22. SSF Security Talk | The world in upheaval: power politics instead of a rules-based world order
Is the world on the way to a pre-war state, as many experts suspect? One thing is certain: The global security situation has worsened significantly in recent years. Violent clashes, wars and smouldering conflicts are on the rise worldwide. The United Nations is already talking about a new era of violence.
At the same time, the might of the strongest is increasingly replacing a rules-based world order. President Putin is trying to secure Russia's great power status with his attack on Ukraine and hybrid warfare. His aggressive policy has found imitators around the world and shaken the geopolitical order.
The struggle for global supremacy between China and the USA is also intensifying. With the new Silk Road, the alliance with Russia and military armament, China is endeavouring to replace the USA as a superpower. Donald Trump is countering this with a confrontational ‘America first’ policy. Whether his course will have a lasting effect remains to be seen.
Given this background, we had the pleasure of welcoming Prof Dr Herfried Münkler - one of the leading geopolitical experts in the German-speaking world - to the 22nd SSF Security Talk. In his profound analysis, Prof Münkler addressed three central topics: the new era of power politics, the future of the (transatlantic) West and the role of Europe as a political actor or mere object of foreign interests.
He spoke clearly and forcefully about the current global situation - and at the same time offered encouragement: crises also offer opportunities. Europe must now act decisively, forge strategic alliances within the continent and take the reins of action into its own hands. Despite sceptical voices, Prof. Münkler was confident that Europe can assert itself - if it recognises the geopolitical realities and acts accordingly.
The SWISS SECURITY FORUM (SSF) can look back on a successful event and would like to thank all those who participated.
The video recording of Prof Dr Münkler's presentation will be available shortly under the following link.
Selected excerpts will be available shortly under the following link.
The programme for the talk can be found here.
Photo gallery:
(Photographer: Conrad von Schubert)
