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!”

This week in:

2024

Close Combat & Rehabilitation with Commander of the “Honor” Company, Oleksandr Yabchanka

Apr 16, 2024 | 13:00 - 14:00

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

April 14 | 13:00 - 14:00

Ann Pettifor

February 17, 2026

In this interview, Ann Pettifor, a political economist known for predicting the 2007/08 financial crash, discusses her views on the international financial system, which she refers to as the 'Global Casino.' She argues that the system is manipulated in favor of the wealthy elite, leading to financial crises that harm the general public. Pettifor emphasizes the need for regulation and a shift in focus towards domestic economies and climate change, advocating for a Green New Deal. She also highlights the importance of education and public understanding in driving systemic change.

"Amsterdam also not only is a city but also a state of mind. And the state of mind is a state of tolerance, curiosity, well, strangeness, a little bit."

— Femke Halsema in Amsterdam 750: a Conversation with Mayor Femke Halsema, October 30, 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.