The main purpose of the article is to examine the opinions expressed by Georgian elites regarding the position of the Federal Republic of Germany towards Georgia in 2023. The text discusses the question to what extent the image created for the needs of the internal political game in Georgia corresponds to bilateral relations between the two countries. The re-evaluation of German Eastern policy in connection with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict influences Germany’s attitude towards Georgia. Georgia is at a special historical moment. The receding prospect of Georgia’s EU membership due to the rule of law and respect for civil liberties shortcomings affects also the perception of Germany in Caucasus. The future of Georgia and the shape of relations with the West, including Germany, will depend primarily on the behavior of Georgian elites, some of whom treat accession to the EU as an element of a political game.

Contemporary German Printed Media – Chosen Aspects

The paper draws on selected examples of the structure and working of the contemporary German print media, pointing to the most characteristic features of the matching process in the German press to the rapidly changing socio-economic environment, that is, the marketing of media coverage. German quality newspapers and magazines found their niche in this rapidly changing media market and have become media entities that provide broad services to the public, including that which requires in-depth analysis and information from the international space. Press despite its tabloidisation retains its influence nationwide and targeted, albeit to a limited group of customers (mostly elite) in these segments is trying to counter the general mediocrity of communication and provide not only emotional but also a fair comment and free of information and knowledge.

German contacts with the Caucasus in the 18th and 19th centuries

The paper presents the initial period of German-Caucasian contacts, which includes the activity of German travelers, scientists and settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. These activities were carried out during the period of Russian rule over Caucasus. The influence of the unification of Germany in 1871 on the intensification of German-Caucasian relations and a change in their character was noted. From then on, they were an element of the foreign policy of the Second Reich, which increased German-Caucasian economic exchange and led to political cooperation in the 20th century.

“We enjoy frequenting seasonal resorts” – Polish travels to Prussian and German resorts (1850–1914)

This study examines written sources documenting Polish travels to German resorts from the the mid-19th century until the outbreak of World War I. The topic at hand encompasses multiple disciplines, including literary history and cultural anthropology. Among the resorts popular among Poles in the 19th century, Baden-Baden emerges as the most prominent German spa town which attracted the then elite of Europe. It gained its reputation due to the beneficial climate and hot springs as well as a diverse array of recreational activities. As the political situation deteriorated (the Kulturkampf, Prussian restrictions), Polish trips to German resorts came to be viewed in a political context. As a result, a campaign for boycotting „the baths” was launched in the Polish press. Written sources documenting Polish travels to German and Prussian resorts from the 19th and early 20th centuries provide insight into the historical context of the period, and offer a unique perspective on various political, economic, and social issues.