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On September 27, IWP held videoconference with Anne Applebaum, a prominent journalist and historian.Ms. Applebaum spoke on wide range of topics such as European integration of Ukraine, image and perception of the country in the American media, gender equality in Ukraine and the world as well as the role of women in modern diplomacy.

Ms. Applebaum underscored that the European Union is eager to hear a clear position from Ukraine on the European dimension of its foreign policy. The journalist stated that the EU was tired from countries with high levels of domestic debt and corruption and underdeveloped economies. As for Ukraine’s image in the American media, Mrs. Applebaum said that it is largely shaped by the case of Yulia Tymoshenko that demonstrate authoritarian tendencies in the country. But, at the same time, the journalist emphasized the importance of forthcoming elections: “Not so important, who Ukrainians will elect, but how peaceful and legitimate will the transition of power will be?”

Ms. Applebaum stressed on the growing influence of women in politics as a positive sign of changes within society as it indicates a high level of transparency.

Mrs. Applebaum also touched on topics of democratization in post-totalitarian societies and the importance of the revival of civil society that is able to associate not only for political purposes, but also to solve social problems.

At the end of the discussion, Ms. Applebaum announced the release of her new book “The Iron Curtain: crushing of Eastern Europe, 1944-1956,” which studies the Stalinization process in Central and Eastern Europe, namely the role of state coercion, media, civil society organizations in these processes.

The event was held under the “Virtual Forum global female leaders with the support of Internews, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Embassy in London.

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