Based in Prague, AMO has limited local outreach and therefore collaborates with regional institutions—primarily local libraries—that are deeply connected with the local communities. These local organizations provide not only promotional channels and logistical support but also a familiar setting for residents, many of whom may otherwise feel distant from discussions on international topics.

This cooperation has been crucial—and also mutually beneficial. For libraries, which typically host lifestyle or literary events, the partnership expands their programming to include timely global issues that their visitors see in the news, are interested in, but don’t have good access to beyond debates on social media or in pubs. Some topics, especially those closely interlinked with current affairs that are top of mind for local audiences, have repeatedly brought even more attendees than local organizers expected, often requiring extra seating.

AMO’s events are highly interactive, allowing attendees to pose questions and sometimes shape the conversation in unexpected directions according to their interests, which can challenge the speakers. Nevertheless, this format encourages honest, open dialogue and offers analysts a chance to address concerns that don’t always emerge in expert circles. Occasionally, the debates attract attendees with more adversarial views or those influenced by pro-Russian narratives; yet, even these participants usually appreciate the openness of the debate and come to accept that the situation is not as black and white as they initially imagined. This is another challenge for AMO experts, who must leave their expert Prague bubble to engage in these, sometimes quite difficult, conversations. Yet, it proves inspirational and beneficial, helping them understand the fears and concerns of people in smaller towns and bringing new insights to their work. People in the audience often stay longer after the debate ends to ask analysts further questions, or follow up with additional questions via email.

We also see that the lectures can have a lasting impact. Libraries and local partners frequently request another debate on a new topic. Their feedback often includes that local people continued discussing the topics in the following days, or even borrowed books from the library related to the debated subjects.

In addition to these open public events, AMO has also conducted lectures for students aged 15 and older in schools across the Czech regions. Although young audiences can be challenging, the analysts’ stories and perspectives—which students don’t normally hear—capture their attention. Some students even invite AMO speakers back for school projects and share the discussions with their parents, underscoring the importance of addressing challenging topics and fostering open, intergenerational conversations. Once again, this engagement shows the importance of opening even difficult topics and leading a frank and open debate with people outside of major centers, proving the value of leaving the comfort of like-minded circles to engage openly, even in the face of contrasting viewpoints.

Funded by the Transatlantic Foundation’s PROTEUS project. Co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority is responsible for them.