Klaus Gestwa

Prof. Dr. Klaus Gestwa is Professor of Eastern European History and Director of the Institute for Eastern European History and Area Studies at the University of Tübingen's Faculty of Humanities. Appointed to this position in April 2009, he has established himself as a leading scholar in Soviet and Eastern European history, particularly focusing on environmental and technological aspects of the region's development.

His research interests span science, technology, and environmental history in the 20th and 21st centuries; Cold War history; social and economic history of the Russian Empire (1700-1917); agricultural history with focus on dust storms, soil degradation and famines; polar history; collapse of the Soviet Union; history of Ukraine; and contemporary analysis of Russia's war against Ukraine. His work demonstrates how environmental factors intersect with political and social developments in Eastern Europe.

Gestwa's recent publications reveal a clear shift toward contemporary analysis of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, examining both historical roots and current implications. His work connects Soviet-era environmental policies with contemporary ecological challenges and war-related destruction, particularly evident in his research on Soviet mega-projects and their environmental consequences. His scholarship increasingly addresses the weaponization of history in Putin's Russia and the implications for European security.

• Preis für Wissenschaftskommunikation (2024) from University of Tübingen

As Director of the Institute for Eastern European History, Gestwa has actively supported Ukrainian scholars displaced by the war, organizing academic support and public events to contextualize the conflict historically. He has been frequently consulted by media outlets for expert commentary on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the historical roots of Putin's aggression and the importance of understanding Eastern European history for contemporary policy decisions. His institute has become a hub for critical analysis of Russian imperialism and Ukrainian resilience, hosting numerous events and collaborations with scholars from the region.