Prague Velvet Revolution 1989 – I was there by Amb. John Macgregor

Free Public Lecture Series - Amb. John Macgregor

Registration: https://macgregor30jan.eventbrite.com

What was specific to the Prague Velvet Revolution in November 1989? Why were it and most of the parallel Central European revolutions largely peaceful? What did Czechoslovakia hope would emerge from it? We’re these hopes fulfilled? Could the ‘West’ have handled things better? Where does Czechia fit in what has emerged from the 1989 revolutions in Central Europe? Are there lessons from all this which are applicable to other countries emerging from dictatorship? The pluses and pitfalls of personal witness to great events.

John joined the British Diplomatic Service in 1973, serving at the UN in New York, as political officer in India, Deputy Head of Mission in Czechoslovakia, DG for trade promotion in Germany, Ambassador to Poland, Director for non-EU Europe, Ambassador to Austria and Governor of the IAEA. Dean of BSIS in 2007-9 - 2 great years in Brussels. Accompanied his Ambassador wife to Mexico then to South Africa. Returned the Earth 2 years ago, and now lectures periodically, and chairs an eye health charity in Africa.

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