In this issue

Foreword 1

Conference Summary 2

Conference Partners 7

Photogallery 8

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION 12

PSSI Newsletter N° 4 – Special Issue , October 2011 Ronald Reagan: Inspired Freedom SECURITY International Conference STUDIES INSTITUTE 12

Dear Colleagues and Friends, policy vision for a free and democrat- Earlier this summer, the NGO ic Central and Eastern Europe and “We must remain vigilant in every community in Prague united to a forward looking discussion on the generation to defend freedom.” commemorate the 20th anniversary lessons learned from the Reagan era of the dissolution of the Warsaw in the 21st century international envi- Norman Eisen, US Pact through a weeklong celebration ronment. Dr. , for- Ambassador to the Czech of events. This developmentmer US Secretary of State, delivered Republic undoubtedly changed the course a thought provoking keynote speech of freedom and security in in defense of the continued dissemi- and the region. nation of freedom and democracy in Recognizing a unique opportunity the world today. “It will never be time to stop to contribute to this “Week of In addition to the conference, spe- celebrating the end of the Cold Freedom,” the Prague Security cial events were organized to pre- War and the triumph of the Studies Institute collaborated with serve the legacy of Ronald Reagan in actual thoughts and meaning the Ronald Reagan Foundation to Central Europe. In Budapest, Warsaw having to do with freedom.” co-host an international conference and London, as part of the Ronald in recognition of former US Reagan Centennial Celebration, cere- Peggy Noonan, Columnist, President Ronald Reagan’s vision for monial gatherings were held to com- The Wall Street Journal freedom and democracy in Central memorate the historic achievements and Eastern Europe. of Ronald Reagan. Other interna- The result of PSSI’s and the Ronald tional events are planned till the end Reagan Foundation’s joint efforts of the year. In Prague, with the sup- was the convening of an interna- port of Marie Kousalíková, Mayor of tional conference entitled, “Ronald Prague 6, the street running in front Reagan: Inspired Freedom,” which of the US Ambassador’s residence in took place between June 30 – July Prague 6 was renamed after Ronald 1, 2011. Held under the auspices Reagan, a symbolic gesture on behalf of Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of the city of Prague. of Foreign Affairs of the , , Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic and Miroslava Němcová, Speaker of the Czech Parliament’s Chamber of Deputies, the conference was Oldřich Černý comprised of two panel discus- Co-Founder and Executive Director sions dedicated to Ronald Reagan’s Prague Security Studies Institute Conference Summary

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Oldrich Černý, Executive Director of the Prague Security Studies Institute, officially opens the conference by welcoming guests at the gala dinner

Conference Summary Accompanying the Reagan Ronald Reagan Foundation, Linda On June 30 — July 1, 2011, an Foundation to Prague was a US Bond, Wall Street Journal Columnist international conference entitled Congressional Delegation, including Peggy Noonan, and Jay Nordlinger, “Ronald Reagan: Inspired Freedom” the former US Secretary of State Senior Editor of the National Review. was convened in Prague, Czech and conference keynote speaker To launch the conference proceed- Republic to pay tribute to former Condoleezza Rice. The distinguished ings, a gala dinner at Liechtenstein US President Ronald Reagan and to Palace was arranged on June 30, 2011 to commemorate the centennial of his provide PSSI, the Reagan Foundation, birth. The conference was co-organized “The important thing about and distinguished guests with an inti- by the Prague Security Studies Ronald Reagan was that mate environment to become better ac- Institute (PSSI) and the Ronald he had the courage to fight quainted and share memories of the Reagan Presidential Foundation, under against the overwhelming late President. Dr. Condoleezza Rice the auspices of the Czech Government, views of many people in his and Czech Prime Minister Petr Nečas namely Miroslava Němcová, Speaker time.” both delivered keynote remarks on be- of the Chamber of Deputies, Karel half of the Reagan Foundation and Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs Czech government, respectively. Affairs, and Alexandr Vondra, Minister of the Czech Republic The conference assembled on July 1, of Defense. Karl Schwarzenberg 2011 at the Czernin Palace, the seat of Ronald Reagan’s indispensable role the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. in catalyzing the fall of the Soviet PSSI’s Executive Director Oldřich Union, which liberated Central and guests traveling with the US Černý opened the proceedings with re- Eastern Europe from a totalitarian re- Congressional Delegation included marks that not only highlighted this gime, forever changed the course of California Congressman Kevin special event in honor of President history. The Czech Republic remains McCarthy, Senator Christopher Bond, Reagan, but also reminded those in at- eternally grateful to Ronald Reagan, Theodore Olson, former Unitedtendance of the historical significance and the city of Prague was pleased to States Solicitor General, former of that day’s gathering. Mr. Černý demonstrate this national sentiment by California Governor Pete Wilson, John added, “I find it more than fitting that hosting this ceremonial gathering. Heubusch, Executive Director of the the conference takes place on the very Conference Summary

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Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg

day twenty years ago, when, in this Minister Vondra followed with a The vivid and personal opening re- conference venue, Václav Havel an- powerful set of views and recalled marks made by Mr. Černý, Minister nounced to the world that the Warsaw President Reagan’s refusal to compro- Schwarzenberg and Minister Vondra Pact was definitely over.” Opening re- mise on tough policy decisions, howev- helped frame the first panel discussion, marks continued with Minister of er controversial. Specifically, Minister “Ronald Reagan’s Foreign Policy: How Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg Vondra commended President Reagan the Cold War Was Won” moderated and Minister of Defense Alexandr by Roman Joch, Executive Director Vondra. Both Ministers were gener- of the Civic Institute. The panelists in- ous in their recognition of all those “President Reagan did not cluded: John O’Sullivan, Executive who made this special occasion possi- compromise tough policy Editor of Radio Free Europe/Radio ble. Minister Schwarzenberg delivered choices even if they were Liberty; Pete Wilson, Former Governor a speech that put in perspective the unpopular, both domestically of California, Petr Luňák, Czech enormity of the challenge President as well as among allies. He Historian; and Charles Kessler, Senior Reagan faced when seeking to bringing was a man of principles and Fellow, The Claremont Institute. about the demise of the Soviet Union. moral imperatives, and he Mr. O’Sullivan opened the pan- In particular, Minister Schwarzenberg turned policy ideas into real el with his interpretation of President recounted President Reagan’s abili- achievements.” Reagan’s foreign policy during the ty to stand firm on an unpopular po- 1980s, citing the depth and flexibili- sition at the time – namely “calling for Minister of Defense of the ty of his policy approach. Specifically, an end to communist tyranny and his Czech Republic he drew upon President Reagan’s be- boldness in aggressively pursuing this Alexandr Vondra lief in the power of competition, and daunting goal.” Moreover, Minister that this concept – coupled with micro Schwarzenberg praised President and macro economic strategies to re- Reagan’s courage, and reminded the vive the American economy and under- audience that the world is in dire need for his ability to turn policy ideas and mine that of the Soviet Union – served of more individuals with this strength strong values into geopolitical reality, as a primary impetus for the ultimate of character and exceptional leader- not just for the United States, but also demise of the USSR. ship skills. the world. Conference Summary

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Charles Kessler, Senior Fellow, The Claremont Institute

Governor Pete Wilson, who served success of his ground-breaking policy decency and the inherent right to be as a Senator during both of President toward the Soviet Union summarized free. Mr. Kessler concluded that these Reagan’s terms in office, added that by Reagan’s now-famous words: “We principles dominated the policy land- the President’s moral clarity was so win, they lose.” scape due to President Reagan’s unwav- compelling that it made it nearly im- Czech historian Petr Luňák add- ering commitment to human freedom. possible not trust to his vision, de- ed that President Reagan’s simple yet While the first panel discussion of- spite how unrealistic some of his poli- forceful questioning of the purpose of fered an insightful glimpse into the cy perscriptions appeared at the time. the Cold War was the basis of his for- underpinnings of President Reagan’s eign policy. According to Mr. Luňák, policies, the second panel – titled “The this questioning was viewed by diplo- West at a Crossroads: Lessons from the “I find it more than fitting that mats as being naïve or unprofessional. Ronald Reagan Era” – offered a more the conference takes place Nevertheless, Mr. Luňák underscored forward-looking perspective concern- on the very day 20 years the fact that President Reagan relent- ing the role of the West in the 21st cen- ago when, in this conference less skepticism toward the convention- tury. Moderated by the Wall Street venue, Václav Havel al wisdom contributed to the end of Journal’s Peggy Noonan, the distin- announced from this hall the Cold War. guished panelists included: Norman that the Warsaw Pact was Lastly, the Claremont Institute’s Eisen, US Ambassador to the Czech definitely over.” Charles Kessler noted that President Republic; Alexandr Vondra, Czech Reagan’s foreign policy was a blend of Republic Minister of Defense; Fyodor Prague Security Studies realism and idealism. This combination, Lukyanov, Editor in Chief of Russia in Institute Executive according to Mr. Kessler, consisted of Global Affairs; Jay Nordingler, Senior Director Oldřich Černý promoting democracy, freeing captive Editor of National Review; and Jan nations, and empowering ordinary peo- Hamáček, Member of the Chamber ple who craved liberty. Mr. Kessler also of Deputies at the Parliament of the observed that the weight of history was Czech Republic. President Reagan’s iron-clad convic- not necessarily on President Reagan’s Ambassador Norman Eisen opened tions, according to Governor Wilson, side. This did not faze the President, this panel with his thoughts on 21st were a necessary ingredient to the who staunchly believed in human century statecraft, pointing out that Conference Summary

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Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic Alexandr Vondra

President Reagan’s emphasis on the bleak picture of the West’s role in the Jay Nordlinger, like certain oth- individual entrepreneurship and 21st century. Mr. Lukyanov noted that er panelists, opined that bluntness is free markets is of equally value to- today’s world is much more complicat- very useful in diplomacy, and remind- day as it was during his Presidency. ed than the Cold War era. He stated: ed the audience of President Reagan’s Ambassador Eisen cautioned that “This is a troubling concept to digest evil empire speech. He added that the West must not let its guard down given President Reagan’s vision was President Reagan was not afraid of as 21st century threats are constantly believed by few – it was him against controversy because of his strong prin- changing. He concluded by reaffirm- the world. The simple and understand- ciples and values. He remarked that ing the position taken by President this fact made him one of the finest Reagan, namely that, “we must remain statesman the world has ever seen. vigilant in every generation to defend “It is our responsibility to Careful not to repeat the senti- freedom.” believe that people who are ments of the speakers before him, Jan Defense Minister Alexandr Vondra’s seeking their freedom are Hamáček closed the panel discussion remarks painted a rather grim picture right, and that they will with the following observation: “The for the future of the West in the 21st succeed.” circle of those who make decisions in century. Building from the theme of the world today is bigger, multilater- President Reagan’s unparalleled lead- Dr. Condoleezza Rice, al, and diverse. For the West to navi- ership during the Cold War, Minister former US Secretary of gate these troubled waters it must rely Vondra called for Western leaders State upon skillful diplomacy and the capac- to place a greater emphasis on com- ity to communicate, just as President munication – particularly among al- Reagan did.” lies – just as President Reagan did. able bipolar system that we experi- Former US Secretary of State Dr. According to Minister Vondra, if the enced during the Cold War is no lon- Condoleezza Rice, the conference’s West fails to do so “it will become dan- ger applicable today.” Mr. Lukyanov keynote speaker, closed the day’s gerously close to losing its primacy in concluded by reminding the audience events with an illuminating address the international arena.” that it is time to stop celebrating the regarding the importance of mor- Fyodor Lukyanov’s comments tend- end of the Cold War and acknowledge al authority with regard to the glob- ed to reinforce Minister Vondra’s the challenges that lie before us. al challenges of the 21st century. In Conference Summary

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Dr. Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State

doing so, Dr. Rice made an impor- impact Ronald Reagan continues to US Congressman Kevin McCarthy, tant distinction between democracy have on today’s world. Minister of Environment Tomáš and tyranny. She observed: “You do Chalupa, Governor Pete Wilson, and not have to impose democracy, but Dr. Condoleezza Rice. you must impose tyranny.” Dr. Rice “Reagan’s policy of democracy The conference and street dedication elaborated on this topic by adding, promotion concentrated on ceremony provided a venue for more “it is a universal value for people to freeing the captive nations… than 200 people from all over the want to be free, free to choose, free liberating free people who world to pay homage to a true cham- wanted to be free but were pion of freedom, President Ronald enchained by the Soviet Wilson Reagan. “Reagan was the only serious empire.” nuclear disarmer to ever hold high office, the highest office.” Charles Kessler, Senior Fellow, John O’Sullivan, The Claremont Institute Executive Editor, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty The conference events culmi- nated with a special dedication to Ronald Reagan through a street re- from oppression.” Just as President naming ceremony in Prague 6. Set Reagan advocated, Dr. Rice passion- in front of the US Ambassador’s resi- ately concluded, “in no corner of the dence in Prague, Dr. Zikmund Winter earth are there people who are not street was renamed Ronald Reagan ready for democracy.” These closing street. The renaming ceremony was remarks, coupled with the celebration introduced by poignant remarks from of President Reagan’s legacy, further Ambassador Norman Eisen, Mayor underscored the profound and lasting of Prague 6 Marie Kousalíková, Conference Summary

Organizers

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The Presenting Sponsor of the Ronald Reagan Centennial letter N° s letter PSSI New

Conference Partners Photogallery

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Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic Alexandr Vondra and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg

Peggy Noonan, Columnist, The Wall Street Journal Photogallery

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Petr Nečas, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, speaking to the gala dinner guests on the legacy of Ronald Reagan in Central Europe.

Norman Eisen, US Ambassador to the Czech Republic Photogallery

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The afternoon panel examined the notion of the West at a crossroads, while incorporating lessons learned from Ronald Reagan

Pete Wilson, Former Governor of California Photogallery

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John O’Sullivan, Executive Editor, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Condoleezza Rice, Ambassador Eisen, and Mayor Kousalíková look on as Ronald Reagan street is unveiled in front of the US Ambassador’s residence. About organizers

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the promotion of the legacy of Ronald Reagan and his timeless principles of individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy, and national pride. It sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Presidential Learning Center and The Air Force One Pavilion. Located in Simi Valley, California the Library houses 63 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It now also serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President. 12

PRAGUE SECURITY STUDIES INSTITUTE The Prague Security Studies Institute (PSSI) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in early

i al I ss ue 4 – S p ec 2002 to advance the building of a just, secure, democratic, free market society in the Czech Republic and other post-communist states. PSSI’s mission is also to build an ever-growing group of informed, security-minded policy practitioners dedicated to the development of democratic institutions and values in the Czech Republic and its regional neighbors. PSSI offers programs that meet the critical requirements associated with equipping new letter N° s letter generations of young leaders to manage the complex, security related challenges of the 21st century. To fulfill its mission, PSSI conducts a broad range of activities under its Security Scholars Program, Program of Atlantic Security

PSSI New Studies, Regional Outreach Program and Corporate Council Program. PSSI aims to identify and analyze cutting- edge foreign policy and security-related developments in transatlantic relations and other theaters of the world, and to propose sound, achievable policy responses to address these and other security challenges. Its foremost interest remains, however, in preserving the hard-fought freedoms of the Czech Republic and other post-communist states through strength, prosperity and individual liberty.

International Advisory Board Václav Havel; Elie Wiesel; Dennis C. Blair; R. James Woolsey; Alexandr Vondra; Timothy Garton Ash; Michael Žantovský; Michael Novak; Adam Michnik; Robert Pfaltzgraff; Dorothy Stapleton; H.R.H. Prince Hassan; Nobuya Minami; Roger W. Robinson, Jr.; Karel Schwarzenberg; Madeleine Albright

Executive Committee R. Daniel McMichael, Chairman; James Q. Whitaker; Curtin Winsor, Jr.; ; Brian T. Kennedy; Alejandro Chafuen; C. Richard D’Amato; Jonna Bianco

Board of Directors Jiří Pehe,Chairman; William F. Martin; Josef Jařab; David Elliman

Contact Info: Prague Security Studies Institute Pohořelec 6, 118 00 Prague 1 Czech Republic Tel./fax: +420 233 355 735 [email protected] www.pssi.cz Queries about PSSI activities and projects can also be directed to Petr Lang ([email protected]), Program Coordinator.

Your Support is Appreciated As the Institute is expanding its activities and regional outreach, we would welcome your support for these efforts. Tax deductible contributions from the US can be made to PSSI through the Atlas Economic Research Foundation, 1201 L Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005. Our primary contact at the Foundation is Mr. Bradley Lips, Chief Executive Officer (e-mail: [email protected], tel. +12024498449). Such donations can also be directed to the Institute’s tax-exempt partner organization, PSSI Washington, 1002 Wisconsin Ave, Townhouse Levels 3 & 4, Washington, D.C. 20007.

Bank Account Our direct PSSI Account is located at the Komerční banka, a. s. (Na Příkopě 33, 11407 Prague 1, Czech Republic): IBAN CZ7401000000512281850237 BIC/SWIFT Code: KOMBCZPP