War is not just a headline or a topic in the media, but a reality that fundamentally alters the way we think and our professional perspective. 

Olga Pavlova will introduce her book Jak to začalo (How it Began), a collection of annotated interviews with Russian intellectuals and artists who have been living outside their native country for many years. Through personal life stories, the book reveals shared experiences of exile, shame, loss of illusion and a critical view of Russian history and imperial thinking. This is not a polemic, but a focused testimony of people who, despite their different fates, ask similar questions about Russia’s responsibility and future. Jáchym Topol will moderate the discussion and read excerpts from the book.  

UK-born journalist and writer Misha Glenny studied at Prague’s Charles University and covered the fall of communism and the return of democracy in Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in the region, as well as the wars in former Yugoslavia, for the BBC. Later in his career, Glenny tracked international crime in books that included the hit McMafia, while more recently he has been rector at Vienna’s Institute for Human Sciences. 

“Do not join the majority when it commits a disgrace. It’s that Old Testament–style appeal to insist that certain wrongs must not be done and should never be done — and that I will speak about them, even if you don’t like it,” said Vojtěch Sedláček about how he saw the world and why he signed Charter 77. Because of his signature, he was interrogated by the State Security (StB) and experienced communist harassment… After the revolution, he became head of the Republic Coordination Center of the Civic Forum, worked at the Office of the Government, and was also active in local politics. For many years, he has been involved in helping disadvantaged people. How does he see today’s world, and what needs to be spoken about?

Money makes the world go round and we will be discussing the area where most of our money goes: housing. For students who are either about to move out on their own or have just done so, it can be difficult to navigate the ins and outs of shared living. Where to look for a place, how to know if rent and charges are too high, or what landlords are allowed to do and what your rights are. 

In the late 1990s Vladimir Putin underwent an almost unbelievable transformation: from an unknown intelligence officer, he quickly became the most powerful man in Russia, whom no one has yet managed to remove from power. This rise, accompanied by the ruthless elimination of opponents and masterful political theatre, will be discussed by theatre expert Vladimír Just, journalist Ekaterina Kanaková and Sára Vybíralová, translator of the book The Wizard of the Kremlin. The discussion will be chaired by Jáchym Topol. 

Discussion featuring editors from the weekly Respekt and their guests. For more details visit www.vaclavhavel.cz prior to the event. 

A debate from the Circus Europe series, this time on the functioning of public (and not only public) media in the Czech Republic, but also on the influence of disinformation on society and politics, the lack of strategic communication and protection of democratic values during Babiš’s government, as well as Russia's growing hybrid war against Czechia, Europe and the West. The discussion will feature strategic communication expert Otakar Foltýn, security analyst Jan Paďourek, and television journalist Jakub Železný. It will be moderated by historian and philosopher Petr Hlaváček, editor-in-chief of media outlet FORUM 24. 

A two-day Vaclav Havel Library arts marathon featuring workshops, discussions, film, theatre, exhibitions…

The Václav Havel Library and the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University in Prague have decided to commemorate a unique period of architectural change at the Prague Castle as well as the return of taste and culture under President Václav Havel. We have invited personalities who were involved in the changes to varying degrees and can comment on them from a professional perspective to participate in a series of discussions. Jiří Pelcl, Petr Hájek, Ivo Koukol and Petr Chotěbor will present their views. Chaired by Irena Fialová. 

Absurdity and meaning – plays and letters. If absurdity exists, then meaning must also exist. What is meaning? How does Václav Havel understand meaning? What is the fundamental (objective) meaning? How does this relate to Havel’s concept of living in truth? The concepts of “spirit” and “voice” appear in many different places in Havel’s work – what do these concepts mean, and can they be consistently linked to other philosophies? Tomáš Sedláček will serve as a guide in a colloquium focused on finding answers to these questions. 

On the occasion of the announcement of the winning titles of its fourth annual Book of the Year poll, media outlet Deník N is holding a discussion focused on the results – and the current state of Czech literature.   

We cordially invite you to the 28th Big Book Thursday, presenting the most notable titles from the spring offerings of Czech publishers. Many of the selected titles do not fit into the current mainstream; however, they should not escape the attention of book lovers. Authors Tereza Ševčíková, Barbora Majchráková, Daniel Krásný and Pavel Pospěch will be in attendance, while new books will also be presented by editors, translators and other guests. Ivana Veselková will host the evening.  

The third evening in the Václav Havel’s Compass debate series will focus on truth as one of the central values of Havel’s thinking. In this instance truth is not merely a concept, but also a personal and civic commitment – a call to live authentically, responsibly and in relation to others.  

In a dialogue between philosophers Daniel Kroupa and Filip Karfík, questions will be raised about the relationship between truth and freedom as well as its significance in a contemporary society marked by a loss of trust. How can we understand truth today, and can it still be a pillar of human and social behaviour?   

“17th of November never happened” and “Russia is only defending itself”: What do we know today about public lying? And can it be curbed? 

Authors’ readings by nominees in some of the seven categories of the annual Magnesia Litera book awards. Three or four authors across categories will read and discuss their work. Hosted by Pavel Mandys from the Litera civic association. 

An evening of noteworthy, previously little-seen short films on the theme of Václav Havel as playwright. 

The PROSTOR publishing house and the Václav Havel Library invite you to a debate on the occasion of the Czech publication of political scientist Carlo Masala’s book If Russia Wins, a disturbing analysis of possible scenarios for the development of the war in Ukraine and their consequences for European security. 

Authors’ readings by nominees in some of the seven categories of the annual Magnesia Litera book awards. Three or four authors across categories will read and discuss their work. Hosted by Pavel Mandys from the Litera civic association.