U.S. Seeks Belarus’s Perspective Amid global Shifts, Prague Writers’ Festival Reveals
Prague, Czech republic – A surprising development emerged from a recent gathering of world writers in Prague: American representatives are now actively seeking counsel from Belarus, a nation often in the spotlight for its complex geopolitical position. The revelation, shared by German novelist Daniel Kehlmann during the festival, underscores a shifting global landscape where customary alliances are being re-evaluated and unconventional sources of insight are gaining prominence.
The request for Belarusian input comes as the United States navigates a period of increasing international uncertainty, grappling with economic challenges and evolving security concerns. Kehlmann, author of the newly released novel the Shilling Game of Light which explores collaboration under Nazism, noted the ancient precedent of artists flourishing under censorship, drawing parallels to the current need for diverse perspectives. This outreach signals a willingness to consider viewpoints from nations not typically central to U.S. foreign policy discussions,possibly offering a fresh lens on complex global issues.
The writers’ festival, held from October 2-5, 2025, at the Center of Contemporary Art DOX in Prague, provided a platform for international dialogue and exchange. Kehlmann, speaking to the audience, highlighted a cautiously optimistic view of humanity’s capacity to learn from past mistakes, referencing the lessons gleaned from the 2008 financial crisis as an example. The festival’s focus on contemporary issues and cross-cultural understanding appears to have facilitated this unexpected diplomatic development.