Vienna Coffee House Conversations with Ivan Vejvoda Institute for Human Sciences, Ivan Vejvoda

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 being a student activist in Serbia's Otpor! movement, which played a crucial role in the fall of Slobodan Milosevic, to his current work in 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.

Synopsis:
Biographical Beginnings
Vejvoda asks Marović to share his early experiences and influences in nonviolent civil resistance.
Marović recounts his coming of age during the war, his exposure to the atrocities of war and nationalism, and his involvement in the Belgrade University protests. He highlights his participation in the 1996 student protests and the creation of the Otpor movement, emphasizing the need for sustained, organized resistance.

Otpor Movement and Strategies
Vejvoda asks about the formation and strategies of the Otpor movement.
Answer: Marović explains the transition from protest to a sustainable movement, the intergenerational support within Otpor, and the strategic, long-term approach that contributed to the fall of Milosevic. He underscores the importance of both rapid mobilization and structured organization.

Post-Otpor Career and Global Work
Vejvoda inquires about Marović’s work after Otpor and his contributions to global civil resistance.
Marović discusses his role in advising pro-democracy groups worldwide, the significance of systematized education on civil resistance, and his efforts in creating learning programs and training organizations.

Challenges to Democracy Today
Vejvoda asks about the current democratic decline and the factors contributing to it.
Marović identifies the erosion of civil society and the manipulation of political institutions as key factors. He contrasts today’s slow erosion of democracy with the coups of the past and emphasizes the need for a strong civil society to resist authoritarian trends.

Role of Movements in Modern Politics
Vejvoda seeks Marović’s views on the potential of modern movements to influence political change.
Marović explains that movements help people connect to issues and to each other, fostering political engagement. He highlights the role of movements in shaping political climate and their importance in strengthening democratic institutions.

Personal Experience in Politics
Vejvoda asks about Marović’s brief venture into formal politics and the lessons learned.
Marović shares his realization that focusing too much on building a political party can undermine the larger democratic project. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong movement to influence the political climate.

Ukraine and Civil Resistance
Vejvoda inquires about Marović’s involvement with civil society in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict.
Marović praises the resilience and nonviolent resistance of ordinary Ukrainians, stressing the importance of highlighting these stories. He underscores the role of civil resistance even in times of armed conflict.

U.S. Political Engagement
Vejvoda asks about the potential political engagement of young voters in the upcoming U.S. elections.
Marović expresses optimism about the higher turnout of Generation Z, noting their pragmatic approach to politics and their willingness to use all available channels to make their voices heard.

Conclusion:
Final Thoughts: Vejvoda and Marović reflect on the importance of citizen engagement and the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights.

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.

Synopsis:
Personal Historical Account: Ruth Wodak shares her family's experiences in Vienna during the rise of Nazism, focusing on the events surrounding Kristallnacht in 1938 and the broader implications for her family.

Discussion on Antisemitism and Populism: They explore the themes of Wodak's recent publication about everyday antisemitism, linking historical events to the resurgence of nationalism and populism in contemporary Europe.

Impact of Current Events: The conversation touches on how recent global crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have influenced political dynamics, particularly boosting far-right movements.

Media's Role: They discuss the crucial role of the media in shaping public perception and the necessity of media literacy to combat misinformation.

Solutions and Proactive Measures: The episode concludes with a discussion on measures to combat populism and strengthen democratic values, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in political processes and the responsibility of the media.

Conclusion: Ivan Vejvoda wraps up by summarizing the discussion's implications for democracy and the ongoing struggle against the forces of nationalism and populism.

In this episode of Vienna Coffee House Conversations with Ivan Vejvoda, Europe's Futures Fellow Ieva Česnulaitytė weighs in on the current state and future of democracy, particularly focusing on citizen participation and deliberation. Česnulaitytė, with her extensive experience in democratic innovations, sheds light on the declining trust in institutions and the growing polarization and misrepresentation in current democracies. They delve into innovative practices like citizens' assemblies and participatory budgeting, exploring their potential in bridging the gap between citizens and governance.

Česnulaitytė highlights various international examples of democratic innovation, emphasizing the crucial role of technology in enabling cross-language deliberation. The conversation also touches upon the importance of in-person deliberation in rebuilding trust and combating polarization. They discuss the specific challenges and opportunities in Central and Southeastern Europe, acknowledging the region's progress and potential in democratic development.

The episode concludes with a hopeful note on democracy's capacity for reinvention and adaptation, considering the evolving global landscape.

Key Topics:
Declining trust in democratic institutions and the rise of populism.
The role of citizens' assemblies and deliberative processes in enhancing democratic participation.
The impact of technology in facilitating cross-cultural and language deliberation.
The importance of in-person interaction in democracy.
Challenges and progress in democratization in Central and Southeastern Europe.

Host Ivan Vejvoda interviews Alberto Alemanno, an expert in European Union law and democracy. They discuss the rise of far-right parties across Europe and the implications for the EU's democratic framework, especially in light of the upcoming 2024 European Parliamentary elections. The conversation also covers the critical European Council meeting scheduled for December 2023, focusing on key decisions regarding Ukraine, Moldova, and the EU's institutional reforms.

Alemanno shares insights into the EU's approach to rule of law, migration, and climate change, highlighting the challenges in these areas. He emphasizes the need for a reimagined European political process that better aligns with the continent's sociocultural transformations. The podcast concludes with reflections on the evolving European identity and the disconnect between the political system and the lived experience of Europeans.

In this episode of "Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations" Ivan Vejvoda sits down with Serbian writer and cultural activist Vladimir Arsenijević. The discussion navigates through the complex aftermath of Yugoslavia's dissolution and the evolving political and social fabric of Serbia.

The conversation offers insights into Arsenijević's initiatives, like the publishing house Rende and the Krokodil literary festival, which aim to rebuild cultural bridges in the Balkans. These efforts highlight the significance of cultural exchange in healing and understanding within the region.

Arsenijević also shares his experiences in providing humanitarian support in Ukraine, shedding light on the ground realities amid Russian aggression. This part of the discussion reflects on the broader implications of the conflict and Serbia's response to it.

Delving into Serbia's internal politics, the episode examines the country's relationship with Russia and the European Union, the enduring influence of nationalistic narratives, and societal challenges under prolonged political leadership. Arsenijević discusses the potential for change in Serbia, considering the upcoming elections and the younger generation's perspectives.

The episode concludes with an exploration of Serbia's cultural landscape, the role of cultural figures in addressing socio-political issues, and the impact of media on public opinion and youth engagement. Arsenijević's insights provide a nuanced understanding of Serbia's path forward in Europe and the ongoing challenges in the region.

In this episode of the "Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations," host Ivan Vejvoda, a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna, welcomes Kadri Liik, a senior foreign policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. Liik, with her extensive background in Russian and Eastern European studies, delves into the complexities of Russia's current geopolitical situation, particularly in the wake of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Liik reflects on Russia's historical evolution, discussing how the country's desire for control and power, both domestically and internationally, has shaped its foreign policy and societal dynamics. She emphasizes the country's gradual shift from seeking a transactional relationship with the West to adopting more aggressive and isolationist strategies.

The conversation further explores the internal political climate in Russia, highlighting the impact of Putin's prolonged rule, the country's struggle with authoritarianism, and the potential for future self-correction. Liik offers insights into the younger generation in Russia, their perspectives, and the potential for change in the post-Putin era.

Liik and Vejvoda also discuss the global implications of Russia's actions, particularly its relationships with China and the West. The episode concludes with contemplations on Russia's future, its place in Europe, and the ongoing challenges posed by its current foreign policy trajectory.