Previous events:

Selection from the Committee:

Laurens Norden

Lustrum: Defending our values? With Minister of Defence Ollongren

Jun 19, 2024 | 17:30 - 18:30

“In recent years, the European continent has seen the tensest geopolitical state since the fall of the Berlin Wall. War rages on the continent itself, and in its periphery. The Ukrainian conflict has required European nations to reassess their defence spending - which in many nations was seriously reduced - to ensure their security. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has additionally forced nations to consider how their support, both military and economic, plays out in an electorate whose opinions have shifted. Against this backdrop, former member Jonathan and current member Saskia interviewed Kajsa Ollongren, outgoing Defence Minister of the Netherlands, at Marineterrein Naval Base. If these topics, and more, sound interesting, then this is the interview for you!”

From Tulips to Turmoil: Ambassador Fatma Ceren Yazgan on Türkiye in Transition

April 14 | 13:00 - 14:00

Ian Morris

September 9, 2025

In this interview, historian Ian Morris discusses the role of geography in shaping human history, challenging the traditional focus on individual actors and events. He explains his theory that geography has been a primary driver of historical development, influencing the rise and fall of civilizations. Morris also touches on the limitations of predicting the future, the impact of individual agency versus larger forces, and the importance of considering long-term trends. He emphasizes the need for balance between specialization and broader intellectual inquiry in academia.

"Democracy is about responsibility first of all. Everybody can contribute into the fight and just do what he or she can on his or her place."

— Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Toppling “Europe’s Last Dictator”: A Conversation with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, January 14, 2025

Room for Discussion is the interview platform of the University of Amsterdam. We organise interviews with professors, entrepreneurs, economists, politicians, philosophers, CEOs and journalists to discuss relevant economic topics and recent events.