War and the Speed of History

Along with its destruction, war has the power to boost all kinds of historical movements.

A map of Europe in 1920, following the collapse of multiple empires after the First World War. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Contrary to the predictions of some optimists, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine last week. Russian tanks rolled over the border, moving far past the initial separatist regions where they had shown the most interest early on. The intent is now clear: Russia wants to overthrow the western-leaning Ukrainian…