November 2025

Four times no: Women's revolt against the manosphere

The rise of far-right views among young men is a global trend that is difficult to overlook today. But how does the rise of these ideals affect their female peers? This report focuses on a movement of women who have taken decisive action against male toxicity in their personal lives, with a particular focus on the recent spread of this lifestyle to the Western world.
 


by Klára Jandečková
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Čtyřikrát ne: Ženská revolta proti manosféře

November 2025

Queer Slovácko is not on the line

Slovácko is often portrayed as the heart of folklore, wine, and tradition. Somewhere between folk songs, maypole building, and strictly defined roles for women and men, there is a space where young queer people negotiate their identities and discover their own relationships to traditions without completely submitting to them. How do they do this and what obstacles do they face? Instead of jumping to conclusions, let's take a look at Slovácko from a queer perspective.
 


by Klára Pukovcová
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Queer Slovácko sa nesúdí

October 2025

"It was difficult for me to call myself a lesbian, it's quite a strong word after all. To be honest, I was quite afraid of it." Reportage on the lives of lesbians in Slovakia

The reportage focuses on the lives of lesbian women in regions, concentrating mainly on the topics of identity, community, and everyday resistance to social norms. The text is based on interviews with five lesbians and analyzes how regional differences and religious beliefs influence their experience of sexuality. The author explores why the word "lesbian" is often perceived as confrontational and seeks community solutions and online support for the invisible existence of lesbians outside the capital city.
 


by Aneta Pavčová
first published by Kapitál under the title
„Bolo mi ťažké nazývať samú seba lesbou, je to predsa len dosť silné slovo. Úprimne som sa ho dosť bála.“ Reportáž o živote lesieb na Slovensku

October 2025

Artemis Akbary's fight for Afghan LGBTQI+ refugees

Artemis Akbary is the voice of the Afghan LGBTQI+ community, which faces persecution, discrimination, and danger. From the Czech Republic, he leads the Afghan LGBT (ALO) organization and fights for the rights of people seeking safety far from home through international organizations. He offers insight into the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ refugees and her vision for the future of a community that often remains overlooked.
 


by Tomáš Herzán
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Boj Artemise Akbaryho za afghánské LGBTQI+ uprchlictvo

October 2025

A Date in a Small Town

Dating in a small town has its own peculiarities. Everyone knows everyone else, there are significantly fewer fish in the sea, and Tinder is sometimes more frustrating than helpful. What is it like to look for love in Kutná Hora, a town with 20, 000 inhabitants, where no one can hide from anyone else? The view of St. Barbara's Cathedral promises romance, but also curious glances from the locals. Privacy is more valuable than silver here.
 


by Kristýna Zinková
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Rande na maloměstě

October 2025

The fragile foundations of the cultural and club scene. Searching for cohesion in times of uncertainty

Sára Prostějovská's reportage explores three cultural spaces in the capital city that are connected not only by music but also by their work with the community. How has the post-COVID period affected Petrohradská, Punctum, and Bike Jesus in Prague? Why are community-oriented places important, and how can they be preserved?
 


by Sára Prostějovská
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Křehké podloží kulturní a klubové scény. Hledání soudržnosti v časech nejistoty

October 2025

A Brief History of the Manosphere

The history of misogynistic patriarchy from prehistoric times to the 2000s. The "manosphere" encompasses a vast array of opinions. If there is anything that unites them, apart from their tendency toward right-wing conservatism and the promotion of "traditional" masculinity, it is their unabashed hatred of women, especially those who rebel against their historically inferior status and do not completely submit to their "masters." Where does this misogyny come from?"
 


by Petr Uram
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Stručné dějiny manosféry

October 2025

Love Island: The factory for Identical Bodies

The author analyzes the television reality show Love Island as a "factory for conformist bodies" and a tool for spreading neoliberal ideals of beauty and competitiveness. The text argues that the show presents a uniform and aesthetically standardized image of reality, where contestants are clones of influencers and their bodies are the result of constant work, thus becoming a commodity.
 


by Gabriela Lőrinc
first published by Kapitál under the title
Love Island: Továreň na identické telá

October 2025

The Bible for the Rich

The text provides sharp criticism of the new bus station in Bratislava. But it also critiques the privatization of public space and the influence of the unregulated real estate market on construction. This case study illustrates the phenomenon of "loss of place, " where profit maximization overrides comprehensive urban planning and the creation of meaningful communal centers, representing issues common to cities dealing with uncontrolled development and the negative consequences of certain international trends in multifunctional station design.
 


by Jakub Huba
first published by Kapitál under the title
Biblia pre bohatých

October 2025

"Are we all terrorists?" Reportage from the United for Gaza protest in Berlin

The reportage describes the pro-Palestinian protest in Berlin, which took place the day after the ceasefire in Gaza was declared. Despite the German chancellor's statement that there was no longer any reason to demonstrate, protesters expressed skepticism about the ceasefire agreement. The text also reflects the division of the German left on the issue of Palestine, with decolonial criticism leading to the emergence of new activist groups.
 


by Lucia Rončíková
first published by Kapitál under the title
„Are we all terrorists?“ Reportáž z berlínskeho protestu United for Gaza

October 2025

Roma children are not given books so that they don't destroy them. A report on segregation, which supposedly no longer exists.

The text discusses the continuing segregation of Roma children in the education system in one Slovak village, despite a 2023 court ruling confirming the illegality of this practice. The author returned to the settlement to see if the situation had changed and found that Roma students still experience worse teaching conditions. The text also highlights the housing crisis and hygiene problems in the settlement, which contribute to the children's problems at school.
 


by Aneta Lakomá
first published by Kapitál under the title
Romským dětem knihy nedávají, aby je nezničily. Reportáž o segregaci, která údajně již neexistuje

October 2025

Public bodies, private healthcare: gender inequality in medical care

Monika Matějková describes the issue of the so-called gender health gap in public health, which affects "everyone" only seemingly.
 


by Monika Matějková
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Veřejná těla, neveřejné zdravotnictví: o genderové nerovnosti v oblasti lékařské péče

September 2025

Language as a safe space

Without language, human society would be unthinkable. It serves not only for communication, but also for maintaining power relations. The stereotype of "true masculinity" poses an extraordinary danger, the extreme consequence of which is femicide shootings in schools. The shooting at Charles University showed how we are unable to formulate the necessary preventive measures. Yet more inclusive language would benefit us all.
 


by Jana Valdrová
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Jazyk jako bezpečný prostor

September 2025

‘I wrote my seminar paper during my lunch break.’ When there is no money for studies and no time for work

Even free education costs something. You don't have to be from a socially disadvantaged background to worry about paying rent in a university town. A large proportion of students take on part-time jobs alongside their studies, and the stress of exams is compounded by worries about how to manage everything, not to mention neglecting their social life. To what extent is it still worth it, and when is it necessary to protect your mental health?
 


by Aneta Lakomá
first published by revue Prostor under the title
„Psala jsem seminárku při obědové pauze.“ Když na studium nejsou peníze a na práci není čas

September 2025

The Zagreb utopia is not happening. The only option is patient, daily resistance.

"For the homeland – always ready." Until recently, this fascist salute from the Croatian regime during World War II was just a phrase from my history textbooks. I never expected to encounter this equivalent of the Nazi "Sieg Heil" so frequently on the streets of the Croatian capital, or to face the growing fascism of local society during my visit to an anarchist squat in Zagreb.
 


by Jiří Šumný
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Záhřebská utopie se nekoná. Jedinou možností je trpělivý každodenní vzdor

September 2025

We don't count sheep, we count red flags: misogyny versus romance in Generation Z

Young men from patriarchal privileged positions observe that there are quite a lot of girls at university faculties, but for some reason they are unable to approach them. It is no longer enough to go to work and brush your teeth. Some think that working out at the gym will solve the problem, but unfortunately, misogyny cannot be washed away with sweat.
 


by Marie Račáková
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Nepočítáme ovečky, ale červené vlaječky: mizogynie versus romance v generaci Z

September 2025

Slovak language wanted: Beyond the boundaries of the native language with Yoko Tawada

The article examines the phenomenon of exophony, i.e., artistic creation in a language other than one's mother tongue, through the works of Japanese-German writer Yoko Tawada. It points out that writing in a foreign language can lead to new perspectives and creative freedom, while challenging traditional perceptions of "correct" language use.
 


by Emma Urbanová
first published by Kapitál under the title
Hľadá sa slovenčina: Za hranice rodného jazyka s Yoko Tawadou

September 2025

For One Beaten: A Personal Story of Violence

In this piece, sociologist Gražina Bielousova offers a candid testimony about the violence she has endured since childhood. At the same time, it is a broader reflection on the violence that permeates different groups within our society.
 


by Gražina Bielousova
first published by NARA under the title
Už vieną muštą: asmeninė smurto istorija

September 2025

"You can't look at your own back"

At around the age of 25, Mikuláš Minář found himself at the centre of political events by chance – until then, he had hardly been interested in politics. Nevertheless, he became one of the most recognisable faces of civil society protest in the post-communist era in the Czech Republic. How does it feel to carry the hopes and expectations of hundreds of thousands of people on your shoulders? And is it possible to maintain your own integrity while doing so?
 


by Ester Dobiášová
first published by Jádu under the title
„Člověk si sám na záda nevidí“

September 2025

Two worlds by the river

Narva, Estonia's third-largest city, has long been culturally and mentally isolated due to its predominantly Russian-speaking population. Separated from Russia only by the narrow river of the same name, Narva is repeatedly cited as a possible first target of Russian aggression on NATO territory. Security policy interests are forcing the Estonian state to do more to integrate the Russian-speaking minority – efforts that are often marked by deep-seated mistrust. In Narva itself, however, a young generation is now confidently standing up for its identity and freedom. We met some of the people driving this change.
 


by Isabelle de Pommereau
first published by Jádu under the title
Zwei Welten am Fluss

September 2025

Forced to live in contradiction with themselves

Many young people with disabilities have a worldview that contrasts with that of their parents. However, because the Slovak state does not provide them with sufficient support, it is impossible for them to become independent. As a result, they struggle with contradictions on a daily basis: they often see no other option than to rely on unpaid help from their families, who often do not respect their identity or ideas about their own lives. Although many people are confronted with such problems, little or nothing is said about them. This is also due to society's very superficial understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and health impairments.
 


by Petra Eller
first published by Jádu under the title
Sme nútení žiť v rozpore s tým, kým sme

September 2025

‘I'm simply drawn to places where it's cold.’

Every year, several Ukrainian scientists set off for the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic station to spend the winter there. 15, 000 kilometres away from home, they have a special mission in a special world. The women in the team tell also about their special rituals.
 


by Mariana Verbovska
first published by Jádu under the title
«Мене просто тягне туди, де холодно»

September 2025

Road trip through Ruthenia

Celebration as ritual, rituals as memory aids. For the Rusyns, a people with their own language but without a state, who historically have been subjected to many pressures to assimilate and the consequences of economic emigration, rituals represent a unifying element that contributes to cultural continuity. Joe Palaščák embarked on a journey for JÁDU to cemeteries and festivals in Rusyn communities in eastern Slovakia.
 


by Joe Palaščák
first published by Jádu under the title
Rusínsky roadtrip

September 2025

Folk magic in the Anthropocene

From Ukrainian motanki to the goddesses of Žítková to contemporary ecological collectives, folk magic is finding new forms in the Anthropocene. Playfulness, rituals, and ancient wisdom are turning into weapons against powerlessness and indifference.
 


by Ella Katrovasová
first published by Jádu under the title
Lidové čarování v antropocénu

August 2025

How the Ukrainian community at Brno Market supports defenders back home

For two years now, camouflage nets for the Ukrainian army have been regularly knitted at the Brno Market Hall. Dozens of volunteers are involved in the work—students, workers, and people who have lost their homes themselves. Emma Novotná reports on people for whom knitting is not only a way to help defenders, but also a way to keep their community together far from home.
 


by Emma Novotná
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Jak ukrajinská komunita na brněnské Tržnici podporuje obránce zpět doma

August 2025

The far right is gaining strength in Poland, unfortunately aided by the current government

The text deals with the growing power of the far right in Poland. It emphasizes that young voters, tired of traditional political parties, are looking for change and finding it in Konfederacja, which promises simple solutions and order. It draws attention to democratic erosion and warns that if the ruling coalition does not change course, Poland risks electing more radical politicians in future elections who question the very foundations of liberal democracy.
 


by Aneta Lakomá
first published by Kapitál under the title
Krajní pravice v Polsku sílí, naneštěstí jí v tom napomáhá i současná vláda

August 2025

Czech Waters All Inclusive

The author examines the commercialization and changes in the nature of water sports, which have transformed from a traditional activity into organized recreation with a developed infrastructure. The article also discusses the historical context of water tourism in Czechoslovakia and critically assesses the impact of mass tourism on river ecosystems, mentioning efforts to regulate and protect natural resources.
 


by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapitál under the title
České vody all inclusive

August 2025

Fear and Surveillance: The Human Cost of Electronic Monitoring in Lithuania

Introduced in 2012 as a ‘humane’ alternative to prison sentencing, the use of electronic monitoring has become widespread in Lithuania. But for young people like Jonas, the ‘ankle bracelet’ is a reminder to society that he is someone to fear.
 


by James Whitfield
first published by NARA 

August 2025

The path to oneself

What is the latest disinformation you have heard about Ukrainian refugees in Europe? Populist politicians and Russian propaganda accuse Ukrainians of everything from Ukrainization of Europe to stealing fish in the Czech Republic. How can we show Europeans that stereotypes about Ukrainians are lies? Reporter Anastasia Aharkova, who came to the Czech Republic to escape the war in Ukraine, shares stories of Ukrainian women who are refuting this disinformation with their attitudes.
 


by Anastasiia Aharkova
first published by JÁDU under the title
Шлях до себе

August 2025

How traditions saved Hořice

How can traditions turn a small town into a local tourist hub? Hořice, a Czech town with a population of 8, 000, welcomes 50, 000 tourists every year. Hořice is an example of how developing local tourism can revitalise small communities and help them preserve their identity.
 


by Anastasiia Aharkova
first published by JÁDU under the title
Jak tradice zachránily Hořice

July 2025

Anatomy of a protest III: Report from the Serbian protests

Our reporter Tobiáš Wagner visited one of the occupied universities in Serbia. How does student self-government work? How are those in power responding to the long-term protests? And is the question really not whether the regime will fall, but when?
 


by Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Reportáž ze srbských protestů: Anatomie protestu

July 2025

Trans* people are not just a grateful media topic

The polarization of society. I often think about it. I see it as the biggest problem of our time. I am not a sociologist or a philosopher. I make a living as a programmer and also shoot videos for my YouTube channel, "V Tranzu." There are interviews with trans* people about their lives... I am a trans woman myself.
 


by Lenka Králová
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Trans* lidé nejsou jen vděčné mediální téma

July 2025

Viimne reliikvia, Kevade and grandmother's pies: the way to Estonia without a dictionary

Where does cultural identity begin — in your passport, in your language, in your childhood memories, or in a song you fell in love with without understanding any of the words?
 


by Danila Sviridov
first published by NARVAMUS under the title
Viimne reliikvia, Kevade и пироги по рецепту бабушки: путь к Эстонии без словаря

July 2025

Estonia on the outside, Udmurtia on the inside. And a Canadian Flag?

What does it mean to be a Udmurt living in Estonia? What is it like to keep your cultural identity while also becoming part of a new society?
 


by Danila Sviridov
first published by NARVAMUS under the title
Эстония вокруг, Удмуртия внутри. А на флаге — Канада?

July 2025

From Beijing to Tartu: How Language, Culture, and Dumplings Shape Identity

Kaspar Wang – a TikToker from China who’s fallen in love with Estonia. We met Kaspar in Tartu to walk around his favorite spots and talk about moving, cultural adaptation, and what it feels like to truly belong in a new country.
 


by Danila Sviridov
first published by NARVAMUS

July 2025

A Weekend in Vilnius as an Exercise in Empathy

In a city shaped by centuries of cultural layering and historical trauma, a Ukrainian author explores what Vilnius can teach us about the practice of empathy.
 


by Polina Tolpygina
first published by NARA

July 2025

The People Are Now Behind the Students – They Can No Longer Be Ignored

An in-depth conversation with journalist and writer Ziemowit Szczerek, who reflects on why Serbia’s student movement gives hope for democratic change in Central Europe—and why their strategy has made them a true political force.
 


by Łukasz Słowiński with Ziemowit Szczerek
first published by KulturaLiberalna under the title
Za studentami stanęli ludzie. Teraz trzeba się z nimi liczyć

July 2025

Young Serbs Fight Back Against Dictatorship

For over eight months, students have protested daily in Serbia's major cities and reached out to rural communities, building solidarity and challenging a corrupt regime. These are the longest-running protests in the country's history—and a sign that a new generation refuses to accept authoritarianism.
 


by Łukasz Słowiński
first published by KulturaLiberalna under the title
Młodzi Serbowie walczą z dyktaturą

July 2025

Youth in self-imposed exile II: Layers of identities and stories of departure from Turkish Kurdistan

How does ethnicity and anti-ethnic policies manifest themselves in the case of Kurds* leaving Turkey for the Czech Republic?
Second part of the series "Youth in Self-Exile".
 


by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Mládí v sebe-exilu: Vrstvy identit a příběhů odchodu z tureckého Kurdistánu (2)

July 2025

Youth in self-imposed exile I: Layers of identities and stories of leaving Turkey

The young Turkish and Kurdish diaspora in the Czech Republic is still in its infancy. How does it differ from the German one? And under what circumstances would they consider returning? First part of the series "Youth in Self-Exile".
 


by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Mládí v sebe-exilu: Vrstvy identit a příběhů odchodu z Turecka (1)

July 2025

Anatomy of a Protest II: “This is Serbia's last chance”

Some experts agree with the protesting Serbs that it is not a question of whether the regime will fall, but when. Authoritarian President Aleksandar Vučić has no plans to step down, despite massive demonstrations. Some fear a Belarusian scenario, but so far we have not seen any images of the army in the streets. The ruling SNS party is stalling and, in an attempt to show its strength, has called a rally of supporters in Belgrade on 12 April.
 


by Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Anatomie protestu II: „Tohle je poslední šance pro Srbsko“

July 2025

Ketamine for treating of depression

In Hungary, Poland, and across Europe, ketamine is emerging as a powerful option for treatment-resistant depression. But is it accessible to all? And what’s next for psychedelic therapy in the region?
 


by Ráhel Csenge Vermes
first published by EPER under the title
A ketamin szerepe a depresszió kezelésében

July 2025

Write to Exist

PEN Ukraine authors regularly visit war-ravaged villages in border regions and near the front lines. They bring books and hope - and a message: in a war over memory and identity, literature becomes a weapon.
 


by Isabelle de Pommereau
first published by JÁDU under the title
Schreiben, um zu überleben

July 2025

Do not liberate me. I will do it myself

So what should we call them? My fellow journalist turned to me in utter amazement when I gently pointed out that he shouldn't be the one to publicly call people with different opinions „wrecked“. Journalist Apolena Rychlíková and her manifesto of radical honesty for issue 123 of Revue Prostor.
 


by Apolena Rychlíková
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Do not liberate me. I will do it myself.

July 2025

Reinvent or Perish: Europe’s Defining Moment

Europe can no longer rely on illusions of safety while Russia wages war next door and the U.S. retreats from its global role. Written from an Estonian perspective, this essay argues that Europe must urgently adapt—militarily, politically, and socially. Without bold reforms in defense, energy, and democratic legitimacy, the continent risks becoming irrelevant in a new global order. Change isn’t optional—it’s existential.
 


by Ivan Polynin
first published by Kultura Liberalna under the title
Europa musi się zmienić albo przestanie istnieć

July 2025

Forget the Bureaucrats — Europe Needs Miłosz

In a world shaken by Trump's isolationism and Putin's contempt for international law, the European Union has a chance to redefine global order—not through bureaucracy, but through values. This vision, rooted not in technocracy but in the moral imagination of thinkers like Czesław Miłosz and Altiero Spinelli, calls for a truly democratic, pluralistic Europe: one built on solidarity, not self-interest; on cooperation, not control. Will the EU choose principle over power?
 


by Oliver Cipov
first published by Kultura Liberalna under the title
Europa Miłosza a nie brukselskich biurokratów

July 2025

Journalism in Crisis? Start Where People Still Listen

In a time of information chaos and declining trust in media, high-quality regional journalism won’t save democracy—but it can reclaim ground from disinformation. This essay, written from the Czech perspective, explores why local reporting matters now more than ever. By returning to overlooked communities and local stories, journalists can rebuild trust, reach those left out of the national conversation, and help defend democracy where it’s most vulnerable: at home.
 


by Jan Žabka
first published by Kultura Liberalna under the title
Recepta na dziennikarstwo w kryzysie? Powrót do domu

July 2025

Anatomy of a Protest I: How Students Are Trying to Change Serbia

Anti-government protests have been shaking Serbia for almost eight months now, and so far, they show no signs of losing momentum. After a demonstration in the capital, there were violent clashes with the police and arrests. Participants barricaded major transport routes in Belgrade and other cities and are demanding early elections. It all started with students who went on strike and have been blocking Serbian universities since autumn. How did protesting become the main focus of their lives?
 


by Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Anatomie protestu I: Jak se studenti snaží změnit Srbsko

June 2025

“People annoy people” or polarisation

What personally annoys or triggers you from the polarizing topics in your society? What do you think should annoy your fellow citizens the most? In other words, what is really important and is being overlooked?
 


first published by Revue Prostor under the title
„Lidi se*ou lidi“ aneb polarizace

June 2025

The light of our eyes - How to look after our eye health

The first part of the Lifestyle Health podcast mini-series is about protecting our eyes and vision. We talk to Miklós Ostorics, a medical student, about the most common eye diseases and what everyday activities we can do to keep our eyes healthy for longer. We also talk about dioptric deviations, poor hygiene habits, and the signs that you should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you notice them on yourself or others.
 


by Hanna Zaszlavik
first published by Radio EPER under the title
Szemünk fénye – Hogyan vigyázzunk szemünk egészségére

June 2025

The Frida Kahlo of Ukraine

Ukrainian artist Marushka paints with brightly coloured paints. Behind them, she hides her pain over the deaths on the Maidan and in the trenches in eastern Ukraine. With the start of the Russian large-scale attack on her homeland, she stops painting. She feels paralysed in the face of the many deaths and indescribable suffering. But a visit to her hometown of Lutsk gives her the impetus to start a new exhibition. Shortly afterwards, she buys pastel colours and a sketchpad. With new sketches, she breaks out of her three-year artistic paralysis.
 


by Ulrike Butmaloiu
first published by JÁDU under the title
Die Frida Kahlo der Ukraine

June 2025

Make human great again

AI writes poetry while the planet burns. Millionaires dream of Mars, the poor dream of air conditioning. And we all feel that the future has become a luxury. This crisis is not technological. It is civilisational. Before machines replace us, perhaps we should ask ourselves why we built them in the first place. What if AI is not the problem, but merely a mirror of where we have ended up?
 


by Stanislav Biler
first published by JÁDU under the title
Make člověk great again

June 2025

The flood of the century in the Great Rye Island

On 17 June 1965 - exactly 60 years ago - a dam burst on the outskirts of the village of Kulcsod, less than 20 kilometres from Győr in what is now Slovakia, caused the biggest natural disaster in the history of Czechoslovakia. The evacuation of the population and livestock was a logistical feat, the reconstruction an unprecedented example of human dignity and solidarity, and it is almost a miracle that the flood did not claim a single human life. An interview.
 


by Attila Horváth, Márk Mátis
first published by EPER under the title
Az évszázad árvize Csallóközben

June 2025

Looking at Iran, Putin is merely 'deeply concerned'

As American and Israeli bombs fall on Iranian targets, Moscow limits its response to expressions of “deep concern.” Why is Putin staying silent while his ally burns? The answer lies in a calculated political gamble—one that could cost Russia its credibility and influence in the Middle East, especially if Donald Trump strikes a deal with Tehran.
 


by Filip Rudnik
first published by Kultura Liberalna 

June 2025

How to Become a Saint. A Reportage on Anka Kolesárová's House

The article focuses on the pastoral centre in eastern Slovakia that honours the beatified teenager Anka Kolesárová, who was killed in 1944 when she refused to have sex with a Red Army soldier. The text describes a pilgrimage where participants, mainly young Catholics, are dedicated to spiritual formation and the ideals of chastity. 
 


by Lucia Rončíková
first published by Kapitál under the title
Ako sa stať svätou. Reportáž o Domčeku Anky Kolesárovej

June 2025

The Politics of Snow: On The History and Future of Ski Recreation

The text examines the development of ski recreation in the Spiš region of Slovakia. Through personal experiences and interviews, the author describes the transformation of skiing from a mass, local activity to an increasingly inaccessible and centralised sport. The text highlights the decline of small ski resorts due to climate change, generational change and changing economic conditions, contrasting the golden days of the past with an uncertain future.
 


by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapitál under the title
Politiky snehu:o dejinách a budúcnosti lyžiarskej rekreácie

June 2025

Rave Is Like A Microcosm With Its Own Gravity: A Place Of Full Power, Or Dangerous Darkness

The text deals with rave culture and discusses its communal, aesthetic and social aspects. It explores how participants strive to create safe spaces despite inherent risks such as drug use. The text also highlights the importance of risk reduction and the role of volunteers in promoting wellbeing and safety at these events. 
 


by Olga Wawracz
first published by Kapitál under the title
Rave je jako mikrokosmos s vlastní gravitací: místo plné síly, nebo nebezpečná tma

June 2025

The breakdown of society and the rule of scientism (1/3)

Are we witnessing the end of the humanities and social sciences? In recent decades, not only has the world around us changed rapidly, but so too have the demands placed on science and higher education institutions. So, what does work at higher education institutions look like? How is science evaluated, and what is the role of universities in society?
 


by Monika Brenišínová, Nina Wanča
first published by revue Prostor under the title
1/3 Rozpad společnosti a vláda scientizmu: Jsme svědky konce humanitních a společenských věd?

June 2025

The breakdown of society and the rule of scientism (2/3)

How to reconcile education, science and the third role of universities? This text deals with the work of university teaching staff, specifically two of the three basic activities: education and research. University teaching is not a secondary activity, as it may have seemed in recent years, but the very core of the academic profession.
 


by Monika Brenišínová, Nina Wanča
first published by revue Prostor under the title
2/3 Rozpad společnosti a vláda scientizmu: Jak skloubit vzdělávání, vědu a třetí roli univerzit?

June 2025

The breakdown of society and the rule of scientism (3/3)

Universities are not detached from reality. As a publicly funded institution of higher education, we are accountable to society. Those working at universities should not only be top scientists and teachers, but should also be able to communicate with the public, popularise their research and present it in an entertaining way to show that universities are not there for themselves, but for the public.
 


by Monika Brenišínová, Nina Wanča
first published by revue Prostor under the title
3/3 Rozpad společnosti a vláda scientizmu: Třetí role univerzit vrací poznání zpět k lidem

June 2025

Can't you feel it? Then say so. The phenomenon of temporary relationships

When I asked my peers what they considered to be the biggest problem in their lives, I received a unanimous answer: romantic relationships. Whether they are currently in a relationship or single, they almost uniformly talk about the complexity of finding a suitable partner who is serious about them. In their experience so far, there is usually one or more relationships that can be described as a situationship.
 


by Anna Kubínová
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Necítíš to? Tak to řekni. Fenomén přechodných vztahů

June 2025

How to think about polarization

If we want to be linguistically precise, we must perceive polarisation as a metaphor that allows us to understand the world around us and give structure to our insights into what is happening and where we are headed. Like any metaphor, this one is not and cannot be strictly true or false. It can be more or less accurate, more or less clearly defined, misleading, but also deceptive—all depending on how we grasp it and how we work with it.
 


by Matej Cíbik
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Jak přemýšlet o polarizaci

June 2025

From conspiracy theories to the theory of anti-conspiracy

Conspiracy stories are nothing new. However, in today's climate of political crisis, they seem to have become a battleground between those who believe in them and those who see them as a sign of the decline of liberal democracy. But alarmism and stigmatisation won't solve the problem, says Dominik Želinský, head of the ‘Pantruth’ (Pandemic Truths) project on conspiracy theories in the Visegrad Group countries.
 


by Dominik Želinský
first published in Jádu under the title
Od konšpiračných teórií k teórii antikonšpirativizmu

June 2025

Dispute in the sandstone paradise

Conflict is heating up in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains over the Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland national parks. Some want to protect nature, while others want to enjoy it for their own gain and profit from it. Our author is involved as a volunteer ranger and is following the culture war with mixed feelings.
 


Peggy Lohse
first published by Jádu under the title
Streit im Sandsteinparadies

June 2025

The Ruling Coalition in Poland: A Marriage of Convenience at a Turning Point

A premature victory speech and overconfidence in shaky poll data reveal deeper flaws within Poland’s centrist political elite. As the ruling coalition shows signs of strain, young voters and shifting alliances hint at the unravelling of the country’s long-dominant political duopoly.
 


by Ben Stanley
first published in Kultura Liberalna under the title
Koalicja rządząca – małżeństwo z rozsądku na zakręcie

May 2025

Report from the protest Prague is feminist

A report from Saturday's protest Prague is feminist, which blocked the path of the „Movement pro Life“ parade. An evaluation of the event and a short interview were provided by Amnesty International's Activism Coordinator Žaneta Sladká.
 


by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Reportáž z protestu Praha je feministická

May 2025

Report from the protests in Istanbul (Part II)

Protests and opposition to the rule of current President Erdogan continue in Istanbul. How do local students, who have been at the forefront from the beginning, view the current situation?
 


by Laura Vassileva 
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Reportáž z protestů v Istanbulu (část 2.)

May 2025

“About us without us” undermines democracy

The opinions of politicians with disabilities tend to be overlooked, even on issues that directly affect them. Furthermore, there are very few politicians with disabilities working in Slovak politics, from the municipal to the parliamentary level. Petra Eller spoke with six of them about the current situation in Slovakia and the importance of political representation.
 


by Petra Eller
first published by JÁDU under the title
„O nás bez nás“ oslabuje demokraciu

May 2025

A football club off the beaten track: Mongaguá - curse or magic formula

Grass is green and football is a way out of the periphery. A report from a place characterised by major and minor historical events, by oppression and a lack of understanding, where life forces its way through the cracks in the concrete and pushes beyond the city limits, extending its feelers into the district and throughout the Czech Republic.
 


Bára Bažantová
first published by Jádu under the title
Fotbalový klub ve vyloučené lokalitě: Zaříkávadlo jménem Mongaguá

May 2025

Soundtracks of war - Healing with music

New music is in the air in Kyiv - not only on the radio and on stage, but also on the streets and in the subway. Ukrainian culture returns to people in the most difficult times to support, unite and help them find themselves and a new identity.
 


Yulia Surkova, Oleksii Filippov
first published by Jádu under the title
Саундтреки війни - Зцілення музикою

May 2025

Activism on Four Wheels. How to Build a Feminist Skating Community

This text explores the roller skating community Ahojwrld in Bratislava, describing how members found and connected through skating, often after feeling disconnected or searching for their place. The text highlights that for many, especially LGBTI+ and marginalised groups, skating is not only a sport but also a form of activism, self-realisation and building a safe space where they can be themselves.
 


by Michaela Nagyidaiová
first published in Kapitál under the title
Aktivizmus na štyroch kolieskach. Ako sa buduje feministická korčuliarska komunita

May 2025

Vibrating tiles of text

This text can be seen as an attempt to proactively help shape the meaning of history. "A look back at an issue of revue Prostor on the „history of the present“ penned by film essayist Jan Gogola Jr., director of films such as Excursion, or the History of the Present (2015) and Prison of History (2023). According to him, the world "does not belong to us, but it is we who belong to the world."
 


by Jan Gogola ml.
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Vibrující dlaždice textu

May 2025

For Mummy, for Daddy: How Politics Influences an Unhealthy Relationship with Food

The text discusses personal memories of an unhealthy relationship with food, which emerged in adolescence under the influence of the cultural trend "heroin chic" and the pressure to be thin. The author connects these experiences to the traumatic legacy of the Holodomor and the Soviet era in Ukraine, which influenced previous generations' attitudes towards food. She explains how deprivation and fear of hunger shaped eating habits and how this influence was felt in younger generations despite greater affluence.
 


by Anna Siedykh
first published in Kapitál under the title
Za mamičku, za otecka: Ako politika vplýva na nezdravý vzťah k jedlu

May 2025

How does sectarianism manifest itself in the lives of political leaders and tech industry bigwigs?

Petr Uram shines a light on the connection between US Vice President J. D. Vance and technocratic billionaire Peter Thiel, the ideological direction of the American tech industry, and the "new theology" that often secretly rules the political scene.
 


by Petr Uram
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Staronová americká teologie

April 2025

Report from the protests in Israel

Israelis have been demonstrating against the current government and its efforts to weaken democratic institutions for more than three years. More and more demonstrators are also drawing attention to the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The demonstrations in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other cities reflect growing public dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict and express solidarity with Palestinian civilians.
 


first published by revue Prostor under the title
Reportáž z protestů v Izraeli

April 2025

Report from the protests in Hungary

The Hungarian parliament passed an amendment restricting the rights of LGBT+ people, with 140 MPs voting in favor and only 21 against. Opposition to the amendment has driven thousands of protesters into the streets of Budapest.
 


by Laura Vassileva and Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Reportáž z protestů v Budapešti

April 2025

Report from the protests in Istanbul (Part I)

For a month now, the streets, universities, public transport and consumer markets in Istanbul and other Turkish cities have been filled with acts of civil disobedience. Under the auspices of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and with the support of hundreds of thousands of people across generations and social classes, protests have erupted, which have not only a political charge but also an undertone of a deeper existential anxiety about the state of the republic.
 


by Laura Vassileva 
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Reportáž z protestů v Istanbulu (část 1.)

April 2025

Backstage at NATO with Tommy Gulliksen, Director of Facing War

In February 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbergpledgedcontinued support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” At the time, Norwegian director Tommy Gulliksen had already been working for a month onFacing War, a political documentary about Stoltenberg’s role in preserving the unity of the alliance. On the NARA podcast, Tommy reflects on the fast-paced production process and NATO’s role in 2025.
 


by Nojus Setkauskas
first published by NARA

April 2025

What kind of diplomacy are we talking about? (When words have no more value)

From Ukraine to global conflicts, words alone fail without enforcement. As power shifts, can diplomacy still ensure peace, or must it be backed by strength to hold real value in today's world?
 


by Eduard Ülevain
first published by NARVAMUS

April 2025

Memory that unites (and divides) us: Radicalisation, dehumanisation, polarisation and tribalism

How do wars change our sense of belonging, increasing radicalization, destructive polarization and dehumanization? This article shows how collective memory and traumatic experiences shape our identity and where to look for hope for dialogue.
 


by Julia Dem
first published by NARVAMUS

April 2025

Free Wi‑Fi on AirBaltic Flights: Why It’s Not Okay

Latvian airline AirBaltic has announced that it will be the first airline in Europe to offer free Wi-Fi via the Starlink network. What role does the influence of one technology leader play in this?
 


by Julia Dem
first published by NARVAMUS

April 2025

LGBTQ+ in Estonia: How to Build a Community Where It Seems There Is None

How do you build an LGBTQ+ community in a country where it seems to be invisible? How can the situation be improved? We talked about all this and more with Gulya Sultanova, co-founder of Q-space.
 


by Angelina Gruzdeva
first published by NARVAMUS

April 2025

Are You Just Scrolling, or Are You Leading?

Every day, we spend hours online—liking posts, watching videos, and sharing memes. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I just a digital user, or am I a true digital citizen?
 


by Maria Teresa Bravo
first published by NARVAMUS

April 2025

I Can No More Fight the Arbitrariness of Power with Memories

The text begins as the author's journey to documentary filmmaking, but culminates in an expression of concern for the future of Slovak culture, and specifically documentary film, in the context of the current political situation in Slovakia and the limitations on funding for independent institutions. The author stresses the need to preserve the memories of the filmmakers and their works as a basis for the future.
 


by Apolena Rychlíková
first published in Kapitál under the title
Nemůžu víc než proti svévoli moci bojovat vzpomínkami

April 2025

“It’s not just about fairness, it’s about the future”: Activism of Migrant Women in Estonia

Mal is a researcher at the Department of Sociology, Tallinn University. Her work examines how the migration experiences of migrant women influence their participation in feminist activism and the impact on society
 


by Viktorija Savitseva
first published by NARVAMUS

April 2025

Migrants' resistance to immigration. Ironic oxymoron? No, political reality!

The targeting of immigrants is not only a phenomenon of the majority society, but often also of the migrants themselves. In their search for their place in society, immigrants often encounter the coldness of those who have already undergone integration. Does accepting the prejudices of a majority become the ticket to a ‘normal’ life? Politicians, the media and society all play a part in this. Why do those who should be closest to each other define themselves against each other?
 


by Roman Berežanský
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Přistěhovalecký odpor k migraci. Proč se vůči sobě vymezují ti, kteří by si měli být nejblíž?

March 2025

Rural areas are increasingly becoming a media desert

Boskovice is situated forty kilometres north of Brno. The investigative local newspaper Ohlasy is published here, which is almost a rarity in today's Czech media landscape. ‘Local newspapers face similar problems to large, national newspapers, but they have far fewer resources to respond to these problems. The result is a so-called media desert, ’ says Tomáš Trumpeš, editor at “Ohlasy”.
 


by Tomáš Trumpeš
first published by JÁDU
V regionu vstupujete na mediální poušť

March 2025

From old concentration camp to punk club - ‘If we don't use the place, who will?’

Formerly a forced labour camp, later an abandoned ruin, then occupied by a group of punks who needed a shelter in the 1990s - today Exil e.V. is one of the last bulwarks against right-wing agitation in Eberswalde (Brandenburg). But time is working against the organisation.
 


by Mareike Hoeck
first published by JÁDU under the title
Vom alten KZ-Außenlager zum Punk-Klub - „Wenn wir den Ort nicht nutzen, wer dann?“

March 2025

Life in a ghost town - The lost Orbit(a)

Some people believe that there is no life outside of so-called civilisation. But it does exist, sometimes it is more complicated and brings with it a number of challenges, but it does not disappear. The inhabitants of Orbita know this from their own experience. Somewhere in the forests of Ukraine, the ghost town, abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster, has found new hope through the war.
 


by Yulia Surkova, Oleksii Filippov
first published by JÁDU under the title
Загублена Орбіта

March 2025

Inspiring sustainable projects - Adaptation as a challenge

From the blooming fields near Zálúčí to the ‘forest laboratory’ in Křtiny – we follow the stories of people who are transforming our landscape with their projects. They show that adaptation does not have to be a struggle for survival. It can also be an opportunity to reconnect nature, technology and human creativity. Global warming is not only a threat in these projects, but also an opportunity to create a sustainable world.
 


by Ester Dobiášová
first published by Jádu under the title
Inspirativní udržitelné projekty - Adaptace jako výzva

March 2025

The search for water: a challenge for modern women

What impact does climate change have on the health, everyday life and economic situation of Ukrainian women? Why are they often more affected by these impacts than men? What exactly is climate activism and what role do women play in it? Is their voice sufficiently heard in the debate on the consequences of climate change? Olha Liashchuk, advisor to the Ukrainian Climate Network and project coordinator at the NGO EcoClub, answers these questions.
 


by Anna Lakyza
first published by Jádu under the title
Знайти воду: виклик для сучасної жінки

March 2025

How Ukrainian farmers are adapting

In the midst of active warfare, Ukrainian farmers are adapting to new climatic conditions, for example in the Kharkiv region. They are changing the timing of sowing and harvesting, looking for new crops and using greenhouses and nets not only to harvest earlier but also to protect crops from extreme weather events.
 


by Tetiana Lohvina
first published by Jádu under the title
Як адаптуються українські фермери

March 2025

Angels among men? My dad used to accompany the Medics on the street with his camera. This is their story.

Ondrej Macl's report on „street medicine“, the voluntary work of medical students that saves the lives of those we often forget.
 


by Ondřej Macl
first published by revue Prostor
Andělé mezi lidmi? Jak můj táta doprovázel sfoťákem Mediky na ulici

March 2025

The house that Ihor built

In the midst of mines and destruction, constant explosions and death, there are people who, day after day, snatch their land and their own lives from war. This is the story of a farmer from the Kharkiv region who lives in one of the most heavily mined areas in the world.
 


by Yulia Surkova, Oleksii Filippov
first published by Jádu under the title
Дім, що побудував Ігор

March 2025

How long does it take for a wound to heal?

There have been protests in Serbia for more than 100 days. The collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad railway station, which tragically killed 15 people, sparked mass demonstrations across the country. The signatories of Students in Blockade shared their letter—written in December 2024—outlining the background of their protests.
 


by Student in a blockade
first published by revue Prostor under the title
How long does it take for a wound to heal?

March 2025

Ukraine wants peace above all else, but there is one "but"

Ukraine is prepared for the end of the hot phase of the war and wants peace more than any other country in the world. This is what official statements from Kyiv say. But not at the price of sovereignty and security. The democratic world must understand this. Ukrainian journalist Halyna Ostapovets on the conditions for a just peace.
 


by Halyna Ostapovets
first published by Jádu under the title
Україна понад усе хоче миру, але є одне «але»

February 2025

City on the edge: an architect's vision for the future of Kharkiv

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, is separated from the Russian border by an artillery shell. It is a peripheral city that has been subjected to some of the most intense attacks since the invasion began. Kharkiv architect Maxim Rosenfeld is working on plans to rebuild it, with the help of renowned British architect Norman Foster.
 


by Denis Vėjas
first published by NARA under the title
Paribių miestas: architekto vizija ateities Charkivui

February 2025

To see Lithuania more broadly. Six audio stories

Listen to selected documentaries from Vilnius University’s audio storytelling course. These student works explore a wide range of topics – from HIV testing in Prienai and new ways to fight addiction, to stories of aging, Soviet memories, struggling rural healthcare, and a disappearing village in Samogitia.
 


by Karolis Vyšniauskas
first published by NARA under the title
Matyti Lietuvą platesnę. Šešios garso istorijos

February 2025

Another protest in Sakartvelo, another disappointment with the government

Third month of anti-government protests in Sakartvelo. The resistance is lasting longer than ever before, taking forms never seen in the past and has no single leader. At the same time, the protests are part of a process that has been going on for thirty years, a vicious circle of civil war, revolution, constantly disputed election results, disillusionment with loved leaders, the struggle against the oligarchy, and poorly met social needs. And Russia, which is exacerbating everything.
 


by Denis Vėjas and Sigita Vegytė
First published in NARA under the title
Dar vienas protestas Sakartvele, dar vienas nusivylimas valdžia

February 2025

Narva’s Identity Crisis

Russian, Estonian or other - what should Narva residents choose when it comes to nationality, and how should they feel about it?
 


by Angelina Gruzdeva
first published by Narvamus under the title
Кризис идентичности Нарвы

February 2025

When “We” Become “They”: What Hides Behind the Deprivation of Voting Rights?

The Estonian parliament is currently debating the issue of revoking the right to vote in municipal elections from Russian and Belarusian citizens.
 


by Margarita Skripkina
first published by NARVAMUS under the title
Когда “мы” становятся “они”: что стоит за лишением избирательного права?

February 2025

Europe Votes Against Itself: What’s Behind the Rise of Right-Wing Parties?

The European Union (EU) has positioned itself, since its inception, as a stronghold of liberal democracy, social equality, and integrative policies. However, in recent years, the alarming rise in the popularity of right-wing parties has intensified.
 


by Polina Bargan
first published by NARVAMUS under the title
Европа голосует против себя: что стоит за популярностью правых партий?

February 2025

Artificial Intelligence, Water, and Why You Don’t Need to Say “Thank You” to AI

Language models and neural networks work with magical speed — they write faster than anyone can read. However, behind the ease of getting answers lies a massive consumption of resources.
 


by Anastassija Bondarenko
first published by NARVAMUS under the title
Искусственный интеллект, вода и почему не нужно писать ИИ «спасибо» после его использования

February 2025

Am I a Man or a Machine?

The text considers the perception of neurological differences such as autism and ADHD in the context of capitalism, arguing that the pressure for efficiency and uniformity in society pathologises neurodivergent conditions.
 


by Matúš Lupták
first published by Kapitál under the title
Som človek alebo stroj?

February 2025

Reverse Triggers: What Are Glimmers and Why Are They Useful?

Glimmers are micro-moments of joy and calm that help cope with everyday stress and restore a sense of safety. How do they work, why are they important for mental health, and how can they be found?
 


by Julia Dem
first published by NARVAMUS under the title
Триггеры наоборот: что такое глиммеры и чем они полезны?

February 2025

AI girlfriend? What about the AI boyfriend! Toxic mobsters and bullies earn millions of interactions

An article about relationships established through AI chats. Often it is pointed to relationships where a man seeks (heteronormatively) female chats. David Laufer's article reports on the opposite situation. But in the flood of headlines about virtual girlfriends, it's easy to lose the other side of the coin - the one for which we don't have such an established idea, science fiction images or literature in our culture. What about AI partners?
 


by David Laufer
first published by revue Prostor under the title
AI přítelkyně? Aco AI přítel! Toxičtí mafiáni asurovci sklízí miliony interak

February 2025

Home is where they want to kill you. Stories of migrants who have nothing but faith in Trump (Part 1)

For most of us, home is a place where we take off our shoes, where we are safe, where we go to lock ourselves away from the world. For these people, it's more of a state of mind. It's where they have a moment's peace and hope that they won't have to return to the places they came from. They are fleeing their "homes" where they have been abused, humiliated, and even wanted to kill.
 


by Václav Lang
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Domov je tam, kde tě chtějí zabít. Příběhy migrantů, jimž zbyla jen víra vTrumpa (1. část)

February 2025

Home is where they want to kill you. Stories of migrants who have nothing but faith in Trump (Part 2)

(TIJUANA) It's Sunday morning, less than a day until Trump's inauguration. The city is freezing, but the sun is already rising above the horizon, sending warm rays down on the Babyloons. We climb the hills far from downtown and the border, and taxi driver Miguel confides that his brother worked as a "coyote" many years ago. There's no other way to refer to the local smugglers.
 


by Václav Lang
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Domov je tam, kde tě chtějí zabít. Příběhy migrantů, jimž zbyla jen víra vTrumpa (2. část)

February 2025

I wouldn't feel safe here

The author spent several weeks to find out how Ukrainians perceive Slovakia in the current political context, three years after the outbreak of a full-scale war.
 


by Sára Činčurová
first published by Kapitál under the title
Necítila by som sa u vás bezpečne

February 2025

Stop and go: Chișinău's bumpy (bicycle) road to Europe

Following a very close referendum and the re-election of pro-European President Maia Sandu, the Republic of Moldova is on a shaky course towards the EU. A new cycle path in Chișinău shows just how bumpy the road to Europe can be in everyday life.
 


by Christian-Zsolt Varga, Ramin Mazur
first published by Jádu under the title
Stop and go: Chișinăus holpriger (Fahrrad)Weg nach Europa

January 2025

Why Americans elected Trump - and how those who didn't vote for him feel

On 20 January, Donald Trump was sworn in and officially became the 47th President of the United States of America. Unlike in 2016, Trump won the election by a majority vote. He became the first US President to be convicted – for falsifying documents and bribing porn star Stormy Daniels to avoid damaging his 2016 election campaign. How?
 


by Audra Skuodaitė
first published in NARA under the title
Kodėl amerikiečiai išrinko Trumpą – ir kaip jaučiasi tie, kurie už jį nebalsavo

January 2025

Blockades of Faculties in Serbia

The article reports on the ongoing student protests and blockades of faculties in Serbia. These actions were initiated by students in response to the tragic collapse of the shelter in Novi Sad and the long-standing dissatisfaction with the political situation under President Vucic.
 


by Vladimíra Dorčová Valtnerová
first published by Kapitál under the title
Blokády fakúlt v Srbsku

January 2025

Longing for Visegrad

The article reflects on the current state of the Visegrad Four, with the author criticising the departure from the original ideals of cooperation. It focuses on the rise of nationalist tendencies and the lack of solidarity in the region, illustrating this with the example of attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees and Robert Fico's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
 


by Apolena Rychlíková
first published by Kapitál under the title
Toužení po Visegrádu

January 2025

Ruby slippers aren't enough. Absence of home as the root cause of the vicious cycle of trauma

Homelessness is most often associated with the image of a man lying on a bench with a bottle in his hand. But what other forms can it take? In what ways does the absence of a home inscribe itself in our lives, our ability to form relationships and social integration, the conditions needed to deal with this problem? This deeply personal account turns conventional ideas about homelessness upside down. Is it most often caused by relational trauma?
 


by Maja Rysová
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Rubínové střevíce nestačí. Absence domova jako základní příčina začarovaného kruhu traumatu

January 2025

Poetry and bullets, plastic in the trenches

This interview explores the realities of war, its environmental consequences, and the societal shifts in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. It highlights the personal journey of a Ukrainian woman engaged in activism and military service, emphasizing the role of culture, identity, and resilience in times of war. The narrative also addresses the broader struggle of post-colonial nations resisting imperial aggression.
 


by Olena Apczel, Nataliya Parshchyk
first published by Kultura Liberalna under the title
Poezja i kule, plastik w okopach

January 2025

Revitalizing solidarity

The labour market is difficult, especially for young people. About trade unions as collective tools for achieving a dignified future, about non-standardised work that will soon become the norm, and about the idea of doing nothing as a guide to a ‘good life’. Interview with Monika Uhlerová, president of the Slovak Trade Union Federation, KOZ.
 


by Ivana Rumanová
first published by Jádu under the title
Resuscitovať solidaritu

December 2024

The climate crisis and the willingness to sacrifice disadvantaged people

People with disabilities are two to four times more likely to be injured or even die during climate emergencies than people without disabilities. However, it is not only the climate crisis itself that affects these people disproportionately more often, but also unrealised measures to counteract the climate crisis. Our author Petra Eller reports on how such measures create new barriers, especially for people with health impairments and disabilities.
 


by Petra Eller
first published by Jádu under the title
Klimatická kríza a ochota obetovať zdravotne znevýhodnených ľudí

December 2024

On the Road to Russia: Rigged Elections and Dashed Dream

The text describes the massive protests in Georgia after the parliamentary elections in October 2024, which the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party won. The text also includes the testimony of lawyer Gvantsy Danelia on the widespread fraud and violations of electoral rules.
 


by Salome Berdzenišvili
first published by Kapitál under the title
Na ceste do Ruska: Zmanipulované voľby a zmarené sny

December 2024

Mark Adam Harold, the Ghostwriter Behind Gabrielius Landsbergis's Tweets

Lithuania's foreign minister, who finished his term in December 2024 – and, at least for now, his political career – became a surprise star on Twitter, relentlessly advocating for Ukraine's defense. We talked with a former DJ, an immigrant, “the least diplomatic person in Lithuania, ” who penned the minister's tweets for Lithuania's public diplomacy effort.
 


by Karolis Vyšniauskas
first published in NARA under the title
Mark Adam Harold, the Ghostwriter Behind Gabrielius Landsbergis's Tweets

December 2024

Can we take this further than a hateful poster? The SPD campaign has shown that most Czechs don't care about racism

„We were born here, we grew up here, we study, we work, we raise our children. Most of us are planning our future here. We are part of Czech society, but we have dark skin. According to the SPD and its supporters, we are a risk. We are alone in our struggle to convince the public that we are not.“ On racism in Czech politics and the reactions of the Czech public from the perspective of a "dark-skinned" author.
 


by Natálie Sousa
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Můžeme to dotáhnout dál než na nenávistný plakát? Kampaň SPD ukázala, že většině Čechů je rasizmus jedno

December 2024

Police brutality, but also unusual expressions of solidarity. Notes from the demonstrations in Georgia

A group of students report on the protests in Georgia that erupted after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a halt to the country's accession negotiations to join the EU by 2028.
 


by Robo Mihály, Michal Vasiľ, Virág Emma Csuport
first published in Kapitál under the title
Policajná brutalita, ale aj nevšedné prejavy solidarity. Zápisky z demonštrácií v Gruzínsku

November 2024

In Cameroon, Prisca was threatened with death. Will Lithuania become her new home?

In July 2022, Prisca Pascalina crossed the border between Lithuania and Belarus because she was facing death in her native Cameroon. After two years and several court hearings, she was granted asylum in Lithuania. Prisca is now starting her life as a transgender black refugee. In a society that is often hostile to her.
 


Julija Stankevičiūtė
first published by NARA under the title
Kamerūne Priscai grėsė mirtis. Ar Lietuva taps jos naujais namais?

November 2024

Embroidered resistance

Rufina Bazlova uses embroidery to tell the stories of political prisoners, protesters and the people who have died in Belarus since Aleksandr Lukashenko forcibly took power in 2020. About collective memories, building connection, and solidarity with Belarus.
 


by Ester Dobiášová 
first published by Jádu under the title
Vyšívaná kronika odporu v Bělorusku

November 2024

Bookshelves as embrasures

Why does Russian aggression in Ukraine extend to books? How librarians in Ukraine go far beyond their professional responsibilities and not only save culture, but also the lives of readers. 
 


by Kateryna Yehorushkina
first published by Jádu under the title
„Udělali si z polic na knihy střílny...“

October 2024

In the light of the star and the crescent moon

A personal testimony of a young woman who is half Muslim and half Jewish, living in Europe. A text reflecting on the question of what her identity actually is, on Islamophobia linked to the migrant crisis and the ever-present anti-Semitism. It asks how identity is formed, to what extent it is chosen, and to what extent it is a projection of those around her, such as family, friends and the foreign public.
 


by Melika Yildiz
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Ve svitu hvězdy apůlměsíce

June 2025

How to think about polarization

If we want to be linguistically precise, we must perceive polarisation as a metaphor that allows us to understand the world around us and give structure to our insights into what is happening and where we are headed. Like any metaphor, this one is not and cannot be strictly true or false. It can be more or less accurate, more or less clearly defined, misleading, but also deceptive—all depending on how we grasp it and how we work with it.
 


by Matej Cíbik
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Jak přemýšlet o polarizaci

June 2025

Can't you feel it? Then say so. The phenomenon of temporary relationships

When I asked my peers what they considered to be the biggest problem in their lives, I received a unanimous answer: romantic relationships. Whether they are currently in a relationship or single, they almost uniformly talk about the complexity of finding a suitable partner who is serious about them. In their experience so far, there is usually one or more relationships that can be described as a situationship.
 


by Anna Kubínová
first published by revue Prostor under the title
Necítíš to? Tak to řekni. Fenomén přechodných vztahů