Timothy Garton Ash: Poland, Europe, Freedom

Wednesday, 14 February 2018, Old Divinity School, St John's College, Cambridge.

Poland, Europe, Freedom (Timothy Garton Ash) - 10:41

In celebration of the permanent endowment of the Polish Studies initiative at the University of Cambridge, Professor Timothy Garton Ash (University of Oxford) gave an address on the subject of freedom in Poland and in Europe over the last four decades.

Hosted by Dr Stanley Bill, Director of the Polish Studies Programme at the University of Cambridge.

[huberts]

" there is still a room for democratic politics in Poland", I don't really get it, did he mean that what is now is not Democratic? I suppose Mr Ash should specify that it was "a liberal democratic" what he specifically meant. On the other hand, should't it be up to the people who they choose, instead of making an illusion that every choice that is not a liberal democracy is a wrong choice?

[rafakaminski]

"unfortunately successful capitalism" you've made my day, dear professor :D

[flea]

If someone don't want to waste more than one hour of life to hear what politic mr Timothy supports just skip to 1:37:16 when he says what authorities are the best in modern UE.

[awuma]

What a wonderful lecture! I somehow until now had not known that Timothy Garton Ash belongs in the rank of Western Polish scholars such as Norman Davies, Timothy Synder and Anne Applebaum. 1:13:42 The mobilisation of people, however, is divorced from the political parties, whose leaders are no longer welcome at demonstrations (somewhat reminiscent of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement). Unfortunately, the two opposition leaders left standing, Grzegorz Schetyna and Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, are completely devoid of charisma and political appeal, and are best known for taking down any rivals to their leadership of the PO and SLD parties. However, they are the leaders the Polish opposition has, and need the full support of all who want to se PiS defeated. 1:19:32 The street demonstrations seek a secular, European society quite different from the religious, nationalist, illiberal society sought by PiS. Professor Ash did not mention the women's marches opposing the PiS efforts to completely outlaw abortion, even in the case of non-viable foetuses.These marches were just as big and vigourous as those concerning the PiS takeover of the courts.

[patrykkaluta]

I think I agree with Professor, fortunately in more than half year that seperates us from the day of lecture some shift has started taking place in polish landscape I hope

[pawelpap]

This is only interesting as an illustration of the state of mind and take on reality of an European elitist. We get standard mix: propaganda masquerading as history (Ash claims to be foremost a historian, but his lecture is collection of his personal opinions), barely concealed hatred of nationalism and national aspirations, contempt for common people who sue to their bigotry and obscurantism cannot see benefits of socialist Europe, deep conviction there is only one valid model of democracy, all others are actually fascists, subconscious believe the flow of civilization is only in one direction and there is nothing of value enlightened Ash could learn from barbarians east of Elbe river.
Strongly recommended for self hating Poles who imagine that once they ape enlightened prescriptions of Ash they will be admitted to the pantheon of civilized Europeans. Under no circumstances the Poles should try to decide on their own what system of government suits them best, democracy understood this way is after all fascism.

[MrKlemczak]

Bleeeehhh, just threw up listening to this nonsense. Problem is that people outside of Poland might take this view as "sincere good for all". Perhaps the Professor should consider commenting on the ‘two party system’ and help Britons in getting out of that bind? The answer however is that he won’t because he plays a part in the UK soft power apparatus. Lectures like these make one want to give up YouTube.

[gKotvicz]

The most sugary and superficial point of view on the latest history of Poland I've ever heard. I truly don't know whether it's ignorance about behind-the-scenes activities of the transformation process in Poland or maybe conscious propaganda... But I'm listening this lecture further and I haven't doubt now. That is the second thing. xD

[alexandermalinowski]

He is wrong in everything he saying about current years. He is even wrong about Macron.

[wladyslawbukowski]

Mr. Ash, You don't like Mr. Kaczyński and PIS? It's too bad. But we the majority of Poles support them and that's what counts. Your lecture was full of relativity, lies and very manipulative. You are a very bad person.

[osina]

tusk need to go kaczynski need to go either