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Central Europe Explained

By IDM - European perspectives. Region actions. Cooperation and expertise since 1953.

If you are not familiar with CEE yet, this podcast focuses on several topics of general interest in Central Europe and the Danube Region: geopolitics, human rights, economy, culture, democracy, etc. Thanks to cross-disci
Latest EpisodeThursday, May 25, 2023

EP 44 - Who’s afraid of the globalist? The trans-nationalisation of right-wing conservatives

Season 3, Ep. 44
In this episode we will dive into the journey of the editor and author Rod Dreher, who recently announced that he is moving to Hungary to work for the think tank Danube Institute. Dreher aims to make Hungary the centre of the American conservative dialogue, as he considers Budapest a hub of a network against globalism, which has been under construction for a few years. We will explore the reasons behind the increasing interest of American conservatives in Hungary, the ongoing diffusion of frames, common goals, and enemies among American and Hungarian conservatives, and the implications of this transnationalisation of political polarisation. To give us insights into these issues, we will be joined by Flora Garamvolgyi, a Los Angeles-based journalist who has been investigating this issue. So stay tuned for an insightful discussion on the origins and intentions of this network and what it means for the upcoming elections. Our guest recommendations:Jordan Klepper Fingers the Globe: Hungary for Democracy - Full Special | The Daily ShowRon DeSantis: Last Week Tonight with John OliverHost:Daniela Apaydin, Research Associate at IDM.Production and editing:Gloria Becerril, Trainee at IDM and student at University of Padua. 
Thursday, May 25, 2023

EP 44 - Who’s afraid of the globalist? The trans-nationalisation of right-wing conservatives

Season 3, Ep. 44
In this episode we will dive into the journey of the editor and author Rod Dreher, who recently announced that he is moving to Hungary to work for the think tank Danube Institute. Dreher aims to make Hungary the centre of the American conservative dialogue, as he considers Budapest a hub of a network against globalism, which has been under construction for a few years. We will explore the reasons behind the increasing interest of American conservatives in Hungary, the ongoing diffusion of frames, common goals, and enemies among American and Hungarian conservatives, and the implications of this transnationalisation of political polarisation. To give us insights into these issues, we will be joined by Flora Garamvolgyi, a Los Angeles-based journalist who has been investigating this issue. So stay tuned for an insightful discussion on the origins and intentions of this network and what it means for the upcoming elections. Our guest recommendations:Jordan Klepper Fingers the Globe: Hungary for Democracy - Full Special | The Daily ShowRon DeSantis: Last Week Tonight with John OliverHost:Daniela Apaydin, Research Associate at IDM.Production and editing:Gloria Becerril, Trainee at IDM and student at University of Padua. 
Wednesday, April 26, 2023

EP43 - The blind eye of feminist foreign policy

Season 3, Ep. 43
While feminist foreign policy has been successful in promoting gender equality in some countries, it has also been criticised for imposing Western values onto other cultures and failing to address specific needs. This podcast episode explores the strengths and weaknesses of feminist foreign policy, its current state and the challenges it is facing in order to ensure a gender perspective is present in foreign policy decisions, as well as involving women in target countries in decision-making processes. In this episode, our host Gloria Becerril (IDM trainee) holds an insightful conversation with Dr Claudia Zilla, senior fellow at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), who provides a nuanced look at the complexities of feminist foreign policy and ways to improve it in the future.Our guest recommendation:Todo cambia (Everything changes), Interpreted by Mercedes Sosa and written by Julio Numhauser.Production and editing: Gloria Becerril, IDM trainee and student at University of Padua.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023

EP42 - National Minorities and Governance in the Danube Region

Season 3, Ep. 42
The Danube Region, Central and Eastern Europe, in other words everything between Germany and Austria, Moldova and Ukraine, down to the Balkans, is a very diverse region when it comes to national minorities. There are very significant populations of people living in countries neighbouring their so-called “kin-states”, such as the Hungarian minorities in Slovakia, Transcarpathia in Ukraine, and Transylvania in Romania.  What does “national minority” refer to? Which challenges are they facing in Central and Eastern Europe? What challenges to ensure the protection for natianal minorities in the Danube Region?  Jack Gill (IDM) discusses these issues with Sergiu Constantin Senior Researcher at Institute for Minority Rights - Eurac research. Our guest recommendation:    The Bridge on the Drina is a historical novel by the Yugoslav writer Ivo Andrić. The Ukrainian folk band DakhaBrakha.  Host: Jack Gill, Research assistant at IDM  Production and editing: Emma Hontebeyrie, Research Associate at IDM and Gloria Becerril, IDM trainee and student at University Padua. 
Wednesday, March 1, 2023

EP41 - Two sides of the same coin

Season 3, Ep. 1
10 years after joining the European Union in 2013, on 1 January 2023, Croatia entered the Eurozone. As it is replaced by the Euro, the Croatian old currency, the Kuna (HRK), will slowly become an object, yet a device full of history.   Since 5 September 2021, prices in both currencies have been displayed and dual circulation of EUR and HRK banknotes was allowed until two weeks before the introduction day of the Euro. So now, only the euro remain accepted for use.    Which history lies behind the Kuna? What will be the impact of the introduction of the Euro on the business relations of the country? Which challenges need Croatia to focus on after joining the Eurozone?  Sebastian Schäffer (IDM) tackled these questions with Mario Holzner - Executive Director of the wiiw. Our guest recommendation:    Check out the various memes existing on social media making fun of the potential designs of the Croatian euro coin. Host: Sebastian Schäffer, Managing Director at IDM  Production and editing: Emma Hontebeyrie, Research Associate at IDM and Gloria Becerril, IDM trainee and student at University Padua.  
Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Introducing: CEE 3.0

Season 3
Central Europe Explained is back for a third season!CEE 3.0 follows specific events and topics happening over the years in the Danube Region.If you are not familiar with CEE yet, this podcast focuses on several topics of general interest: geopolitics, human rights, economy, culture, democracy, etc. With experts from and about the region, we explore those various fields.   We aim to enhance cross-border cooperation, dialogue and knowledge exchange in the region and beyond. Our work is based on the principles of liberal democracy and shared values, goals and visions with our neighbours. Are you interested in future of the Danube Region? Then stay tuned to Central Europe Explained and remember to subscribe to the podcast on your favourite streaming platform!Central Europe Explained is a podcast series produced by the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM) and powered by Erste Group. 
Wednesday, February 15, 2023

SP09 - Learning and mobility in the shadow of the war

Season 2, Ep. 25
Learning and mobility are different concepts, yet interconnected.   One can think about them as a human right, privilege, advantage or opportunity.   Access to education and freedom of movement is often taken for granted. However, we are not all equal towards those: living in a warzone is an example of this contrast.   For this final episode of the 17th DRC Summer School, Christopher Radovic interviews Iryna Feketa, Anastasiia Lendel and Yuliia Stoika, all Ukrainian university students.   Together they discuss their studying situation in western Ukraine. They give us their personal insights as well as wishes for the future.  References mentioned:   CEE#35: Education Cannot Wait - with Lana Chubakha and Emma Hontebeyrie Host: Sebastian Schäffer, IDM Managing Director  Production and editing: Emma Hontebeyrie, Research Associate at IDM 
Wednesday, February 1, 2023

SP08 - University autonomy and academic freedom

Season 2, Ep. 24
Is University in Exile the future of Central Europe?     In 2018, with the Hungarian government banning CEU from welcoming new students, the university had the relocate its activities from Budapest to Vienna.   This direct attack on university autonomy is an example of the current fight for academic intuitions for their freedom.   What is the current state of university autonomy in the Danube Region?  Following diverse narratives from actors of the academia, Daniel Martinek and Emma Hontebeyrie discuss these challenges.   This podcast brings together diverse voices and personal opinions, between anonymous interviews and discourses from Edza Aria Wkurendra, Grant Dunnery, Fiona Faas, Ljiljan Veselinović, as well as the president and rector of CEU Shalini Randeria.  Host: Daniel Martinek, Research Associate at IDM; Emma Hontebeyrie, Research Associate at IDM   Production and editing: Emma Hontebeyrie, Research Associate at IDM