Polyhistors in World Politics – Winston Churchill 150

Polyhistors in World Politics

Winston Churchill 150

“In their duel, on which the destinies of the world depended, a great statesman prevailed over a great revolutionary; the writer over the orator; a cosmopolitan over a racist; a democratic aristocrat over a populist demagogue; a traditionalist over a radical; a patriot over a nationalist.” These are the concluding lines of The Duel, by John Lukacs, in which the author praises Winston Churchill’s role and merits in the Second World War. The Hungarian-born scholar, professor and author, who established his career in the United States, taught and inspired generations of historians over more than six decades of work and found an icon in Churchill who would become central in his oeuvre.

However, the above lines could have been written by Otto von Habsburg as well since the former Crown Prince also held the British Prime Minister in high esteem, with whom he shared a common position on several key issues. The Archduke met Churchill during the turbulent years of the Second World War, and their acquaintance developed into a close relationship of mutual respect and trust in the early years of the Cold War. Their exchanges provide an insight into one of the most formative periods of conservative intellectual and political development after the Second World War and highlight the significance of their joint efforts to promote a united Europe and stable transatlantic relations.

At the same time, John Lukacs, Otto von Habsburg and Winston Churchill were united not only in their political vision but also in their more profound conviction about the importance of preserving the cultural and philosophical values on which Western civilisation was founded. For them, safeguarding freedom, democracy, and Western culture was not merely a political goal but a moral duty.

In this context, the conference seeks to explore the political and intellectual legacy of Churchill—who was born 150 years ago this year—from diverse perspectives. Featuring contributions from both Hungarian and international speakers, the event will focus on his role as a statesman, his perspectives on global affairs, and his impact on political thought in the latter half of the 20^th century.

Programme

15.00–15.10     Welcome speeches

Paul Fox, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary

Gergely Prőhle, Director of the Otto von Habsburg Foundation and Programme Director of the John Lukacs Institute

Churchill and Otto von Habsburg

15.10–15.20      Introductory remarks

David Alton of Liverpool, professor, Member of the House of Lords

15.20–15.40     George H. Nash, historian, Senior Fellow at the Russell Kirk Centre for Cultural Renewal

Churchill in World History

15.40–16.00     Géza Jeszenszky, historian, university professor, former Minister of Foreign Affairs

Churchill in Central European Thought

16.00–16.15     Discussion moderated by Katalin Bogyay, former UN and UNESCO Ambassador of Hungary; President of the UN Association of Hungary

16.15–16.30     Coffee break

16.30–16.50    Werner Vogt, historian, communications expert, former editor of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Churchill and the European Public

16.50–17.10     François Kersaudy, historian, former professor at the Panthéon-Sorbonne University

Churchill and Charles de Gaulle

17.10–17.30     Richard Gamble, professor, Hillsdale College

The Churchill-Image of John Lukacs

17.30–17.50     Discussion moderated by David Campanale, award-winning former BBC journalist; co-founder of Tusvanyos Summer University

18.00                  Reception

The conference will be held in Hungarian and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided.

We look forward to welcoming you!