Reflecting on the the Life of Adam von Trott

Dear Colleagues - Liebe Freunde, Liebe Freundinnen!

You are meeting today to remember and reflect on the life of Adam von Trott zu Solz, and the legacies that he has left us, under the shadow of a new crisis – war in Europe, coming when we thought such wars were not desired, likely, perhaps, even possible.

This has been a profound shock, just as we were learning in the importance of global cooperation from the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath shock, and the Climate Emergency – and the current heatwaves and forest fires across Europe are a further wake-up call.

Now we are so brutally reminded that ours is not a settled global order, and that we - the UK and Germany – as two leading free nations must help like-minded nations regroup quickly and deeply to confront the worldwide threat of growing authoritarianism.

Adam von Trott knew all too well where unchecked brutal authoritarianism leads. Now we have in President Putin another monstrous leader, who bullies and invades, and licenses war crimes.

We must tread carefully given the ever-present threat of nuclear weapons, energy dependencies, and global interdependencies. But we must stand firm. We surely cannot shirk our obligations to the brave Ukraine citizens fighting our cause in the name of freedom, democracy, and self-determination.

These were guiding principles that re-emerged at the end of the Second World War, and the defeat of the Nazi regime – for which Adam von Trott put his life on the line. We must not forget.

Dear Friends, I am delighted that one of our Oxford recent Adam von Trott scholars, Julian Goldmann will be there to read out these words and to represent Oxford this time, as I am unable, again, to be with you on this special memorial day.

After the interruption. we are delighted to be supporting six von Trott Bursary Students between Oxford and Göttingen this year catching up for the two missed years. I also look forward to helping lead another lively and provoking international graduate workshop with some top speakers at Imshausen in September, to explore how we might, indeed, set about building a new international global order out of this crisis, some might even say ruins, following the unprovoked and imperialist Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, we are very pleased our von Trott scholarship scheme goes on, despite financial challenges that come, inevitably, from Brexit and changes in funding rules, and to too the lectures.

So, partnership and friendship, cemented through the life story of Adam von Trott continues. It must. I have now stood down as Chair of our Oxford Adam von Trott Memorial committee after some four years, but remain on the trust. Albrecht von Moeltke is the new chair, and we continue to do our best on this.

Herzliche Grüße. Go well !

Sent from Paul Flather, retiring chair, on behalf of fellow members of the Oxford Adam von Trott Memorial Committee.

Imshausen, family home of Adam von Trott