On 18 May 2026, the third event in the international series of discussions Dialogue Talks took place in Prague, this time held at the Evangelical Theological College UK in collaboration with partners from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
The central theme of the evening was politically driven polarization and the question of how contemporary ideological identities shape social division, the quality of democratic dialogue, and levels of mutual trust.
The event brought together speakers and participants from different countries and professional backgrounds, who collectively reflected on how, in a time of increasing political fragmentation, it is possible to create space for a more open, constructive, and inclusive public dialogue, as well as for better understanding among people with differing views.
Speakers and Discussion
The discussion was moderated by Maria, and the panel featured:
- dr. Miklós Szabó – Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (Hungary)
- dr. Iulius Rostas – Central European University (Hungary)
- assoc. prof. Pavol Bargár – Charles University in Prague (Czech Republic)
- Carlos Pascual – writer, theatre creator, and columnist for the newspaper Delo (Slovenia)
Their contributions highlighted different perspectives on political polarization, the role of ideological identities, and the importance of dialogue in contemporary European societies.
Evening Program and Closing Remarks
Following the panel discussion, the program continued with an informal gathering over tea, where participants had the opportunity to continue conversations with the speakers in a more relaxed setting.
The event once again highlighted that dialogue does not necessarily mean agreement, but rather a willingness to listen, understand, and maintain space for respectful communication even in the presence of differing worldviews.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, and partner organizations for their collaboration and support in making this event possible.
We look forward to continuing the Dialogue Talks series in the future.
