In this timely lecture, Professor Timothy Garton Ash examines the pivotal moment Europe faces amid shifting global dynamics. He explores how Vladimir Putin’s aggression, Donald Trump’s challenges to transatlantic alliances, and Xi Jinping’s assertive policies compel Europe to reassess its role on the world stage. Garton Ash delves into the concept of “Zeitenwende”, a turning point, highlighting the urgency for Europe to navigate these complex geopolitical landscapes and redefine its strategic direction.

Professor Timothy Garton Ash is a renowned British historian and commentator, specializing in contemporary European history. He serves as Professor of European Studies at the University of Oxford and is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. Garton Ash has authored numerous influential books, including The Magic Lantern and Free World, and the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen (oldest and best-known prize awarded for work done in the service of European unification) in 2017. His work focuses on the transformation of Europe, the challenges of liberal democracy, and the interplay between history and current affairs.