Anglo-American University in Prague AAU Hosts International Program on Classical Liberalism in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
From July 19–24, 2026, Anglo-American University welcomed students from across the United States and Europe to Prague for the Classical Liberalism in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program. Organized in partnership with the Free Market Institute at Texas Tech University and the Stephenson Institute for Classical Liberalism at Wabash College, the week-long seminar brought together leading scholars and students to examine the ideas that continue to shape political, economic, and philosophical thought.
The program featured lectures by Adam Martin (Texas Tech University), Mark LeBar (Florida State University), Daniel D’Amico (Wabash College), Josef Šíma (Anglo-American University), Christine Henderson (Singapore Management University), and Chandran Kukathas (Singapore Management University). Each lecture was followed by extended group discussions and Q&A sessions, giving participants the opportunity to debate ideas, ask questions, and engage with faculty and fellow students.
“This school is such a great place for different professors to come together, and for students with different ideas to come together and exchange ideas,” said Benjamin Morawek of Texas Tech University. “There are so many opportunities to connect here.”
Throughout the week, participants explored topics including socialism and economic calculation, capitalism, liberty, the role of the state, the transition from centrally planned economies to free markets, democracy, rights, and immigration and freedom.
“The ideas that I’ve learned here—economics and philosophy that I don’t normally talk about at school—have been very valuable,” said Nicholas Hatton of St. Olaf College. “My biggest takeaway has been the history of the city and how it relates to economics.”
Beyond the classroom, students experienced Prague through a walking tour of the city, a history tour on totalitarianism in Prague, and a visit to the Museum of Communism, connecting academic discussions with the Czech Republic’s political and historical development.
“The things that we’ve gotten to learn here aren’t just theoretical,” said Anna MacPhee of Hillsdale College. “By nature of being in Prague, where there’s so much history, we’ve been able to immerse ourselves in that history and learn how the economics, philosophy, and politics we’ve been discussing have played out here. That’s been the most fascinating part of the whole thing.”
By bringing together students and faculty from across the United States and Europe, the program reflected AAU’s commitment to international dialogue, critical inquiry, and experiential learning in the heart of Prague.