International Relations
Interview
Florence Gaub on Navigating a Renewed Conflict in the Middle East – INTERVIEW
3 October 2024
The recently deceased Czech historian and diplomat Petr Vágner explains the public role of historical research and debate in our part of the world. An interview from the Visegrad Insight archive to commemorate the recently deceased Vágner, who served as Executive Director of the International Visegrad Fund between 2009 and 2012.
Petr Vágner was a graduate of history at Charles University in Prague and worked at the Czech Academy of Sciences before moving into international affairs and diplomacy. He worked at the Czech Embassies in Moscow and Kyiv and more recently served as the Deputy Head of Mission of the Czech Republic in the Republic of Azerbaijan. He passed away on 21 April 2021 after a period of illness.
This interview was originally conducted in 2013 and has been republished to commemorate the decease of Petr Vágner.
Visegrad Insight: What purpose might it serve to talk about historical enmity in Central Europe, rather than simply friendship?