Frequently Asked Questions – Project Cassandra: Crisis Prevention Through Literature

What is the vision of Project Cassandra? 

To prevent escalation and wars through early intervention.

Why the name „Cassandra“? 

Some people first think of the prophetess of doom from Greek mythology, whose warnings no one believed. But that is exactly the point: disaster only happens when warnings go unheeded.

Since when has the project existed, and how has it developed? 

The project’s origins lie in the Bosnian wars of the 1990s. Since then, we have been monitoring around the clock for signs of brewing conflict.

How is the project organized – are there several outposts, and how are they connected? 

Yes, there are several outposts, including in Canada, Wrocław (Breslau), and Bucharest. They function, so to speak, as our antennas and informants around the world.

Who leads the overall project, and who is involved?

Director: Dr. Jürgen Wertheimer

Freelance associate: Florian Rogge

Outposts:

– Poland: Dr. Monika Wolting

– Bucharest: Dr. Horatiu Decuble

– Canada: Dr. Julia Pörtner, Cornelia Lorenz

Is the project affiliated with a particular institution? 

There is a loose affiliation with the Weltethos Institute. Ultimately, however, the project sees itself as free, independent, and autonomous.

Are there already publications or results from the project? 

In addition to Prof. Wertheimer’s books (e.g. Sorry Cassandra! Warum wir unbelehrbar sind), a series of reports has been produced for NATO, the German armed forces (Bundeswehr), and various ministries and companies.

Are there links to interviews with Prof. Wertheimer?

• https://www.projekt-cassandra.org
• The Guardian: Project Cassandra – plan to use novels to predict the next war
• t-online: Russia and Ukraine – the drama was completely underestimated
• Acadia University: Project Cassandra

What is an „Emotion Map,“ and how is it methodically created? 

It is built from a large amount of recorded and scaled data. The Emotion Map shows the zones in which shifts are beginning to emerge, highlighting the respective level of risk in colour.

What literature is selected? What is being examined? 

The project’s particular appeal lies precisely in the fact that no selection is made. Texts are gathered across the board – literary fiction as well as pulp and popular fiction, science fiction, and crime novels. Patterns that offer clues emerge from the sum of the data.

How can one get involved in or support the project? 

Options include, for example, donations or feedback on the project.

Who can be contacted regarding interest in collaboration? 

Prof. Wertheimer (juergen.wertheimer@gmail.com)