The Cable Podcast: The Future of Central Europe

The post-Cold War era in Central Europe is coming to an end. Democratic reform, socioeconomic development and Western integration once taken for granted are being replaced by uncertainty amid resurgent nationalism and the rise of illiberal politics that are hollowing out democracy and the rule of law. And how it all plays out will be central to the future of the European Union and the transatlantic alliance.

That’s the argument of Joerg Forbrig and Wojciech Przybylski, the authors of an important new report called Central European Futures. After many discussions with scholars, journalists, civil society members and others, they distill five different scenarios for the region along with recommendations.