Room for Discussion interviews in March!
Dear Room for Discussion Community,
Politically, the last month has been quite a ride. Much has happened, but with spring slowly arriving in Amsterdam, we remain hopeful that some good news may come our way. For example, this newsletter! :)
As always, you’ll find the interviews from the past month and can look forward to what’s coming up. We hope that some of our interviews might give you a bit of guidance in these tumultuous times and that they keep you engaged with the important issues shaping our world right now!
Past interviews - What Happened in February?
The Ivory Tower: Erik Swyngedouw on Enjoying Climate Change
This month we recorded a podcast episode with Erik Swyngedouw, professor of geography at the University of Manchester in the School of Environment, Education and Development. A member of the Manchester Urban Institute, he dedicates his time to political-economic themes.
The conversation explores the gap between our knowledge of climate change and what we’re doing to mitigate it. Erik Swyngedouw argues that, in one way or another, we enjoy climate change and are too attached to our socio-ecological configuration. He explores the climate crisis through a psychoanalytical lens, maintaining that we are unable to fully grasp the environmental destruction because the consequences of that realization would be too radical.
If you want to hear this engaging discussion on post-politicization, climate populism, and how he thinks we should approach climate change, listen to the podcast on Spotify now:
Trouble in Paradise: On the Crisis of Democratic Capitalism with Martin Wolf, 12th of February
On 12th of February, we had the pleasure of hosting Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator of the Financial Times. During an engaging interview, we critically examined the current global socio-political climate, that he calls the “Crisis of Democratic Capitalism” - also the title of his 2023 book. Furthermore, we explored Donald Trump’s America and its implications for Europe’s security.
Are we witnessing the emergence of a new world order defined by plutocratic and autocratic regimes? More importantly, can we prevent this shift? Mr. Wolf provided historical insights into the cyclicality of events and offered solutions aimed at addressing today’s most pressing challenges.
Rewiring Democracy: Exposing the Tech Coup with Marietje Schaake, 19th of February
On the 19th of February, we had the pleasure of welcoming Marietje Schaake to our stage. Being an expert on tech and AI, and how they are influencing democracy, she is often dubbed Europe’s ‘most wired politician’.
In the interview we dove into Schaake’s recently published book The Tech Coup, that outlines the threats that BigTech companies and their technologies pose to democracy. Schaake set the stage for us on just how worried we should be at the extensive power that these companies have. We also got to examine the recent shifting political leanings of Silicon Valley and the seeming death of the transatlantic alliance, and heard Marietje’s perspective on what this means for democracy.
Schaake manages to strike the balance between expressing the dread that a lot of us feel seeing the developments of the past few weeks in the tech world, whilst also maintaining a sense of hope that we can, and have to, do better.
Upcoming interviews - What Do we Have in Store for March?
ACD x RfD: Reineke Riemsdijk, Nespresso Sustainability manager
On the 7th of March, at Hotel Casa, Room for Discussion in collaboration with Amsterdam Career Days will welcome Reineke Riemsdijk, Nespresso’s Technical Quality Manager & Sustainability Lead, to explore the challenges and opportunities of sustainable business in a competitive world. Riemsdijk plays a key role in shaping Nespresso’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. In an industry under scrutiny for its environmental impact, how does Nespresso navigate the pressures of consumer expectations, regulatory demands, and corporate responsibility—all while staying profitable?
A chance to gain real-world insights into sustainability strategy and leadership! Join us for a discussion on the future of responsible business—one cup at a time.
Jan Eliasson, Former UN Deputy Secretary General
How can the United Nations maintain a humanitarian voice in an increasingly polarised world? Has it ever been capable of fulfilling its purpose of protecting human rights? What role can diplomacy play in a world where tensions are increasing and gaps widening?
Join us in a hybrid conversation with Jan Eliasson, former UN Deputy Secretary General and President of the General Assembly with a lifespan of experience in diplomacy and mediation. On the 11th of March at 13:00-14:00 in the E-hall at REC we will delve into what Eliasson sees as the fundamental skills needed in successful mediation, the importance of relations across geopolitical divides and how the international project can and must be adapted to the challenges of the 21st century.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and engage with some of the defining issues of our era!
Kennth Roth, Former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch
Human rights become enforceable rules of international law only when democratic governments are pressured to practise what they preach. In a world increasingly marked by rising autocracy and democratic backsliding in the West, how can we ensure the continued protection and adherence to human rights? What role does international law play—and how effective can it truly be—in a global system dominated by sovereign states? How can citizens and organisations hold governments accountable?
Join us for an insightful conversation with Kenneth Roth, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch. With over three decades of experience investigating global human rights abuses, advocating for international justice, and navigating the complex dynamics between democracy and autocracy. On March 17th, from 13:00-14:00 in the E-Hall at REC, we will explore how human rights advocacy works in practice, confront the paradoxes of international law, and discuss actionable ways to uphold our most fundamental values.
Dr. Jisung Park, environmental and labor economist
Wildfires in Los Angeles, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers make climate change feel like an overwhelming crisis. In Slow Burn: The Hidden Costs of a Warming World, economist R. Jisung Park shifts focus to its tangible, daily impacts - how wildfire smoke affects health or how disasters disrupt education. He argues climate change is a “silent accumulation” of inequalities, disproportionately harming disadvantaged communities.
On 24th of March, from 13:00-14:00, join us in the E-Hall at REC for a discussion about how Park suggests we can addressing climate change and drive meaningful action.
As you can see, we have a lot of great guests lined up in the coming month! We hope to catch you at one of our events soon.
Until then!
Room for Discussion committee