Preserving Identity in the Face of Oppression: Religious Freedom and National Identity in Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia

Overview:

Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia have been shaped by religious freedom and the interplay between religious and national identities. This event will explore the ways in which these identities have been maintained or challenged in the face of ideological oppression, particularly during the 20th century. Focusing on specific case studies from Hungary, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Armenia, the panel will highlight the diverse paths of religious freedom and identity in the region, as well as the role of religion in preserving cultural and national identities.

When & Where:

Date: Thursday, February 2nd
Time: 1-5pm EST
Location: International Meridian Center, White-Meyer House
1630 Crescent Place, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009

Agenda & Speakers:

• 1 – 1:30pm: Arrival & Pre-Reception

• 1:30 – 2pm: Keynote Speeches

  • Eric Patterson, President, Religious Freedom Institute; Research Fellow, Georgetown University’s Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs
  • George E. Bogden, Helmut Schmidt Fellow, German Marshall Fund; Member, Freedom and Identity in Central Europe (FICE)

• 2 – 3:30pm: Panel Discussion

  • Marek Chodakiewicz, Professor, Director of the Center for Intermarium Studies, Institute of World Politics
  • Lilla Nóra Kiss, Visiting Scholar and Adjunct Faculty, George Mason University; Founding Member, FICE
  • Emese Latkóczy, Director, Hungarian Human Rights Foundation
  • Peter Burns, Executive Director, IRF Summit
  • Mónika Palotai,Visiting Fellow, Hudson Institute; Founding Member, FICE (Moderator)

• 3:30 – 4pm: Q & A

• 4 – 4:15pm: Closing Remarks

  • Paul Coyer, Vice President, Common Sense Society

• 4:15 – 5pm: Reception

Sponsors: