Die Suche nach der besseren Vergangenheit: Geschichtspolitik in den Visegrád-Staaten
On 1 October 2026, Félix Krawatzek will take part as a panellist at an event organised by the Zentrum Liberale Moderne (Center for Liberal Modernity).
About the event:
Date: 1 October 2026
Time: 1.00–2.30 pm (doors open from 12.45 pm)
Venue: Centre for Liberal Modernity, Reinhardtstraße 15, 10117 Berlin
The politics of history is a key arena for political debate between liberal, conservative and populist forces, including – and particularly – in the Visegrád states. The question of what is commemorated is closely linked to issues of national identity, traditional values and European integration. In turn, the way historical conflicts are dealt with influences relations with other states. In this respect, the politics of history affects not only cultural policy but also domestic and foreign policy. Populists often exploit history to polarise society, framing a critical reappraisal of their own history as an attack on national heroes, and policies of reconciliation as subservience to historical adversaries. Historical politics therefore has considerable potential to disrupt even policy areas that are, in themselves, unrelated.
But why has this region, in particular, become a battleground for liberal and populist ideas and identity politics? Why does national history play such a significant role in the Visegrád states? And: are the lines of conflict between liberal, conservative and populist forces really as clear-cut as outlined above? We will be discussing these issues in the second event of our series: Liberalism – Conservatism – Populism in East-Central Europe.
The guests:
- Felix Krawatzek (ZOiS)
- Magdalena Marsovszky (University of Cologne)
- Matěj Spurný (Charles University, Prague)
- Moderator: Stephan Stach (Center for Liberal Modernity)
Please register via the registration button on the Center for Liberal Modernity's website.