Today we talk about The Gatekeeper of Europe, a book by Tamir Wertzberger published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Tamir Wertzberger to get to know him better, where he found the inspiration to write his book The Gatekeeper of Europe, as well as what the central themes of his work.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to write this book?
The idea for the book was born in the summer of 2023. Throughout that year, large demonstrations took place in Israel against a judicial reform that the government was seeking to implement. As part of the counter-campaign, Hungary and Viktor Orbán were frequently brought into the public debate as negative examples of a European leader and government that had “destroyed democracy” in Hungary. Having lived in Hungary since 2017 and developed a solid understanding of Hungarian politics and history, I felt that the discourse surrounding Hungary and Viktor Orbán, both in Israel and around the world, was extremely superficial and often based on incomplete or inaccurate information. As a result, I felt that Hungary was being treated unfairly. I decided to embark on a journey of exploration, never imagining that it would eventually lead to a book. My goal was to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of what had been taking place in Hungary under Viktor Orbán. I approached this subject with the understanding that Hungary serves as a kind of case study for understanding the global struggle between the conservative-patriotic camp and the progressive-liberal camp.
- What are the central themes of your work?
As I mentioned, the book presents Hungary as a case study for understanding the global struggle between two major political camps that are shaping the world today. This central argument encompasses a wide range of related themes, all of which are essential to my broader thesis. These include national identity, democracy, immigration, borders, neo-communism, religion, and political sovereignty versus federalism. All these themes are explored through the Hungarian experience under Orbán, based on the understanding that Orbán has done something different in Hungary — something that has made him a highly controversial and emotionally charged figure, even beyond his own country’s borders, while turning Hungary itself into a focal point of international attention.
- What do you want to communicate to readers through this book?
The most important thing I want to convey to readers is the importance of open-mindedness. The book’s central message is that we do not have to agree on everything, but a democracy must be capable of accommodating and accepting viewpoints and approaches that may lie somewhat outside our comfort zone. My aim is to present a somewhat different perspective from the one usually conveyed through traditional media channels, while adding intellectual depth to one of the most intensely debated issues in European public discourse over the past decade.
- How would you define your writing style?
The book has a clear agenda, and I make no attempt to conceal it. However, throughout the writing process, I made a conscious effort to present my position in a measured, modest, and well-reasoned manner. At one point, I considered writing the book in a more academic style and including formal references to my sources. I eventually decided against this approach because I did not want the book to be confined to academic discourse. Instead, I wanted it to be accessible and engaging for anyone interested in geopolitics, particularly European politics and the issues shaping today’s political agenda. I have also made a great effort to bring myself, my experience, and my personal observations into the book, allowing readers to examine the issues from my own perspective.
- Are you planning to write any more books that you can already tell us about?
I already have a nearly completed manuscript for a book about the history of antisemitism, a subject that is very close to my heart. I also have a well-developed concept for another book that will explore the term “neo-communism” in greater depth. In addition, I have an idea for a work of fiction that I have already started writing, although I have temporarily put it aside. Curiosity has no limits, and you never know what subject will next capture your imagination and draw you into a new journey of discovery.
Europe Books thanks the author Tamir Wertzberger once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book The Gatekeeper of Europe. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my readers, may this book capture your curiosity, allow you to open your mind out of the box and provide you with food for thought you could take inspiration from in your everyday life.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!