Frieden oder Krieg

A unique exchange about a foreign yet close country. Is there reason to fear Moscow? Does Russia perhaps have grounds to distrust the West? What fuels the tensions between East and West? And can they be resolved? Long-time ARD correspondent Fritz Pleitgen and the award-winning author Michail Shishkin share their experiences with Russia and the West, as well as the contrasts and tensions that have intensified in recent years. Two profound experts explore how we arrived at the current tense situation after the era of détente and the supposed end of the East-West confrontation. They are united by their love for Russia, yet they are opponents in their assessment of the roots of the conflict: Michail Shishkin sharply criticizes Putin's authoritarian rule and the Kremlin's policies. For Fritz Pleitgen, the West's behavior is self-righteous and devoid of historical context. Personal insights, astute political analyses, historical perspectives – a necessary book in difficult times.