Room for Discussion Events in May
Dear Room for Discussion Community,
As May arrives, Amsterdam bursts into a sea of orange for one of the city’s most iconic traditions: King’s Day. The festivities transform the city into a vibrant hub of music, street markets, and celebration. We hope that for you, the break around King’s Day gives you time to soak up the festivities, explore the city, and recharge from exams. And amidst the excitement, we as Room for Discussion continue to provide you with a thoughtful platform. Last month, there were lots of engaging interviews and events that hopefully helped make sense of our ever-changing world - and more are coming up!
Upcoming Interviews: Room for Discussion in May
CSR Debate
8th May, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
On the 8th of May, we will moderate a debate with the student parties in the Central Student Council (CSR). Representatives of the parties will discuss key issues facing UvA students, from budget cuts to the topic of deinternationalisation, student housing shortages, and mental well-being. The debate will also address the ongoing discussion around the university’s ties with Israeli institutions. If you want to learn more about the stances of the parties who represent you and advocate for your interests at the level of university policy, don’t miss this debate!
Kim Wehle, Law Professor and Author, Expert on the US Constitution
16th of May, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
We are excited to welcome Kim Wehle, renowned lawyer, professor, and expert on the U.S. Constitution. Wehle will provide crucial insights into how Donald Trump has been testing, or arguably dismantling, the US’s democratic foundations. We will ask her to unpack how Trump’s acts threaten the rule of law and the separation of powers, what legal and constitutional safeguards are in place and how she expects these to hold up in courts and in the political climate in the face of this unprecedented strain on the system. Join us for a timely conversation exploring the resilience of the U.S. constitutional system, the future of the US democracy, and how it can be defended amid political turmoil.
Professor Charles Goodhart, LSE Economist
21st of May, 12:00-13:00, RfD Stage
Join us in conversation with giant in economics Professor Charles Goodhart, former Bank of England advisor, long-time professor at the London School of Economics and creator of Goodhart’s Law. In this exclusive interview, we reflect 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 will also dive into today's pressing economic issues — from persistent inflation to global financial uncertainty in 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.
Past interviews - What Happened in April?
Prof Sander van der Linden, Disinformation expert at Cambridge
On the 1st of April, we hosted the Cambridge psychologist Sander van der Linden on our stage. In the interview, we discussed the psychology of misinformation in the digital age. Following van der Linden’s description of misinformation as a virus, we could understand why individuals and societies are so susceptible to believing false information. More importantly, we discussed how we can "vaccinate" ourselves against it.
Do you want to hear us explore real-world examples that have shaped our recent history? Or how you can talk to a loved one who's fallen down the rabbit hole of misinformation?
Russell Shorto, American Author, Historian, and Journalist
On the 2nd of April, we welcomed Russell Shorto to our stage. An American author, historian, and journalist, he explores the Dutch influence on American culture. In the interview, we discussed how the relatively liberal Amsterdam culture in particular shaped modern thought and culture and global commerce in New York, and by extension, the rest of the world.. Are you interested in the Dutch roots of New York City? Then you should not miss watching this interview!
Steve Keen, Economist and Author
On the 9th of April, Room for Discussion welcomed Steve Keen. An outspoken critic of mainstream economics and one of today’s most rebellious economic thinkers.
In the interview, we delved into Keen’s criticism of the neoclassical foundations of economics. Why are our economic assumptions not just wrong, but dangerous? How does that connect to the climate crisis and inequality? How does Keen envision the future of the economics field, and of our entire society? Don’t miss this conversation, which challenges the basic framework of our economic worldview!
Stéphane Duguin, CEO of the CyberPeace Institute
On the 11th of April, Room for Discussion hosted Stéphane Duguin, CEO of the CyberPeace Institute. In the discussion, he underscored the urgent need to protect vulnerable populations in an increasingly hostile digital landscape. Duguin dissected challenges in regulating cyberspace, noting enforcement gaps despite existing laws, and critiqued reliance on private-sector solutions amid data overload. He called for global cooperation to address "cyber-safe havens" and advocated shifting from reactive defenses to proactive resilience. As cyber threats escalate, Duguin’s insights reinforce that cybersecurity is not just technical - it’s a humanitarian imperative. Watch this important interview here!
Phillipe Sands, Barrister and Author in International Law
On the 24th of April, we had the honor of welcoming Phillipe Sands to our stage. In a compelling discussion on international law’s evolving role, Sands, renowned barrister, author, and academic, highlighted the interplay between legal frameworks and geopolitical realities. He addressed pressing challenges, including the politicization of justice, but also critiqued the anthropocentric bias of international law, advocating for ecocide to be recognized as the fifth international crime. He also explored how distinctions between genocide and crimes against humanity risk creating hierarchies of suffering. If you share Sands’ vision for a reimagined legal order that prioritizes accountability for both human and environmental atrocities, this interview is a must-watch!
We hope you are, like the orange confetti, settling and are getting into the everyday rhythms again. Lastly, we hope to see you at one of our events soon. Until then, enjoy the break and get some rest!
Sincerely,
The Room for Discussion committee