Former Austrian FM: Europe is mired in black-and-white thinking and phobia towards Russia
European countries are used to dividing the world into black and white and have always distanced themselves from the East, so now they are afraid of Russia, which has set its sights in this direction – as stated by the former Austrian Foreign Minister, Head of the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues (GORKI Centre) at St. Petersburg University, Karin Kneissl, TASS reports
“In Europe, black-and-white thinking forms the basis of totalitarian movements and actions. Europe has always distanced itself from the East. This is an important factor in explaining the phobia that exists in the West, as Russia is considered a dark, Eastern state,” Ms. Kneissl pointed out at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum
The diplomat also drew attention to the fact that dividing the Western world into only good and bad will necessarily lead to ‘economic problems and risks with terrible consequences’.
According to her, unlike in Europe, Russia has an Eastern concept of ‘live by yourself and let others live, which teaches people to live alongside each other’.
“Unfortunately, we will not see this in good old Europe. Here in Russia, people don't subscribe to the either-or approach; they embrace the both-and approach and recognise the diversity of society,” the former Austrian Foreign Minister added.
