Travel with Rick Steves · Saturday, August 29, 2026
Jacob Miknowski posits that the traditional concept of 'Eastern Europe' as a monolithic entity is fading, leading to a redefinition of regional identities. He explains that for many, the term carries outdated stereotypes and unclearness, prompting a desire to reclaim or redefine the region's narrative.
“So the first line of your book, Jacob, is this is a history of a place that doesn't exist. What do you mean by that?”
“You know, it's because Eastern Europeans and my parents were Eastern European and I grew up Eastern European, you become Eastern European when you leave.”
“And then you go east, and it's kind of a bunch of question marks.”