Day 2 (September 29th)

Most Russians consider Joseph Stalin the “most outstanding person” in world history, surpassing even President Vladimir Putin who ranks second according to a Levada Center public opinion poll. The poll also suggested that famous Russians like Pushkin, Tolstoy, Gagarin or Mendeleev are considered less influential than these political leaders. Is it really the majority of Russians who believe this? In our analyses there is a tendency to conflate Putin’s Russia and Russia itself, the state and society, the political regime and its people. What ideology and values do Russian citizens believe in? Do their views overlap or contradict with those of political and business elites? How do Russians perceive the world? And why should the rest of the world care?

 

Rail Baltica is probably the most complex and investment-demanding transportation project undertaken by Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. While very few would argue the necessity of integrated transportation system with the rest of the Europe, what does this project offer for the security of the region?
 

American political retreat, the UK’s decision to leave the EU, and persisting European disunity have pushed Germany to take a leading role in the European Union. French president Emanuel Macron has an ambition to reform the Union. This can be done only by aligning the EU members, including Germany. A French-German motor has frequently been the driving force behind reform plans in the past. What role is Germany willing to play now? What are other European countries expecting from Germany given its strong economic position in the heart of Europe? 

 

The Arctic is experiencing a profound moment of transformation. Climate change has set a stage for the region to become an integral part of global affairs. It comes with both, great deal of opportunities, but with challenges as well. We have a promise of a positive economic benefit, but it should be sustainable and not endangering global climate. Today we see a genuine cooperation among the Arctic nations, but there are no clear cut international borders that will determine maritime, corporate and security patterns of the region. We have a common existential interest to protect the Arctic environment from deterioration, but processes perhaps are much deeper than ones associated with a human activity. In this very diverse mosaic of interests are we able to find a consensus on how to secure a change in the Arctic that is sustainable and friendly?

 

For more than two decades The Baltic Sea Region was an example of the successful removal of mental and physical borders and the creation of cooperative networks among communities, businesses, and states. Since 2014 the region has been challenged by geopolitical shifts, fragmentation tendencies, and increased military activities. What is the image of the Baltic Sea Region in these turbulent times? How is the region perceived from the European and Transatlantic perspectives? Which countries are ”in-siders” and which are “out-siders” of the region? What role can regional organizations play in balancing diverse interests of the stakeholders? Can the Baltic Sea Region expand beyond its geographical borders, embracing countries interested in closer cooperation with regional players?

 

While former global leaders are pushed to the second row, the European Union is facing its own tectonic power shifts. While dealing with Brexit, drafting of the next multiannual budget and dealing with other issues on the agenda, can the EU keep its place in the world power thermometer and still be as competitive as ever?

 

Russia is investing heavily in developing its military capabilities. At the same time, Kremlin-sponsored campaigns are trying to influence and undermine democratic processes by exploiting vulnerabilities of Western democratic societies. How can democracies respond to these challenges and protect themselves without sacrificing values of freedom of speech and expression? Do Western societies believe strongly enough in their value system and are they willing to protect it? How should democratic governments balance military and non-military means to ensure deterrence by resilience? 

 

Hosted by Ms Elisabeth Bauer, Head of the KAS Office for the Baltic States and Nordic Countries.