About Vienna Coffee House Conversations with Ivan Vejvoda
At this pivotal moment for Europe and the liberal democratic order, this podcast series from the Institute For Human Sciences explores the undercurrents, tensions and dilemmas that the continent is facing and will will face in the near term. In conversation with leading figures in the field, civil society pioneer Ivan Vejvoda is your guide to the diverse and complex preoccupations of an uncertain time.
Episode 50: Post-Enlightenment Hungary with Péter Krekó
In this Vienna Coffee House Conversations episode, Ivan Vejvoda welcomes Professor Péter Krekó to discuss the emerging “post-Enlightenment” era, characterized by emotional, myth-driven politics that challenge the materialist, evidence-based order established since World War II. Krekó outlines how this shift gives rise to “new romanticism,” where policy debates are increasingly shaped by emotional narratives and skepticism toward scientific expertise.
They then examine the mechanics of tribal politics, defined by moralized conflict between “good” and “evil,” unconditional loyalty to leaders, and the instrumental use of disinformation. Krekó shows how this dynamic reframes democratic transgressions as heroism, erodes accountability for corruption, and fuels the spread of conspiracies - even among those who privately doubt them.
Turning to Hungary, Krekó analyzes the high-stakes contest ahead of the April 2026 parliamentary elections. He reviews Fidesz’s media dominance, fear-mongering campaigns on Ukraine’s EU accession and migration, and civil-society resilience exemplified by Budapest’s record-breaking Pride march. He argues that while authoritarian tactics are on the table, growing public appetite for independent voices -and an opposition polling lead - offer a real chance to reset Hungary’s democratic trajectory.
16 Jul 2025
Episode 49: Defending the European Miracle: Borders, Asylum, and Security with Gerald Knaus
In this Vienna Coffee House Conversations episode, Ivan Vejvoda interviews Gerald Knaus about the origins, achievements, and current challenges of Europe’s border-free Schengen zone. Knaus recounts how the European Coal and Steel Community, the Treaty of Rome and the Schengen Agreement built a single market underpinned by mutual trust and shared law enforcement. He then assesses the strain placed on Schengen by the Syrian and Ukrainian refugee movements, and explains the collapse of the Dublin system under free movement. Turning to solutions, Knaus advocates centrist, humane control via safe-third-country agreements, expanded resettlement and labour migration in a Canadian/Australian model, and credible European deterrence independent of U.S. guarantees. He closes by arguing for clear, merit-based EU enlargement and better storytelling to engage younger Europeans on peace, security, and the climate.
25 Jun 2025
Episode 48: Europe's Demographic Reckoning with Tim Judah
Journalist Tim Judah discusses Europe's demographic shifts with Ivan Vejvoda, exploring shrinking populations, migration, and geopolitical impacts, while assessing policy responses and technological adaptation in this interview.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100
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Quality
31
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YouTube
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Engagement
32
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