German historian Karl Schlögel, a leading expert on Russia and Eastern Europe, has been named the winner of the 2025 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade — one of Germany’s highest literary honors. The award will be presented this October during the Frankfurt Book Fair.
The prestigious prize, awarded by the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, recognizes individuals who promote peace through literature, scholarship, and public dialogue. This year, the jury praised Schlögel for his decades-long commitment to understanding the historical roots of Russian aggression and his unwavering defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Schlögel Was Among the First to Sound the Alarm
The award jury noted that Schlögel was “one of the first voices to warn of Vladimir Putin’s expansionist ambitions.” Long before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he was already analyzing how authoritarianism and nationalism were shaping Russia’s foreign policy.
His books and essays have helped readers in Germany and across Europe understand the deeper historical forces behind the war — from Soviet legacies to post-Cold War tensions.
“Without a Free Ukraine, There Can Be No Peace in Europe”
Schlögel’s message today is as urgent as ever. The jury highlighted his continued call to defend Ukraine not just as a nation under attack, but as a vital part of Europe’s future.
“Without a free Ukraine, there can be no peace in Europe,” the jury’s statement said.
This central theme — that European stability and freedom are linked to Ukraine’s survival as a democratic state — runs through Schlögel’s recent work. He argues that Ukraine’s fight is not just a regional conflict, but a defining struggle for European values and peace.
A Life Dedicated to Understanding the East
Karl Schlögel, born in 1948, is known for his deep, nuanced explorations of Eastern European history. He has written extensively on Soviet society, Stalinist terror, and the cultural history of cities like Moscow and Kyiv.
His work blends historical analysis, travel writing, and personal reflection, offering unique insight into the people, places, and politics of the region.
Among his most well-known books are:
- Moscow 1937 — a vivid portrait of life in the Stalinist capital during one of the regime’s darkest years.
- The Scent of Empires — a meditation on geopolitics through the lens of two famous perfumes tied to Russian and French history.
- Ukraine: A Nation on the Borderland — his recent writings focus on Ukraine’s identity, struggles, and its historical relationship with both Russia and Europe.
What the Peace Prize Means
The Peace Prize of the German Book Trade has been awarded since 1950 and honors individuals whose work contributes to peace, humanity, and understanding between nations. Previous winners include:
- Orhan Pamuk
- Susan Sontag
- Václav Havel
- Salman Rushdie
- Tsitsi Dangarembga
By selecting Schlögel in 2025, the jury is sending a clear message: the defense of truth, history, and democratic values is essential to peace — and scholars have a vital role to play.
Ceremony to Be Held at Frankfurt Book Fair
Karl Schlögel will receive the prize this fall at the Frankfurt Book Fair, one of the world’s largest and most important literary gatherings. The award ceremony traditionally takes place at St. Paul’s Church in Frankfurt, a site symbolizing German democracy.
The event will not only honor Schlögel’s scholarly achievements, but also offer a platform to reflect on Europe’s future in the face of war and authoritarianism.
