On November 26, Anglo-American University (AAU) hosted a lively and insightful public debate marking the anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain. Organized in partnership with the Strategeo Institute, the event brought together a diverse group of speakers and attendees to reflect on this pivotal moment in history and what it means for today’s world.
The evening tackled big questions:
- What sparked the wave of democratic movements that brought the Iron Curtain down?
- How did the Cold War end so quickly and mostly peacefully?
- What role did dissidents play, and how much influence did global powers have?
- Were predictions about the “end of history” in the 1990s way off the mark?
- And, most importantly, what challenges do we face today in a world with rising authoritarianism and slowing economies?
The Panels
Panel 1: Politics, Geopolitics, and History
The first panel, moderated by Veselin Vačkov from the Strategeo Institute, focused on the historical and political side of things. Panelists included:
- Prof. Milada Polišenská, Historian and International Relations Professor at AAU
- Izabela Babinska, AAU Student
- Jan Macháček, President of the Strategeo Institute
- Michael Žantovský, Diplomat, Author, and Former Czech Ambassador
The conversation covered the courage of dissidents, the influence of geopolitics, and the unexpected speed of the Cold War’s end. Speakers also connected these historical lessons to today’s political turbulence and growing divisions.
Panel 2: Economics and the Future
The second panel, led by Jan Macháček, took a closer look at the economic shifts after the Cold War and the challenges we’re facing now. Speakers included:
- Milena Jabůrková, Vice President of the Confederation of Industry and Transport
- Jan Mládek, Economist and Former Industry Minister
- Miroslav Singer, Former Governor of the Czech National Bank
- Josef Kotrba, Consultant and CEO of the Czech Gas Association
This panel sparked a lot of conversation about global trade, the EU’s struggles to stay competitive, and how Europe can bounce back from economic slowdowns.
The event attracted a great mix. Ambassadors: H.E. Mr. Pasi Olavi TUOMINEN – Ambassador of Republic of Finland, H.E. Mr. Bakyt DYUSSENBAYEV – Ambassador of Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Ms. Ayesha ALI – Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Ms. Albesjana IBERHYSAJ-KAPITAJ – Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. HTUANN NAUNG – Charge d‘Affaires of the Union of Myanmar, students, professionals, and academics who weren’t afraid to ask tough questions and share their thoughts. Both panels sparked energetic discussions, and the audience’s enthusiasm made it clear that these topics still hit home for many people.
Photos: Kyle Herda, AAU