Central European University 73d ago

This event presents the launch of George Soros and the Roma: Praxis, Equity and Empowerment, a major new contribution to debates on Roma rights, philanthropy, and social transformation. Hosted by Central European University (March 12, 2026), the discussion brings together the authors and leading scholars to critically examine the legacy of George Soros and his efforts to support Roma communities across Europe. Soros’ philanthropy aimed to foster a transnational Roma vanguard and scalable models of inclusion. But what has been the real impact? This conversation explores: The possibilities and limits of philanthropy in creating structural change The role of civil society in advancing Roma rights The tensions between elite leadership and grassroots movements The future of the Roma movement in an era of political polarization and rising radical right forces While acknowledging disagreement within the Roma movement, the authors emphasize that it remains grounded in solidarity, courage, and humanity—qualities essential for building a more just and inclusive future. Discussants Angéla Kóczé – Associate Professor of Romani Studies & Academic Director of the Roma Graduate Preparation Program Violetta Zentai – Professor, Department of Public Policy & Sociology, CEU About the Authors Andrew Ryder – Professor at Eötvös Loránd University Balázs Majtényi – Professor focusing on minority and Roma rights Frank Thomas Zsigó – Assistant Professor & researcher on Roma civil society 00:00 Opening & Welcome 00:26 Introducing the Book 01:09 Format of the Discussion 01:34 Authors’ Opening Remarks 02:00 Who is George Soros? 03:47 Open Society & CEU 05:42 Why This Book Matters 06:49 Roma Inclusion as Justice 08:27 Democracy & Structural Inequality 09:48 Roma Programs & Policy Impact 10:31 Can Philanthropy Create Change? 11:26 Soros’ Legacy Today 14:02 Research Methodology 18:03 Evolution of Roma Advocacy 19:38 Civil Society Debates 20:27 Soros & Political Backlash 22:13 Roma Leadership & Movements 24:47 Current Challenges & Radical Right 26:21 Discussants Begin 30:00 Power & Inequality 34:03 Civil Society After 1989 37:10 Internal Power Dynamics 40:19 Intersectionality & Roma Women 44:17 Open Society vs Neoliberalism 47:17 Grassroots vs Institutional Models 50:04 Legacy & Long-Term Impact 52:08 Personal Story: Meeting Soros 54:04 Education & Social Change 55:44 Successes vs Limitations 57:56 The Roma Elite Debate 01:00:06 Institutions & Representation 01:02:05 Education & Leadership 01:05:30 The Ivory Tower Problem 01:07:08 Future of Roma Empowerment 01:09:18 Final Reflections Central European University is an institution of advanced research and teaching, dedicated to socially and morally responsible intellectual inquiry. More from CEU: Home https://www.ceu.edu/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeAreCEU Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/weareceu.bsky.social Instagram https://www.instagram.com/weareceu/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/central-european-university Threads https://www.threads.net/@weareceu #GeorgeSoros #Roma #RomaniStudies Subscribe for more videos: https://www.youtube.com/CentralEuropeanUniversityChannel