Culture Held Hostage: The Closure of Germany's Goethe Institut in Russia The recent closure of the Goethe Institut in Russia has sent shockwaves through the country.
The cultural and educational institutions were forced to cease operations by September 13, leaving many feeling like pawns in a larger game of diplomatic one upmanship.
This development is part of a long standing feud between Russia and Germany that has seen both sides trade barbs and impose sanctions on each other.