Episode 44: Defense of Democracy in Central Europe and the US with Leszek Jażdżewski
In this episode of the Vienna Coffee House Conversations, Ivan Vejvoda welcomes Leszek Jażdżewski, a Polish journalist, political analyst, and editor-in-chief of Liberté!. As a leading advocate for liberal democracy in Central Europe, Jażdżewski has been at the forefront of the fight against authoritarianism and populism. He is also the founder of Freedom Games, a major intellectual forum that brings together experts, intellectuals, and writers to address key challenges facing modern European societies. Their discussion explores the growing influence of populist leaders, the European Union’s struggle to address democratic backsliding, and how the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency could reshape transatlantic relations. Jażdżewski provides insights into Poland’s shifting political landscape, the ideological battle between liberal and illiberal forces, and the role of media in shaping democratic discourse. He also examines the broader European response to the Russo-Ukrainian War, the future of European security policy, and Poland’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council. As Poland recalibrates its position in the EU following years of right-wing governance, Jażdżewski considers whether recent political shifts signal a long-term return to liberal values or just a temporary setback for populist movements. With the rise of authoritarian-leaning governments in Hungary and Slovakia, he discusses the broader implications for Europe’s democratic resilience and whether civil society can push back against these forces.