Room for Discussion Events in June
Dear Room for Discussion community,
Over the past month, spring has truly arrived in full swing in Amsterdam and we have seen the annual rise of energy in the city as its streets and parks fill up with people soaking up the sun. At Room for Discussion we have been busy with managing the University of Amsterdam’s annual debate ahead of the elections for the Centrale Studentenraad, conducting interviews on the precarious state of American democracy and the economic challenges of aging populations, as well as preparing for a packed final month of this academic year.
As always you will find below all our scheduled events for the upcoming month, as well as a rundown of the past months interviews and where to find them.
Upcoming interviews - What Do we Have in Store for June?
Saad Mohseni, CEO of Moby Media Group and author
4th of June, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
Sometimes dubbed the “Rupert Murdoch of Afghanistan,” Mohseni is the founder and CEO of Moby Group, the country’s largest media company. He launched TOLO TV and Arman FM which became powerful symbols of free expression in a country where independent media has long been under threat.
With the Taliban back in power, both Moby Group and the future of media freedom in Afghanistan face grave uncertainty. While being praised for promoting press freedom and civil society, Mohseni has been targeted by those in power and accused of being an “American agent”.
We’ll explore the role of media in conflict zones, the risks of speaking truth to power, and whether independent journalism can survive in one of the world’s most dangerous environments. Join us for this interview on Wednesday, 4th June, from 13 to 14 in the E-Hall!
Alle Dorhout, Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine
6th of June, 11:30-12:30, RfD Stage
Join us for an interview with Alle Dorhout, the Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine and former Director of Intelligence at the AIVD. With valuable insights into the intersection of diplomacy and intelligence, Dorhout offers a firsthand perspective on navigating the complex political landscape during the war in Ukraine.
In this conversation, we dive into the history of the conflict, explore how it is leveraged in diplomacy, and discuss how intelligence can shape more informed decisions. With the shifting geopolitical landscape and the U.S. distancing itself from former allies, we ask the critical questions that diplomats might face today.Join us on the 6th of June to hear from a key player on the frontlines of diplomacy as we uncover how to navigate this transformation and envision a sustainable peace for Ukraine.
Nicolien van Vroonhoven, Party Leader for Nieuw Sociaal Contract
13th of June, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
How does a party built on institutional renewal navigate the political responsibility of being in government and what happens when its founding figure steps away? Join us on the 13th of June, 13:00–14:00 in the E-Hall for an interview with Nicolien van Vroonhoven, current leader of Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC).
We’ll trace her political journey from the CDA to co-founding NSC with Pieter Omtzigt, diving into the party’s rapid rise from manifesto to movement, and its historic 20-seat win in the 2023 elections. What fuelled that success and how did NSC shape coalition talks? With the party now in government, and Omtzigt’s recent departure, can NSC stay true to its promises on transparency and the rule of law? And can Van Vroonhoven lead a new course as leader of the party?Curious what the future holds for NSC and Dutch politics? Don’t miss this conversation.
Professor Sarah de Lange, Political Scientist in Political Pluralism
16th of June, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Sarah de Lange, one of Europe’s leading political scientists, as she examines the ascent of populist radical right (PRR) movements across western democracies. Drawing on two decades of research, Prof. de Lange will explore the evolving cleavages shaping political systems, the implications of PRR parties entering government, and the broader challenges they pose to liberal democracy.
The discussion will also address pressing questions around academic freedom, democratic erosion, and the future of populism research in a rapidly shifting political landscape. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with timely insights into one of the most consequential political developments of our time.
Claudia Buch, Chair of the ECB Supervisory Boarz
19th of June, 10:30-11:30, RfD Stage
The European economy is under pressure. From external threats like Trump’s trade rhetoric and the ongoing war in Ukraine, to internal challenges such as declining competitiveness and the rapid growth of shadow banking, the risks are real—and rising. How can we protect Europe’s financial stability in times of uncertainty? What role does supervision play in navigating this complex landscape?
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Claudia Buch, Chair of the ECB Supervisory Board and head of the Single Supervisory Mechanism, as we explore the future of European banking, the tools available to regulators, and the questions that matter most. June 19th, 10:30 in the E-Hall. Don't miss your chance to hear from one of Europe’s top economists—and to ask your own questions.
Past interviews - What Happened in May?
The Ivory Tower: Daniel Mugge
This month we recorded a podcast with Daniel Mugge, Professor of Political Arithmetic at the University of Amsterdam where he leads groundbreaking research into the European Union's governance of artificial intelligence through the RegulAite project.
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with Daniel, who begins by offering his personal definition of AI and what draws him to the field. The conversation then expands to the wider social and political implications of AI—its risks, the fears it stirs, and the crucial question of who controls it. We examine the European Union’s regulatory efforts and the global AI race, with Daniel weighing innovation against oversight in the context of U.S. and Chinese competition. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, inspired by Shannon Vallor’s vision of virtue-nourishing technology and AI’s potential to serve the common good.
CSR Election Debate - University of Amsterdam
From looming budget cuts in higher education to government directives on de-internationalisation, from defending the right to protest to safeguarding the mental well-being of students – this year, the university faces major decisions that will shape its future.
In the midst of these challenges, the Central Student Council (CSR) plays a crucial role. As the highest student representative body at the UvA, the CSR has the power to influence university policy, push for change, and protect student interests.In this year’s official CSR Election Debate we moderated an open, critical conversation between student candidates on the issues that matter most. Represented were Activistenpartij, UvA Sociaal, INTER and De Vrije Student.
Kim Wehle, Law Professor and Author, Expert on the US Constitution
On the 12th of March, Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported to El Salvador. Still, the Trump administration is unclear about its willingness to follow the Supreme Court's order to bring him back. At the same time, the executive is nonchalant about orders from district courts and targeted pressuring of law firms. Overall, such an explicit challenge to the separation of powers is unprecedented in US history.
Kim Wehle, constitutional expert, law professor and author, discussed what guidance the US Constitution can give and what the global and domestic consequences of America's erosion of the rule of law may be.What is the law’s significance if it is not enforced? What role does people's trust in legal systems play in their sustainability? Is the democratic system resilient enough to withstand the current challenges? Watch back our conversation about one of the defining issues of our time with one of the field’s leading voices.
Professor Charles Goodhart, LSE Economist
Professor Charles Goodhart, former Bank of England advisor, long-time professor at the London School of Economics and creator of Goodhart’s Law joined us on our stage. In this interview, we reflected on Professor Goodhart’s influential career, spanning decades of pivotal moments in monetary policy and financial regulation. Discover the stories behind his most impactful theories and gain rare insights into how the economics profession has evolved through his eyes. We also dove into today’s pressing economic issues — from persistent inflation to global financial uncertainty in the face of tariffs and the future of central banking. Whether you’re an aspiring economist or simply curious about the forces shaping your world, this is a must-see interview with one of the field’s most respected voices.
As you can see, the upcoming month is filled with striking guests from a variety of fields. We truly hope that you will join us at one of our events of this final round of interviews of the academic year of 2024-2025.
Sincerely,
The Room for Discussion committee