Matthijs Lok

Author Matthijs Lok discusses the roots of European ideas, contrasting conservative and Enlightenment views. They touch on counter-revolutionary authors defending Europe, opposition to revolutionary principles, and the evolution of European society. The podcast explores conservatism's rise globally, the dark side of Enlightenment values, and German theorists' views on Europe as diverse. It also delves into lesser-known Enlightenment figures, the concept of the European Republic, and European conservatism during the Vienna Order period.

Matthijs Lok, a senior lecturer in modern European history at the University of Amsterdam, dives into the complexities of conservatism in Europe. He explores the roots of counter-revolutionary thought during the French Revolution and how these ideas shaped modern European identity. Lok critically examines historical Europeanism, the duality of Enlightenment adoption by conservatives, and how past thinkers influenced contemporary debates. With intriguing insights, he offers a cautious optimism for the future of the European project amidst rising nationalism.

In this discussion, Matthijs Lok, a Senior Lecturer in Modern European History at the University of Amsterdam, delves into the complex interplay between conservatism and the Enlightenment. He explores how counter-revolutionary thinkers framed European identity amidst fears of nationalism and global changes. Lok illuminates how both revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries vied for Enlightenment ideals. He also discusses the paradoxical use of Enlightenment rhetoric, touching on topics like empire, colonialism, and the concept of a European Republic, offering insights into today's political landscape.