One of the founding fathers of the nation, an unwavering pillar of Czechoslovak diplomacy and statehood, an inescapable figure of London's Second World War political scene, but for many also a controversial figure and a ‘weakling’ who allowed the country to be taken over by Nazi Germany and later by the Communists. The legacy of Czechoslovakia's second president, Edvard Beneš, still resonates strongly in the Czech nation's self-image today, and is taking on new significance in the context of Russia's current aggression towards Ukraine.

Join our distinguished speakers for a debate on the actions and legacy of President Beneš at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in London on Tuesday 12 September at 6.30pm.

Venue:
Embassy of the Czech Republic
26 - 30 Kensington Palace Gardens
London W8 4QY

We welcome five speakers:

• Prof Anita Prazmowska, London School of Economics and Political Sciences
• Dr Jakub Benes, University College London SSEES
• Dr Martin D. Brown, Richmond American University London
• Dr George Edward Scott, historian, Memorial Association for Free Czechoslovak Veterans
• Neil Rees, historian, author of ‚The Secret History of the Czech Connection: The Czechoslovak Government in Exile in London and Buckinghamshire During the Second World War‘

After the introductory debate, there will be a Q&A from the audience. Please RSVP to events.london@embassy.mzv.cz.  

We look forward to welcoming you!