speechwriter to most
Ukrainian foreign ministers for the last two decades. Scherba's captivating essays reflect his
views of international affairs from a Ukrainian perspective. His deliberations are presented in
uncomplicated plain language. The articles assembled here have repeatedly caused discussion in
Ukraine and abroad.By his opponents Scherba is often described as being surprisingly
undiplomatic and even provocative. For instance his article Why nationalism can't be the
national idea of a European Ukraine published on a Ukrainian nationalist website stirred
considerable controversy in Ukraine. Aside from explaining Kyiv's take on some key issues of
international relations these essays provide insights into Ukrainian political thinking since
the start of Russia's military aggression in 2014 and into the painful political intramural
fights in Ukrainian society ever since.
