Conversations through turbulent times
E-book, Czech
Conversations through turbulent times
How and in what ways has the space of freedom in our country changed in the past thirty years? What is the state of freedom, both social and personal? This book of twelve interviews with prominent public figures presents a reflection on the "space of freedom" in contemporary Czech society. All of the interviewees have a close relationship to the process of democratization of our country, some of them having participated in it directly.
Dissidents and politicians Luboš Dobrovský and Petr Pithart and journalist and writer Aleš Palán were among the signatories of Charter 77.Constitutional lawyer Jan Kysela represents a new generation of non-communist lawyers, and as an expert and educator he advocates respect for the Constitution and constitutional practices. Professor of History and International Relations Igor Lukeš focuses on the history and politics of Central and Eastern Europe in the 20th century. Šimon Pánek, co-founder of the humanitarian organization People in Need, was a student activist during the Velvet Revolution who led several strikes against the regime. Political commentator Jiří Pehe worked as Director of the Political Department of the Office of the President of the Republic Václav Havel and his writings have long focused on political developments in Central Europe. Writer Mark Slouka captured the stories of Czech political emigrants, including his father, journalist and political scientist Zdenek Slouka. The American historian Timothy Snyder is the author of Bloody Lands and Black Earth, books on Stalinist and Nazi terror in Eastern European countries. In a series of films, documentary filmmaker Olga Sommerová charts the years of political persecution. A natural scientist and priest, Marek Orko Vácha specializes in medical and environmental ethics and writes books on morality, faith, individual and social freedom. Michael Žantovský was one of the founding members of the Civic Forum, served as an advisor to President Václav Havel, and today is the director of the Václav Havel Library.
The interviews were published on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the November 1989 events and the founding of the PROSTOR publishing house. The authors of the interviews are journalists Eva Bobůrková, Jiří Leschtina, Petr Placák and Petr Vizina.
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