W E E K L Ythe

c e n t r a l e u r o p e a n u n i v e r s i t y

An independent newspaper by CEU students and alumni December 2, 2015, Year 5, Issue 65

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HAPPYHOLIDAYS, CEU!

THE CEU WEEKLY

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Small Talk

What would you give to Viktor Orbán for Christmas?

~ Ann-Kathrin BeckSchool of Public Policy

Germany

Anastasia Zabusova School of Public Policy

Russian Federation

Krisztian Komanoi Econometrics Hungary

Nevena MedicNationalism Studies

Bosnia and Herzegovina

“In a recent interview he mentioned that the book of Habermas is the most evil book ever. I would give him another one, maybe he will change his mind? Or convince him even more?

I would give him a banana and would ask him to share it with somebody. And I would like to see whom will he choose.

Abu SaieedEconomicsBangladesh

Give peace to the people, man!

Mussa IdrisSociologyEritrea

“From a professional point of view I might formulate guidelines for the refugee crisis, how to deal with that. It might be helpful.”

SAW YOU AT CEUOut of Reach:

First saw you in a dingy garage, off Múzeum utca. You

didn’t notice me, but I saw you: bright red, a little

worn, but cheerful. On my next visit, you were gone.

I hope that whoever you went with appreciates you--

the most beautiful second-hand bike Budapest has to

offer.

Empty Tables, Broken Hearts: We made eye contact near the foosball table.

The look of devastation on your face when you

discovered the ball had disappeared broke my

heart. If you read this, know that for at least one

moment, someone else on this Earth knew how

much agony you were in.

Had a missed connection? Send details or responses to sawyouatceu@gmail.com, limit 50 words. We’ll print a selection in the next issue, and will connect responses directly by email! Submissions will remain anonymous.

CEU SMALLTALK

In the midst of finals, buried under tons of papers, we leave campus late and find ourselves in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas market. Regardless of our cultural differences, we think of winter break plans, people we miss and gifts

to give them. While most of your presents will go to friends and family, there is someone who might need some Xmasy support from the CEU community:

A Syrian passport.

Hanna ManoilenkoGender Studies

Ukraine

ISSUE 65

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The Praesidium Libertatis scholarship

INTERVIEW WITH A RECIPIENT OF THE PRAESIDIUM LIBERTATIS SCHOLARSHIP

The idea behind the programme is that in Eastern

Europe, countries as prospective members, newly added members or neighbors of the EU are in need of information on many aspects of the European Union. It became a tradition in the last

few years, that CEU Alumni receiving this scholarship to share with their alma mater their experience in the Netherlands. In this interview we will be talking with Salman Tahir, from Lahore, Pakistan. Salman holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Political Science from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Earlier this year, he graduated from the MA International Relations and European Studies program at CEU and currently, under the Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship, he is working towards his MSc degree in Public Administration from Leiden University in The Netherlands.

Why did you decide to apply for another MA at Leiden University and how different it is from CEU?The main focus of my study at

CEU was on conflict and security studies, which was academically challenging and fulfilling, but it did not fully encapsulate my research interests, such that I felt the need to learn more before I could venture out for a job or PhD. I wanted to broaden the scope of my academic experience to include the field of public policy or public administration and the Masters programs at Leiden University gave me the opportunity to do just that. Researching on the nexus between politics and policy-making has always fascinated me and finding a specialization in the Public Administration program at Leiden prompted me to apply. Furthermore, Leiden has always

~ Torotcoi Simona Praesidium Libertatis Alumna

PhD Student in Public PolicyRomania

The Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship is a Joint Programme between CEU and Leiden University for Outstanding Students from CEU

been one of my dream universities and I’m glad that the Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship was able to make this dream come true.

About the Praesidium Libertatis Scholarship, please give us some insights and tell us what do you like the most?The Praesidium Libertatis

scholarship introduced me to an altogether new world of experiences. The wonderful city of Leiden offers everything one could expect in a perfect student life. This, coupled with the warmth and comfort that you feel as part of the PL family, makes your time here unforgettable.

What are your future plans after your studies?In the short run, I would like to

pursue a PhD on the topic of the evolution of a welfare state model in Asia. In the long-run, I would join the civil services of Pakistan, where I would like to address the policy failures in the public sector and work with my international networks to find effective measures and developmental models that can accommodate the effective functioning of a welfare state in Pakistan.

Do you have any advice for the prospective Praesidium Libertatis applicants from CEU?

My advice to future applicants will be to look within about what they want to do in their lives and be very clear about their goals in the application. At the same time, it is very important to show that you genuinely care about the program you are applying for, so back up your interests with relevant professional, academic or even personal experiences. Lastly, spend a lot of time and effort on your application to make it as perfect as possible.

Find out more about The Praesidium Libertatis

scholarship on the CEU Weekly Blog:

ceuweekly.blogspot.hu! And also check out the CEU website: http://www.ceu.edu/funding-fees/finaid-enrolled/

praesidium-libertatis. The application deadline is

February 19, 2016.

Molen De Put, Leiden Salm

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ahir

THE CEU WEEKLY

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Op-Ed

THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY

One of the largest tragedies of the recent refugee crises

is the unwillingness of nations to adequately open their borders to refugees. Notably, the United States has offered little meaningful help in resettling the 4 million displaced Syrians. The U.S. recently increased its quota from a paltry 2,000 people to 10,000, which is woefully short of its European counterparts. Previously, America has shown that it has the ability to resettle large populations, with little ill effect. However, American’s reception is markedly chillier, especially after the terrible events in Paris.Many American politicians

operate under a misguided logic that conflates refugee status with terrorism. They play on disturbing claims that one of the Paris attackers may have been a recent Syrian refugee, although conclusive evidence is still missing.Thirty governors already stated

they did not want to resettle any more Syrian refugees in their respective states. These politicians are responding to America’s fear of ISIS infiltrating U.S. borders and carrying out terrorist attacks like the tragic events in Paris. For them, not opening the doors for the Syrian refugees is a security measure to keep the homeland safe. In reality, it is publicity stunt by these politicians to their constituents to display toughness in the face of an unknown assailant; shooting off dangerous rhetoric with refugees as the unfortunate bystanders.However, even in with potential

security risks involved with taking on refugees, the United States should still resettle Syrian and others looking for safety. This action is America’s best hope at showing solidarity with terror victims, and discrediting the extremist ideology behind groups like ISIS.

First, refugees, are in fact one of the populations least likely to engage in terrorist activities. Only two out of the 745,000 refugees resettled since September 11th have been arrested for aiding terrorism, and zero have committed any attacks on US soil. Furthermore, refugees are screened more than any other person entering the United States. All applicants undergo FBI biometric checks, in-person interviews, medical screenings, and investigations by American and international intelligence agencies. Even the most hardened Jihadist soldier may not be tough enough to stand up to bureaucracy.Second, by willingly helping

Syrian refugees, the U.S would prove ISIS’s divisive rhetoric false. By refusing to show humanity to those fleeing, the United States plays right into what ISIS wants: to create an insurmountable “clash of cultures” between Muslims and the West. Rather, the U.S should live up to the creed chiseled on the Statue of Liberty. The US

has successfully integrated large amounts of displaced people before and must do so again. The best way America can deflate ISIS’s radical discord is to to extend support to the refugees who these extremists want to turn us against.An increased quota to at least

25,000 Syrian refugees would help combat ISIS and prevent further people from falling into their clutches. America should continue the rigorous security checks for every refugee, but the recent events in Paris should not slow down resettlement. At this time, the most powerful statement the United States could make to promote security and peace would be taking in those who seek refuge from extremists.

SPP’s Lauren Hosp Reflects on the Refugee Quota in the United States and Recent Political Rhetoric Around It

~ Lauren Hasp School of Public Policy

United States

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ISSUE 65 Op-Ed

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A LETTER REGARDING CEU’S RESPONSE TO THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN PARIS

Dear CEU, After the recent events

that happened in Paris on Friday night, so many friends, relatives and people of our community have expressed their condolences and deep compassion for all the victims. The official webpage of CEU has also displayed its solidarity with French people. I am French and I have also been

deeply affected by this terrible attack, as I have many friends and relatives living in Paris.Nevertheless, I am extremely

surprised to learn that our university, which claims to promote diversity and is proud of having students from all over the world, is taking a position only when the West is targeted by terrorist attacks, namely France.One month ago, the 10th October

2015, Ankara suffered when a terrible bomb attack killed over 100 young people who were demonstrating for peace. Some

hours before the attacks took place in Paris, Beirut was violently bombed by exactly the same terrorists who claim responsibility for the attacks in Paris. I will not make a list here of all the tragic events claiming the lives of people around the world. These are merely two examples I wish to use to ask a question which I feel is important: Why do French lives matter more than the Turkish or Lebanese lives lost, and which have largely been kept quiet about? By showing an exclusive

support to the attacks in Paris, I believe the university offends many of its students from our community by showing them that they do not belong to the same world, they are from another part of the world that does not require attention and support.The variability of CEU’s

institutional solidarity based on the region of the world where these attacks happen, testifies that some

lives are valued more than others. I am deeply concerned and saddened to realise that our so-called open-minded university is actually hierarchizing the death of people.I do, of course, stand in solidarity

with Paris and wish to show my respect and express mycondolences to anyone that has suffered directly or indirectly from the tragedy, but I also stand in solidarity with all victims of terrorism, without hierarchy and without distinction.

Sincerely,Florine Lelaurain

Gender StudiesFrance

**CEU later revised its statement to say that CEU stands with

“all victims of terrorism in support of diversity, tolerance and open society”

CORRUPTION KILLS: BUCHAREST NIGHT CLUBFIRE IGNITES AN ENTIRE POLITICAL SYSTEM

On October 30th, a fire at the nightclub, Colectiv in

Bucharest took the life of 60 people and injured another 151. This catastrophe was the result of the illegal fire safety conditions of the club, situated in an old communist factory basement. What was truly shocking was the owners had authorization for functioning, regardless of the improper conditions. The bar managers are currently on trial for manslaughter, as all authorization was obtained by bribing local officials. The tragedy has generated mass-

mourning in Romanian society, where a silent march occurred to commemorate the death of so many young people. This march quickly turned into a spontaneous mass street protest. The citizens have manifested their disapproval

of the deeply ingrained corruption that has infiltrated every aspect of the Romanian society and now has taken lives. The slogan of the protests became viral: ‘Corruption Kills’.After the first day of protests,

Prime Minister Victor Ponta announced his resignation alongside his entire cabinet of ministers. Nonetheless, this was not enough to satisfy the masses, who returned to the streets demanding more: the eradication of the entire political class in Romania and a mass-cleansing of corruption. Disapproval turned into disgust and the protestors encouraged the entire population to avoid voting for any familiar politician in the future. Only completely new, politically unaffiliated people can steer Romania away from this path of decay.

In order to mitigate the protests, the parliament approved the president’s suggestion of a new prime minster, Dacian Ciolos. Ciolos currently leads a purely technocratic cabinet of specialists without any political affiliations, in which many Romanians have put their highest hopes. Unfortunately, a tragedy at the scale of Colectiv was necessary for the Romanian society to take this first crucial step away from an over-politicized and corrupt system.

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~ Mihnea Cătuţi School of Public Policy

Romania

THE CEU WEEKLY

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Monyo Brewery

PESTI PILSNERS: CEU WEEKLY VISITS MONYO BREWERY

On Maglódi utca, on the outskirts of Budapest, a

magisterial building broods. It is one of the ancient palaces of industry slowly falling to pieces in the heart of the old fortress of Hungarian beer, the Kőbánya district. The shattered windows and silent stacks rising from its rooftops makes one feel that one has stumbled across Dracula’s brewery. The old Capital Brewing Company building had not been used in nearly 100 years, until in 2014 a new resident arrived. Monyo Brewing is part of a new

wave of small craft brewers setting up in Kőbánya. The company began in December of 2014 after founder Ádám Pein became frustrated with the quality of beer at his bar. He got together with the head brewer of Hedon, Anti Nemeth, and together they set out to do better. They dedicated their new brewery to achieving commercial quality levels, while remaining independent, original, and hand crafted. During the 1990s, Hungary’s

hundred or so breweries closed one by one, until only four remained. Many of these defunct breweries

left behind equipment that could be bought cheaply, but Pein had a more ambitious plan. He purchased all new equipment from the proceeds of selling his flat. Since then, Monyo has tripled its original capacity of only a thousand hectolitres per year. Pein says that the brewery has encountered only two significant problems: financial shortages to grow capacity and quality, and distribution. They are not, however, short of demand. In fact, one week this summer, they ran out of beer. Their most recent investments

are ten brand new fermenting and aging tanks, and a new bottling line to reduce oxygen contamination and speed up the process. They have also begun construction on a quality assessment laboratory. Although Pein certainly wants to grow his profits, the primary concern at Monyo is to continually improve quality. This year, the brewery won the “Best Hungarian Brewer” award at the tenth annual beer festival Főzdefeszt, as well as a string of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Monyo also facilitates the growth

of Hungary’s beer scene. Pein says that many of the beers brewed at Monyo come from recipes created

by “Gypsy Brewers” who want to make beer, but have no space or equipment. A few, like Horizont, have found a place for their brand in the Budapest market, and it is only a matter of time before they found a brewery of their own. Two more breweries are planned in the complex where Monyo is located, and two others are sniffing around the area. Perhaps one day the building will be a thriving brewery again. Monyo just released their

“Culáger,” a pilsner done in the style of the beers of old, as a tribute to the building they inhabit. It is light but flavorful, with a malty base and a delightful tang of fresh Mittelfruh hops. They also brewed a pumpkin ale resplendent with fall spices, along with both a black and a white IPA. For the future, Pein says he is most excited about two limited edition beers. One is a Barleywine called “Franky Four Fingers”, aged twelve months, due out the first week of December. The other, a six-month-old Russian Imperial Stout called “Boris the Blade”, debuts November 27. Only 2,000 bottles will be released, and the retailer Bortársaság has already purchased 1,000 of them. You can try Monyo’s beer at Cafe

Monyo, their bar on Kálvin Tér, or at taps at Neked Csak Dezső on Donhány utca and Élesztő on Tűzoltó utca. Their bottles can be found at Bortársaság locations and at Kézműves Csemege on Ráday utca.

~ Connor McDermottHistory Department

United States

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The CEU Weekly’s Connor McDermott Gets an Inside “Taste” of Budapest’s Monyo Brewery

ISSUE 65 Happening at CEU

JOKES ABOUT VIOLENCE ARE NOT FUNNY

~ Victoria ApostolHRSI Program Manager

Alumna LEGS’2014

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Talking and writing about gender-based violence is not easy. It

is a complex and sensitive subject. Consequences of violence never disappear. Although, you may live a peaceful and safe life after surviving violence, abuse and assault, memories of violence are never gone. Survivors of violence have to cope with violent memories for the rest of their lives. This is a difficult and sometimes painful process, because it takes more than merely escaping the perpetrator in order for victim to feel safe and protected again; it takes all of us. What does this mean? It means that we as a society and as

separate individuals have a role to play in combating violence and in creating an environment that does not remind the survivors of the horrible experiences that they had suffered. One can start by asking him/herself: how often did I hear jokes about

violence and rape? What did I do when I heard such jokes? Did I laugh? Some may argue that jokes are jokes and they are meant to make us laugh. I strongly disagree with such a position, as jokes about violence and rape are a form of perpetuating violence. They trivialize and normalize violence. Moreover, they contribute to triggering the memories of violence and maintaining a culture that benefits perpetrators. Violence is defined as a relationship

of power through which someone aims to degrade another person; to reduce that person to an object. Gender-based violence means violence that is directed against a person because of her/his gender. ‘Gender-based violence’ and ‘violence against women’ are terms that are often used interchangeably as most gender-based violence is inflicted by men on women and girls, including transgender women and girls.

Gender-based violence is defined by a patriarchal understanding of gender roles in our societies. As long as cisgender and transgender women are going to be perceived as non-equal individuals, half-human beings and someone’s property, gender-based violence is going to exist. And jokes about violence and rape contribute to its existence. Therefore it is important to stop making such jokes and to take a stance against them. Condemn jokes about violence and rape, and refuse to laugh at violence.

Check the full program of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign here: https://hrsi.ceu.edu/events/2015-11-25/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence-campaign-at-ceu

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This Article is a Part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign Organized by HRSI at CEU

TIME TO UNGLUE YOUR JOWL AND GLUE THOSE SPONGES

The essay and pre-exam season on campus culminates in a mix of fragile emotions, irregular breathing

patterns, performances of stress, slightly neglected hygiene practices, the tic-tac-tic of tic-tacking keyboards and silent swish of flipping pages as we all project ourselves forward in the pursuit and digestion of knowledge. I too, have been a player of the hectic grad-student role but as of last week I experienced a refreshing exposure to a new role, a hands-on role at Margery Amdur’s participatory art project.The Centre for Arts and Culture at CEU has invited

Amdur to create an art project. Her creative approach centers on the participatory nature of her art, both in the creative process and the interaction aftermath. An American artist, and a professor at Rutgers University, her practice began with printmaking and has evolved involving large-landscape like installations that suspend themselves between painting, drawing and sculpture. During visits to her studio in room 433 at Oktober 6 utca 7, students are contributing to the creation of an art installation that will debut on campus during the first weeks of December. Aside from participation, Amdur’s engaging and inquisitive attitude means that students have the opportunity to do more than physically participate, but to also be enveloped in an exchange of ideas and experiences.Amdur emphasizes the value of her participatory art

project is that it allows people to step out from the fast-

paced, goal driven, and production preoccupied pattern of our immediate surroundings. To be frank, the opportunity to make something with my hands, and share opinions, interests and impressions ranging from Budapest to past experiences, has lent a breath of fresh air to my essay writing season. I highly encourage anyone looking to slow down, or simply to collaborate with others, to visit Amdur’s improvised studio and get to cutting, gluing and creating.

Margery Amdur and Her Participatory Art Project at CEU

~ Camilo Montoya-GuevaraCultural Heritage Studies

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Art materials at Amdur's Studio

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The CEU Weekly is a student-alumni initiative that seeks to provide CEU with a regularly issued newspa-per. The CEU Weekly is a vehicle of expression for the diversity of the perspectives and viewpoints that in-tegrate CEU’s open society: free and respectful public debate is our aim. We offer a place in which current events and student reflections can be voiced. Plurality, respect, and freedom of speech are our guiding principles.

About the CEU Weekly

Have an Opinion?Contact Us About Our Op-Ed Policy &

Ways to Contribute:ceuweekly@gmail.com

Distribution Points: Reception Nádor 9, Nádor 11, Library, Cloakroom & CEU Dorm ceuweekly.blogspot.com

Editor in Chief: Ekaterina Efimenko Managing Editor: Ben Spies Layout: Aaron Korenewsky Contributors: Victoria Apostol, Ann-Kathrin Beck, Calum Cameron, Mihnea Cătuţi, Lauren Hosp, Florine Lelaurain, Connor McDermott, Camilo Montoya-Guevara, Simona Torotcoi, Ilana Ullman, Alexandra Wagner, Anastasia Zabusova

Like us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/TheCEUWeekly

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

CHRISTMAS IN BUDAPEST

*Any opinions expressed by contributors and/or interviewees herein are those solely of those persons and do not reflect the opinions of The CEU Weekly or CEU.

Where: Vörösmarty Square & Szent István tér (Basilica)Walk any direction from campus and you’ll

probably hit one of these twinkling German-

style markets. Find local crafts, delicious

winter belly-fillers, and enough mulled wine to drown a reindeer.

ICE-SKATING AT CITY PARK

THERMAL BATHSGet the winter chill out your bones at one of

the city’s famous baths. If you’ve already done

Széchenyi, we’d recommend Rudas at the foot

of Gellért hill. Half traditional Turkish baths, half

ultra-modern with a range of saunas, pools, and

an outdoor 360° panoramic hot tub.

Where: VárosligetGet slippy at Europe’s biggest outdoor

skating rink. Sitting between Heroes’ Square

and Vajdahunyad Castle, it’s a worthy

backdrop for your #wintergrams. Be careful

with your skate-selfies.Times and prices: www.mujegpalya.hu/en/

ORGAN CONCERTS IN THE BASILICAWhere: St. Stephen’s BasilicaWhen: Mondays at 17:00If you’re a culture vulture, then head to the

cathedral to hear Bach, Schubert and Hungary’s

own Franz Liszt, played on the mighty organ. Get

tickets on Sundays or Mondays at St. Stephen’s.

Student price: 2500 HUF.ht

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~ Calum CameronSchool of Public Policy

Scotland

A wise man in green tights once said: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” But if belting out “Santa Claus is

coming to town” makes you think “no no no,” not “ho ho ho,” then here are some alternatives for festive fun.

Disclaimer: The CEU Weekly and the author do not exclusively endorse Christmas. Other religious and non-religious holidays are available.