In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations, host Ivan Vejvoda is joined by Sławomir Sierakowski, a distinguished Polish sociologist, public intellectual, and founder of Kritika Polityczna. Together, they explore the current state of democracy in Europe amidst rising authoritarianism and populism. Sierakowski provides his insights on the recent European elections, Poland's return to democratic norms, and the implications of the Russo-Ukrainian War on European security and global politics.

The conversation shifts towards the geopolitical dynamics in Asia, where Sierakowski discusses the weakening position of China under Xi Jinping, the challenges facing Taiwan, and the broader impact of Asian geopolitics on global security. He highlights the importance of Europe asserting itself more strongly on the global stage, particularly in response to both internal challenges like Hungary’s populist leadership and external threats from authoritarian regimes.

Sierakowski also shares his thoughts on the future of the European Union’s enlargement, emphasizing the urgency of integrating Ukraine and other candidate countries into the EU. He argues for a more forceful European stance against Russian aggression, drawing parallels to historical appeasement policies that led to global conflict. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the growing uncertainty in global politics and the need for Europe to address these challenges decisively.

Sławomir Sierakowski is a prominent Polish sociologist, public intellectual, and the founder of Kritika Polityczna. He is also a senior fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations and the president of the program board of ImpactCEE.

Read more from Kritika Polityczna @ krytykapolityczna.pl/

Recent articles from Slawomir are listed @ German Council on Foreign Relations

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/

In this episode, Ivan Vejvoda is joined by Philippe C. Schmitter to discuss the current state and future of democracy, particularly in the context of rising populism and authoritarianism. Known for his influential works on transitions from authoritarian rule and the democratization of the European Union, Schmitter explores the impact of the EU's parliamentary elections, the return of the Labour Party to power in the UK, as well as the rise of nationalism and identity politics.

Schmitter offers insights into the concept of "transitology" and its relevance today, drawing parallels between past transitions from authoritarian regimes and current political trends. The discussion also touches on the challenges of liberal democracy, the role of political parties, and the effects of globalization on economic and political systems. Schmitter emphasizes the need to reinvent representation and control the behavior of global finance to address rising inequality and populism.

The conversation highlights the importance of local governance and the potential benefits of immigration, despite deep rooted resistance, racism and xenophobia. The conversation concludes with and examination of the future of Europe, the implications of differentiated integration, and the role of governance in maintaining democratic legitimacy.

Johan-Skytte-Prize winner Philippe Schmitter is an Emeritus Professor of the Department of Political and Social Sciences at the European University Institute in Florence. Celebrated for his work on democracy, democratic transitions, authoritarianism, and populism, Schmitter has authored influential books such as "Transitions from Authoritarian Rule: Tentative Conclusions About Uncertain Democracies" and "How to Democratize the European Union and Why Bother?" His research continues to shape the field of comparative politics.

See Phillipe's full details and publication history @ www.eui.eu

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/

In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations, Ivan Vejvoda hosts Kim Lane Scheppele, the Lawrence S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at Princeton University. With a particular focus on the example of Hungary under Orbán, they explore the rise of populism, identity politics, and nationalism, and point out the threats these pose to democracy - especially when leaders exploit the legal frameworks of democratic institutions to entrench and extend their power. How can populism corrupt a democratic state into an autocracy?

They comment on the European Union's struggles to address democratic backslides in Hungary and Poland, emphasizing the complexity and slowness of the EU's response. Scheppele reflects on Hungary's shift from a pro-European democratic atmosphere in the 1990s to its current autocratic state. They also discuss strategies for opposition and civil society, the role of economic policies in populist strategies, the importance of media control, and the implications of urban-rural political divides. Finally, they touch on the potential challenges in upcoming elections in France and the United States, stressing the need for vigilance and robust democratic engagement.

Kim Lane Scheppele is the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at Princeton University, focusing on the intersection of constitutional and international law, particularly in systems under stress. She has researched the development of constitutional law in Hungary and Russia post-1989 and the impact of anti-terrorism laws globally post-9/11. Scheppele has served as an expert advisor to the Hungarian Parliament's Constitutional Drafting Committee and co-directed the Gender and Culture Studies program at Central European University. She previously taught at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and has held visiting professorships at Humboldt University, Erasmus University, Yale, and Harvard. She directed Princeton’s Program in Law and Public Affairs and has received the Kalven Prize from the Law and Society Association, with elections to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the International Academy of Comparative Law​.

Find Kim on X @KimLaneLaw

See her selected publications at princeton.edu

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/

In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations with Ivan Vejvoda, the host speaks with Erik Jones, director of the Schuman Center for Advanced Studies at the European University in Florence. Covering the rise of populism, nationalism, and identitarian politics in Europe and beyond, Jones argues that the current political disorder is neither new nor exceptional, drawing parallels to historical periods of economic success followed by political unrest. He emphasizes the significant role of rising inequality and economic uncertainty in driving people away from mainstream parties toward populist alternatives.

Jones and Vejvoda explore the socioeconomic determinants influencing political dynamics, including the frustrations stemming from economic disparity and technological advancements, the pendulum swing towards neoliberalism in the late 20th century; and its impact on current political structures and public dissatisfaction. Jones makes the case that mainstream political parties have failed to meet public expectations due to the limitations of post-neoliberal reforms.

The dialogue concludes with a discussion on the challenges facing the European Union in maintaining democratic values amidst internal and external threats. Jones provides insights into the complexities of EU enlargement, particularly concerning Hungary and Poland, and stresses the importance of visionary leadership in shaping Europe's future. He warns against complacency and highlights the need for a proactive approach to sustain democratic institutions and counter authoritarian tendencies.

Erik Jones is the Director of the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute. Prior to this role, he was a Professor of European Studies and International Political Economy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He has authored numerous books including "The Oxford Handbook of the European Union" (2012) and "The Oxford Handbook of Italian Politics" (2015), is a co-editor of the journal "Government and Opposition" and a contributing editor for "Survival." His academic and public commentary has appeared in major publications including the Financial Times and the New York Times. His research interests cover a broad range of topics in European politics and political economy, including the crises in the European Union and the political dynamics of European integration​.

Explore Erik's work @ cadmus.eui.eu
Find him on X @ej_europe

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/

In this episode of the "Vienna Coffee House Conversations" podcast, Ivan Vejvoda interviews Ivan Marović, executive director of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, about his experiences and insights on nonviolent civil resistance. Marović reflects on his journey from his work as a highly consequential student activist to his current role promoting civil resistance globally. He emphasizes the importance of sustained, organized movements over spontaneous protests and the need for civil society to actively engage in politics to prevent authoritarianism.

Marović discusses the evolution of his understanding of nonviolent conflict and the lessons learned from past movements. He highlights the significance of inter-generational support and the need for a strategic, long-term approach to civil resistance. The conversation also engages with the current state of democracy and the factors contributing to the widespread sense of democratic decline.

Vejvoda and Marović explore the challenges and opportunities for movements in today's political climate, particularly in the context of rising authoritarianism and political disengagement. They conclude by discussing the potential for young people to influence political change and the critical role of political education in fostering a more engaged and resilient civil society.

Ivan Marović is an activist and expert in nonviolent resistance, renowned for his pivotal role in Serbia's Otpor! movement, which was instrumental in the overthrow of Serbia's Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. As one of the movement's leaders, Marović helped develop strategies that mobilized significant grassroots support and led to a peaceful transition of power. Following this success, he dedicated his career to advising and training pro-democracy groups around the globe. Currently, Marović serves as the Executive Director of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC), where he continues to advocate for strategic nonviolent action and educate others on the principles of civil resistance.

find Ivan on X @ivanmarovic

read more about the ICNC on their website at nonviolent-conflict.org

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/

Kicking off the second half of season three where we will look beyond the ranks of Europe's Futures' fellows to bring you conversations from thought leaders and key thinkers across the academic and policy spectrum, this new episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations with Ivan Vejvoda features a conversation with distinguished professor Ruth Wodak. Ruth shares her expertise on the recurring evils of history, particularly emphasizing contemporary antisemitism and its roots. Her personal story, interwoven with academic observations, provides a poignant backdrop and urgency to the conversation about the resurgence of right-wing politics in Europe.

Ruth Wodak is a distinguished linguist and Emerita Distinguished Professor of Discourse Studies at Lancaster University, as well as a retired Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Vienna. Renowned for her research in critical discourse studies, Wodak's work delves into topics such as language in politics, identity politics, gender studies, and the discourse of racism and anti-Semitism. Over her career, she has been recognized with numerous awards including the Wittgenstein Prize for Elite Researchers in 1996 and the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver for Services to the Republic of Austria in 2011. Wodak has held several prestigious visiting professorships globally and has authored and co-authored numerous influential books and articles, with her research being translated into many languages.

More details on "Das kann immer noch in Wien passieren" from Czernin
Find her at the University of Lancaster

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/

In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations, Ivan Vejvoda hosts Ieva Česnulaitytė, Europe's Futures Fellow of the IWM and ERSTE Foundation, for a discussion of current issues facing the world's democracies. They examine the declining trust in democratic institutions, the rise of populism, and increasing political polarization. Česnulaitytė brings her background in democratic innovation to talk about the role of citizens' assemblies and participatory governance in addressing these challenges. The conversation also covers the impact of technology on cross-cultural deliberations and the importance of face-to-face interactions in community trust-building.

Ieva Česnulaitytė is the Founding Head of Research and Learning at DemocracyNext. Previously a Policy Analyst at the OECD, focusing on citizen participation and open government, she contributed to establishing the OECD's evidence base on sortition-based citizens' assemblies and co-authored the report "Catching the Deliberative Wave". She supported European governments in citizen engagement practices and was involved in developing deliberative processes in Finland and Spain. Her interest in democratic innovation grew during her work in Lithuania’s Prime Minister's office, leading Lithuania’s participation in the Open Government Partnership Initiative. She is a Europe's Futures Fellow for 2023/2024.

• Find Ieva on X @ICesnulaityte
  DemocracyNext's website is here.

Ivan Vejvoda is Head of the Europe's Futures program at IWM implemented in partnership with ERSTE Foundation. The program is dedicated to the cultivation of knowledge and the generation of ideas addressing pivotal challenges confronting Europe and the European Union: nexus of borders and migration, deterioration in rule of law and democracy and European Union’s enlargement prospects.

The Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) is an institute of advanced studies in the humanities and social sciences. Founded as a place of encounter in 1982 by a young Polish philosopher, Krzysztof Michalski, and two German colleagues in neutral Austria, its initial mission was to create a meeting place for dissenting thinkers of Eastern Europe and prominent scholars from the West.

Since then it has promoted intellectual exchange across disciplines, between academia and society, and among regions that now embrace the Global South and North. The IWM is an independent and non-partisan institution, and proudly so. All of our fellows, visiting and permanent, pursue their own research in an environment designed to enrich their work and to render it more accessible within and beyond academia.

You can find IWM's website at:

https://www.iwm.at/