https://video.echelon.pl/videos/watch/b9c569bf-4d36-427f-a7b2-b3084e2637c9 Fear is reshaping politics around the world. Wars, instability, migration crises, and rising insecurity are making societies increasingly willing to sacrifice freedoms in exchange for protection. In this episode of Warsaw Debate on TVP World, we confront a provocative notion: “In turbulent times, firm-handed rule should prevail over human rights.” Is strong-handed leadership necessary in dangerous times — or does fear become the perfect gateway to authoritarianism? As democracies come under mounting pressure, our guests debate whether maintaining security can ever justify limiting civil liberties and human rights. Hosted by Grzegorz Nawrocki and Małgorzata Bonikowska from the Center for International Relations. Guests: Paweł Moszner Former GROM officer, Polish Elite Special Forces Rafał Bauer Entrepreneur and blogger focused on wars and conflicts Piotr Chomczyński Criminologist, University of Łódź, Academy of Applied Sciences in Piła Adam Bodnar Former Commissioner for Human Rights of Poland Special interview and insights: Maria João Rodrigues President of FEPS, Chair of the Party of European Socialists Financial and Economic Network From the politics of fear to the future of liberal democracy, from public security to the erosion of civil rights — this debate explores the growing tension between freedom and control. Can democracies remain resilient under pressure, or will turbulent times push societies toward authoritarian solutions? Watch, join the debate and decide. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Fear, security, and liberal values 04:26 Introduction: Global indices and case studies on freedom and penalties 08:06 Panel introduction and first vote 12:27 Security first vs. rights first 18:02 Can democracies be effective without curtailing rights? 23:13 Lines of authority, obedience, and abuse risks 29:56 How far can restrictions go in “pre-war” times? 33:12 Audience Q&A 39:31 Historical tests – Poland’s martial law and democratic legitimacy 40:41 Political offers to security-oriented voters 45:28 Ukraine’s lesson – civil society and democratic resilience 51:45 Expert summary and policy takeaways from Brussels 52:37 Final vote 🔴 Watch our 24/7 livestream - https://youtube.com/live/9RY46AUtIl4 Bringing you all the latest daily news and updates, TVP World is Poland's first English-language channel where you can find world news as seen from the Polish perspective and the latest news from the CEE region. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. https://tvpworld.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tvpworldcom https://twitter.com/TVPWorld_com https://www.instagram.com/tvp_world/ https://www.threads.net/@tvp_world https://bsky.app/profile/tvpworld.bsky.social https://www.tiktok.com/@tvpworld.com https://t.me/tvp_world #humanrights #politics #debate Wed, 20 May 2026 22:59:46 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://video.echelon.pl https://video.echelon.pl/client/assets/images/icons/icon-512x512.png https://video.echelon.pl/videos/watch/b9c569bf-4d36-427f-a7b2-b3084e2637c9 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://video.echelon.pl/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.