Eastern Europe & Russia:
The Forces Shaping Conflict, Identity, and Power Today
A Four-Week Context-Driven Masterclass
This 4-part live masterclass offers a clear, historically grounded framework for understanding Eastern Europe and Russia: how identities formed, why borders shifted, how power was built, and why today’s conflicts are rooted in centuries-old dynamics.
Understand the Forces Shaping Eastern Europe Today
Eastern Europe and Russia cannot be understood through headlines alone.
This masterclass provides historical depth and analytical clarity — tracing how identity, empire, borders, and power evolved over centuries and why they matter today, especially in the context of Russia and Ukraine.
Designed to help you think clearly about one of the world’s most complex regions, this course replaces simplifications with context.
What you get:
4 Expert-Guided Sessions
Rich LIVE lectures led by historian Vladimír Štrama
Historical & Geopolitical Clarity
Discover how centuries of empire and geography shaped Eastern Europe, linking current events like the war in Ukraine to this long history.
Watch Anytime, Anywhere
Stream the full course at your own pace — on your schedule
Program Schedule
Week 1:
5 Febuary 25
How to Think About Eastern Europe: Key Concepts Simplified
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Why “Eastern Europe” resists simple definition
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The region’s extraordinary diversity in culture, language, religion, and identity
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Why borders change and why that changes everything
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How geography, history and neighbors shaped the region’s dynamics
Week 2
12 Febuary 25
A Thousand-Year Story: Eastern Europe’s History from Origins to Today
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Early peoples and first states (Slavs, Kyivan Rus, medieval kingdoms)
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Rise and fall of empires (Ottoman, Habsburg, Russian)
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National awakenings and the birth of modern states
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The 20th century: wars, communism, collapse and rebirth
Week 3
19 Febuary 25
Russia — The Giant Next Door: Power, Identity, and Influence
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How Russia’s identity was formed: state, religion, empire
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Why Russia expanded and how it views its neighbors
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Soviet legacy and post-Soviet politics
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The role of Russia today in Eastern Europe’s fate
Week 4
26 Febuary 25
Ukraine & the War — The Latest Chapter in a Very Old Story
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Ukraine’s historical role: crossroads of empires
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The formation of Ukrainian identity
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Why Ukraine matters geopolitically
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How the war reflects centuries of pressure, conflict, and power dynamics of the region
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What this war means for Europe and the world
Why This Masterclass is a Must-Enroll?
Expert-Guided Learning
Led by historian Vladimír Štrama, gain a rich and nuanced understanding of Eastern Europe’s past and present.
Unique Insights
Go beyond textbooks with deep historical, cultural, and geopolitical context you won’t find anywhere else
Flexible & Self-Paced
Learn on your own time — rewatch sessions anytime, anywhere.
Connect to Global Heritage
Join hundreds of learners around the world who’ve taken this journey to rediscover their roots and expand their worldview.
Meet Your Instructor
My name is Vladimír Štrama
Bio Highlights:
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BA Philosophy & History — University of Exeter (UK)
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MSt Modern European History — University of Oxford (UK)
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Former researcher at Institute H21 (Prague)
Areas of expertise:
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Eastern & Central European history
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National identity and myth-making
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Empires, democracy, and geopolitical thought
Teaching style:
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Clear, structured, accessible — bridging academic research with public understanding.
Sarah
The course brought Central European history to life — not just dates, but the why behind centuries of change.
Nick
The discussions were open, engaging, and deeply thoughtful. Questions weren’t just welcomed — they shaped the learning.
Thomas
The perfect balance of depth and breadth. Four fascinating, beautifully connected talks that completely reshaped how I understand Central Europe.
