In recent years, the global landscape of human rights has been challenged by the resurgence of authoritarian tendencies, ongoing conflicts, and the erosion of civic space. Central and Eastern Europe, a region that experienced its own democratic transformation just three decades ago, is now confronted with both internal and external pressures testing its commitment to democratic values.
Šimon Pánek, co-founder and executive director of People in Need and a former student leader of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, will reflect on today’s challenges through the lens of humanitarian work and civil society engagement. Drawing on his organization’s experience in oppressive states around the world, he will examine how Europe responds to authoritarianism – through diplomacy, humanitarian action, and support for grassroots movements – and where these responses succeed or fall short.
One of the most insidious threats facing civil society and democratic institutions today is the ongoing disinformation and hybrid war, which corrodes public trust and undermines the ability of civil society to safeguard democratic principles.
The lecture will also invite participants to grapple with a broader question: how fragile rights and freedoms can be, and how easily they may be curtailed not only in openly authoritarian states but also in societies that see themselves as free. This perspective opens space for critical reflection on the role of civil society in protecting human rights – both close to home and across the globe.
Šimon Pánek is a Czech humanitarian leader who co-founded and serves as the executive director of People in Need, the largest of Central and Eastern Europe’s NGOs. He first came to prominence as a student activist and leader of anti‑regime strikes during the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Under his leadership, People in Need has gained international respect for delivering humanitarian aid and supporting human rights in crisis zones and restrictive authoritarian states across the globe.
This lecture is the first in the Slavic Department's event series "Narratives of Power and Resistance" in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Eurasia. Look out for more opportunities to get engaged with the Slavic Department in the coming year. To be added to our events list, please email spcarver@uchicago.edu.