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

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.

Twenty-five years after the Good Friday Agreement brought an uneasy peace to Northern Ireland, this episode sees Ivan Vejvoda engage in an enlightening conversation with Queen's University Belfast's Katy Hayward as they examine the fragile stability and uncertain future status of the region in the wake of Brexit's destabilizing impact. Hayward provides insight into Northern Ireland's changing demographics, the sporadic functioning of the power-sharing government, declining trust between communities, the rise of hardline parties over moderates, the passionate commitment yet precarious position of civil society groups devoted to reconciliation and offering support to the vulnerable - as well as the critical need to restore robust democratic institutions and processes. While cautious about predicting violence, Hayward makes a compelling case that the current political vacuum threatens hard-won progress as the region's unresolved tensions continue to simmer.

2023/24 Europe's Futures Fellow Katy Hayward is a distinguished Professor of Political Sociology at Queen's University Belfast, where she also directs the Centre for International Borders Research. She has published extensively on Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit, borders and related issues. Hayward engages globally through briefings, media commentary and advising governments and organizations. She has received recognition for both her scholarly work and public communication regarding Northern Ireland's past, present and future challenges.

In the aftermath of troubling recent violence, this episode sees Ivan Vejvoda host Ilir Deda for a discussion of the uncertain future facing the Western Balkans as the complex Serbian/Kosovan relationship hangs in the balance. Making a strong case for a robust and immediate diplomatic effort to ensure that the agreement reached in March is implemented quickly, Deda runs through the obstacles to progress and discusses the roles of the EU, the US and NATO in stabilizing the region and preventing any escalation of tensions, then examines the hopeful possibilities that have come with cooperation efforts, initiatives and moves toward a common regional market with freer movement and greater integration.

Ilir Deda is an expert on Kosovo's governance, security, and foreign affairs with over a decade of experience in public service and policy research. He has held roles including Member of Parliament, Executive Director of the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development, political advisor to Kosovo's Prime Minister, analyst for the International Crisis Group and Senior Expert on Human Capital Development at the Regional Cooperation Council. Deda has also lectured on European integration and published extensively. His current research as an IWM Europe's Futures Fellow focuses on the EU-sponsored Basic Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia.