East–West Genetic Gradients, Not a Wall

Two common polygenic scores (one for educational attainment, one for adult height) show a clear East–West contrast across Europe, but the variation is best described as overlapping longitudinal gradients rather than a discrete genetic 'Iron Curtain.' The pattern implies gradual clines in allele frequencies and polygenic prediction across geography rather than a binary East/West break. — This reframes public and policy conversations that treat East/West differences as cultural or political only, by showing genetics can reflect gradual ancestry structure that could be misinterpreted or politicized.