DAY 1

  WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th 2017

When tensions are growing and military build-ups are occurring, what mechanisms should be used to prevent escalations of conflict? Can trust be fostered in the political-military sphere, when the interest of major powers is at a clash? The panel reflects on the achievements and perspectives of the Intergovernmental Structured Dialogue in the OSCE. It also discusses important aspects of OSCE operations, including the Special Monitoring Mission in the East of Ukraine, possible changes in the acquis in arms control and additional confidence building measures.

Thomas Greminger – Secretary General, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Walter Kemp – Senior Fellow, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, Switzerland
Christian Strohal – Ambassador, Special Representative for the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship

MODERATOR: Marcin Bużański – Director, Peace and Stabilization Strategies Program, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

Thomas Greminger – Secretary General, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

MODERATOR: Katarzyna Pisarska, Director of the European Academy of Diplomacy, Poland

Founded as the greatest peace project in modern history, the European Union has come to a crossroad. On the 60th Anniversary of signing the Treaty of Rome, the organisation’s very existence is being challenged by four circles of crisis: a sluggish economic growth, political fragmentation (Brexit), uncontrolled waves of migration and a belligerent neighbor:  Russia. In 2016 these circles have significantly weakened EU’s public legitimacy, fuelling  populist movements in all EU countries. With the 2017 election cycle coming to an end however, EU seems finally prepared for a debate on its  future. How can the bloc best respond to the challenges ahead and restore public trust? Is more integration the only option, or should EU states work in a more flexible manner within the existing framework? Should the reforms start from the Eurozone or should they encompass the entire single market?  And how will the EU change after its second largest member, the United Kingdom, leaves the Club?

Norman Davies – Honorary Fellow, St. Antony’s College, Oxford University
Linas Linkevičius – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lithuania
Daniel Mitov – Minister of Foreign Affairs (2014-2017), Bulgaria
Ulrich Speck – Senior Research Fellow, Elcano Royal Institute, Brussels Office, Belgium
Zsuzsanna Szelényi – Member of the National Assembly, Hungary

MODERATOR: Alberto Alemanno – Jean Monnet Professor of EU Law, HEC Paris, France

The risks and threats coming from the turbulent Southern neighborhood and a belligerent neighbor – Russia – have all been increasing stress factors on the European security environment. The European Union has responded with strategies and plans to strengthen CSDP and improve its ties with NATO, signing a milestone agreement at the Warsaw 2016 Summit. How far have these efforts gotten? What are the best paths to enhance EU security and defense in view of the geopolitical challenges? How to connect closer the militaries and security services of EU and members states, at the same time working to build transatlantic security ties hand in hand with NATO?  

Benjamin Haddad – Research Fellow, Hudson Institute, USA
Sylvia Hartleif – Team Leader, Foreign Policy Team, European Political Strategy Centre, European Commission
André Loesekrug-Pietri – Founder, A CAPITAL; former Special Advisor to the French Minister of Defence; Belgium
Bruno Tertrais – Deputy Director, Fondation pour la recherche stratégique, France

MODERATOR: Roland Freudenstein – Policy Director, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, Belgium

The Security Imperative -The HP Security Advantage – Marcin Olszewski, Managing Director HP Inc. Poland

Cybersecurity and cyberattacks from CERT PSE perspective – lessons learnt  – Jarosław Sordyl, Director, Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A.

Deterrence and Defense in the Cyber Space: The Possible and the Desirable

Cyberspace has become not only an indispensable area of human activity but also an sphere of regular security breaches, data threats and a tool of inter-state conflict. While trying to limit cyber-terrorism, including state-sponsored one, how far can we go in restricting civil rights and freedoms? What are the limits to surveillance programs and personal data analysis? To what extend the cyber space should be privatized or remain in national control? And what role should the EU and NATO play in diffusing norms in cybersecurity legislation?  Review of the EU cybersecurity strategy and of ENISA’s mandate as well as the development of NATO’s cyber operations strategy constitute great challenges for both organizations. The session will discuss the key directions towards which cybersecurity decisions go within NATO and EU, as well as to analyze potential fields of cooperation between the two organizations.

Introduction Talk:
Grzegorz Małecki – Head, Foreign Intelligence Service (AW) (2015-2016), Director of Cybersecurity, Economy and Energy Programmes, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland
Isaac Ben-Israel – Head, Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Studies Centre, Tel Aviv University, Israel

Discussion:
Jarno Limnell – Professor of Cybersecurity, Finnish Aalto University, Finland
Sven Sakkov – Director, International Centre for Defence and Security, Estonia
Andrzej Zybertowicz – Advisor to the President of the Republic of Poland

MODERATOR: Wiesław Goździewicz – Legal Advisor, NATO Joint Force Training Centre; Expert, The Kosciuszko Institute, Poland

Session in partnership with The Kosciuszko Institute

IAMD in a Sensor and Effector Agnostic Battlespace – Tarik Reyes – Vice-President, Missile Defence and Protective Systems, Northrop Grumman Company

The Future of Air and Missile Defense in Europe: NATO and Member-State Perspectives

The nuclear deal with Iran seems to have temporarily reduced the risk of a nuclear ballistic missile attack on Europe, but new threats are emerging in the field of air and missile defense. The Kremlin’s rhetoric and provocations of NATO airspace, Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty violations, and the fielding of new delivery systems raise new concerns across Europe and NATO. How should the West adapt to these challenges? Is an update appropriate to the NATO approach to BMD or structure needed, and should NATO also collectively address air-breathing threats? What options exist for Poland and other Eastern Flank states to design and implement Integrated Air and Missile Defense system to ensure protection of their national airspace?

Beata Górka-Winter – Research Fellow and Program Coordinator at the Polish Institute of International Affairs, Poland
Col. Eugen Mavris – Commander, National Military Center of Command, Romanian General Staff
Frank A. Rose – Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance (2014-2017), USA
Roberto Zadra – Head, Integrated Air and Missile Defence Section, Defence Investment Division, NATO HQ

MODERATOR: Thomas Karako – Director, Missile Defense Project, Center for Strategic and International Studies, USA

Session in partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies

Defence acquisition process in Poland is convoluted and slow. Experts and politicians point to a Central Procurement Agency as a solution, which could greatly enhance the way taxpayer money is spent on military equipment.  However, the question is how to design this new institution and which foreign models and experiences can Poland use to properly implement a new system of military acquisition?

Gen. Stanisław  Butlak – Director, Offset Agreements Bureau, Ministry of National Defense, Poland
Gen. Sławomir Szczepaniak – Former Head of Armament Inspectorate, Ministry of National Defence, Poland

Błażej Wojnicz – President of the Management Board, Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa

MODERATOR: Małgorzata Darowska – Research Fellow, Casimir Pulaski Foundation

In part resource-constrained, in part responding to an isolationist impulse at home, the United States, for a number of years now has been receding its influence around the world. With the new administration in place, further uncertainty prevails over the direction of U.S. foreign policy. Will President Trump’s disregard for the established rules of the game present the new administration with an unparalleled opportunity to disrupt the status quo? Or will the United States renew its commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance and along with its allies from Europe and Asia together face the challenges of a multipolar world?  Can American foreign policy move from reactive and responsive into more strategically managed? And will American public opinion reject isolationism as a way forward? Finally, what are the limits of transactional foreign policy? And will a values-based system prevail in the West?   

Sudha David-Wilp – Deputy Director Berlin Office, Senior Transatlantic Fellow, German Marshall Fund, USA
George Friedman – Chairman and Founder, Geopolitical Futures, USA
James  Kirchick  – Visiting Fellow, Brookings Institution, USA
Rafał Trzaskowski – Member of Parliament, Poland

MODERATOR: Michal Baranowski – Director, GMF US Warsaw Office, Poland

Session in partnership with the German Marshall Fund of the United States

Democracy vs. Security: A False Dilemma (Report Presentation)

In order to preserve the large political and economic gains made over the last decades by Western societies, democracy needs to remain at the center of security policy. The panel will discuss the results of a report prepared by Brookings Institution and Community of Democracies and respond to the following questions. What are the effective long-term security policies that are based on rule of law and other core democratic principles? What kind of democratic strategies can we have for countering terrorism and violent extremism? How can we protect freedom of speech and the right to privacy in an era of state surveillance? What are the limitations on the state’s use of power to intervene in private relations? Finally, how can we expand the democratic peace argument around the world?

Report presentation:

Ted Piccone – Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, USA

Discussion:

Mehdi Jomaa – Prime Minister of Tunisia (2014-2015)
Miriam Lexmann – EU Regional Program Director, International Republican Institute, Belgium
Nicolas Tenzer – President, Centre d’étude et de réflexion pour l’action politique (CERAP), France
Christopher Walker – Vice President for Studies and Analysis, National Endowment for Democracy, USA

MODERATOR: Thomas Garrett – Secretary General, Community of Democracies

Session in partnership with the Brookings Institution and the Community of Democracies

European gas market integration – the best way to safeguard gas supplies to CEE – Andrzej Janiszowski, Business Advisory, Ernst & Young

Keeping the Lights On: Transforming European Union’s Energy Systems

The power industry in Europe is subject to intense transformation. The share of renewables has grown, and the future of coal, gas and nuclear energy remains to be seen.  The debate within the EU focuses on the construction of a common, internal energy market and the big power market reform within such an Energy Union. The project aims to provide Europeans with lower electricity prices and secure supplies. But is a common European energy system achievable? And if so, what are the prerequisites for the formation of such a Union? If not, what alternatives do we have?

Klaus-Dieter Borchardt – Director – Internal Energy Market – DG Energy, European Commission
Brigham McCown – Chairman and CEO, Nouveau Inc., USA
Monika Morawiecka – Strategy Director, PGE Polska Grupa Energetyczna S.A., Poland
Tomasz​ ​Sikorski​- Vice President & COO, Polskie Sieci Elektronergetyczne S.A., Poland

MODERATOR: Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera – President, Forum for Energy, Poland

Session in partnership with the Forum for Energy

Presentation of the  Baltic Maritime Simulation – JJ Waickwicz – RADM USN 

Modern Navy Capabilities in the Context of Future A2/AD Challenges

Countries around the Baltic Sea face the greatest challenge to their security since the end of the Cold War. From deployment of warships with nuclear-capable cruise missiles, to fielding of Anti Access and Area-Denial air defense systems, Russia is testing the response and resilience of its neighbors. What role should the navies play in countering Russia’s A2/AD capabilities around the Baltic? Which naval systems should be developed by NATO and its allies to ensure credible deterrence and cohesiveness of the alliance?

Michał Jach – Chairman, National Defence Commission, Poland
Cpt. Rainer Kümpel – Branch Head International Cooperation, German Navy Headquarters
Adm. Mirosław Mordel – Inspector for the Navy of General Command of Branches of Armed Forces, Poland
Peter Roberts – Director of Military Sciences and Senior Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute, United Kingdom
RAdm. Odd Werin –  Director Naval Systems, Systems and Production Management Division, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Sweden

MODERATOR: Jacek Bartosiak – Director, Wargaming Studies and Simulations Programme, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

Politics in the Post-Truth Era: Tackling Disinformation and Fake News in Central and Eastern Europe

The “post-truth” reality – where facts become less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotions – has become a challenge not only for Western Europe, but even more so for Central and Eastern European states. This is especially true with foreign actors using disinformation to influence the results of political campaigns and political processes. Are the methods used by state-sponsored disinformation campaigner and non-state  fake news authors similar in the region? Are there any special narratives prepared for each country’s societies and political elites? What is the role of social media in conducting information operations? What should be the response of the state, owners of social media platforms, technology companies and civil society to counter this phenomenon?

Lóránt Győri – Political Analyst, Political Capital Institute, Hungary
Jakub Janda – Deputy Director for Public and Political Affairs, European Values, Czech Republic
Antónia Mészáros – News Anchor, ATV, Hungary 
Roman Shutov – Program Director, Detector Media, Ukraine

MODERATOR: Małgorzata Bonikowska – President, Centre for International Relations, Poland

Session in partnership with the Centre for International Relations

It’s complicated – EU relations with Southern Neighborhood

Geopolitics and internal political shifts have been increasingly dominating EU’s relations with its southern partners. Turkey’s position, a NATO member, driven internal dynamics, has been shifting to an increasingly anti-western course. There seems to be no clear vision and strategy on how to reconstruct relations, given both strategic importance of geopolitical collaboration, and growing differences on stances as human rights and EU accession. Russia has been taking advantage of this uncertainty, and Western countries, have been rather on the responsive side. How should the EU react to these changing circumstances? What are the interests of all parties involved and perspectives for stable relations?  

Vladislav Inozemtsev – Director, Centre for Post-Industrial Studies, Russia (confirmed)
Jerzy Pomianowski – Executive Director, European Endowment for Democracy (EED), Belgium (confirmed)
Olivier Schmitt – Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Public Management, Center for War Studies,University of Southern Denmark (confirmed)
Barcin Yinanc – Senior Editor, Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey (confirmed)

MODERATOR: Nona Mikhelidze – Head of the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Programme, Istituto Affari Internazionali, Italy (confirmed)

Session in partnership with the Istituto Affari Internazionali

The Central European security environment took a turn for the worse in 2014. Russia’s hybrid warfare in Ukraine, followed by the illegal annexation of Crimea and ongoing sponsorship of separatist forces in Luhansk and Donetsk, all put in question the Europe’s security architecture. In order to remain the cornerstone of continent’s stability, NATO and the EU must both learn from Russia’s political and war doctrines applied in the region. What has 2014 changed for the European security architecture? Has the West been able to handle the conflict and sufficiently support Ukraine in a struggle with a much stronger neighbor? Is Minsk II still applicable and what is the way forward? Finally, what are the long-term consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war for Ukraine, Europe and beyond?

The world is witnessing a rapid evolution of both military technology and strategy, as well as the way they are applied as means of conducting war. From 5th generation jet fighters, through the advent of unmanned vehicles, popularisation of A2/AD strategies, to the growing importance of cyberspace, the means and methods of conducting war are changing – and so is the battlefield. Running in parallel to those developments are the phenomena like the rise of hybrid, asymmetric and cyber war, growing role of non-state actors, and the dawn of what some refer to as the 4th generation of warfare. How will the battlefield of the future look like, and just as importantly, who will be the belligerents? What technologies, doctrines and approaches are likely to dominate it? And most crucially, how to prepare and adapt to this rapidly changing landscape?

  DAY 2

  THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9th 2017

Giorgi Margvelashvili – President of Georgia

MODERATOR: Katarzyna Pisarska, Director of the European Academy of Diplomacy, Poland

In the face of Russian aggression in Eastern Europe and widespread instability to the South, NATO has proven anything but obsolete.  Although the previous Wales and Warsaw Summits set in motion many collective measures to confront key challenges, in order to better adapt to this new landscape, NATO must re-examine the policies that led to the current European security environment. This includes increased defense spending, creating a new strategic concept in a new hybrid environment, refreshing NATO’s nuclear policy and further boosting its Eastern Flank.

Michael Carpenter – Senior Director, Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement;  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (2015-2017), USA
Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga – President of Latvia (1999-2007)
Angus Lapsley – Director for Defence, International Security and South East Europe, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, United Kingdom
Andrew A. Michta – Dean, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Germany
Robert Pszczel – Senior Officer, Public Diplomacy Division, NATO

MODERATOR: Michal Kobosko  – Director, Atlantic Council Office in Warsaw, Poland

Session in partnership with the Atlantic Council

The One Belt One Road initiative (OBOR) – a major Chinese diplomatic and economic  endeavor aimed at enhancing cooperation and developing infrastructure from Asia to Europe – is bound to dominate the economic dimension of European Union’s relations with China. By upgrading the interconnectivity across Eurasia and the Indian Ocean, the initiative strengthens economic interdependence between Brussels and Beijing, which today is best illustrated by bilateral trade worth almost € 500 billion. Yet Chinese expectations to obtain market economy status and have special anti-dumping criteria lifted have not been met. Beijing has also shown frustration with the insertion of unprecedented language about ‘reciprocity’ and ‘values’ in the EU’s emerging China strategy. Europeans on the other hand have been expressing fears over the geopolitical aspects of Chinese economic offensive, as the country becomes a major player in a post-Western world. What is thus the way forward for EU-China relations in a dynamically changing international setting?

Wang Yiwei – Jean Monnet Chair Professor, School of International Relations; Director, Institute of International Affairs, China 
Theresa Fallon – Director, Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies (CREAS), Belgium
François Godement – Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations, United Kingdom
Dominik Mierzejewski – Professor, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Łódź, Poland

MODERATOR: Justyna Szczudlik, Head, Asia-Pacific Program, Polish Institute of International Affairs, Poland

In partnership with the Polish Institute of International Affairs

Securing the Future of EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood: the Eastern Partnership Revised?

With geopolitical tensions on the rise and “realpolitik” making its return into world politics, the fate of EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood is at stake. The political shifts in the West are coupled with a growing Russian revisionism and an ongoing internal struggle of Eastern Partnership states to overcome economic constraints and battle endemic corruption.  In these circumstances, what role has the European Union still to play? What are the possible scenarios of EU’s engagement in the region and which one is the most anticipated by our Eastern partners? And how do the developments in the West impact reforms and pro-Western attitudes of states such as Ukraine and Georgia?

Anders Åslund – Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council, USA
Adam Eberhardt – Director, Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW), Poland
Hanna Hopko –  Head of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine
Tengiz Pkhaladze – Advisor, Foreign Relations Secretary to the President of Georgia
Tobias Schumacher – Chairholder, European Neighbourhood Policy Chair, College of Europe, Poland

MODERATOR:  Magdalena Skajewska – Editor, Polskie Radio, Poland

In partnership with Center for Eastern Studies (OSW)

The Fall of ISIS and Jihadist Terrorism in Europe: Is There a Connection?

The rise and conquest of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria had been followed by the increase of threats and real terrorist incidents in European and North America cities. The triangle of threats was created when the wave of refugees hit the shores of Europe and its citizens started to sense that these three poles somehow might be connected. European political right wing and nationalist parties seized this moment to build their narrative of continent under siege and exploit real and perceived threats. But is there really a connection between the Islamic State and perpetrators of the attacks in Europe? Did the money flow? Have the orders been given? Did the attackers hone their skills in IS camps in the desert before striking Nice, Paris, Brussels and Manchester? And will the fall of ISIS decrease the violent extremism and terrorist threat in Europe?

Adam Baczko – Research Fellow, Paris-Sorbonne, France
Gilles de Kerchove – Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, European Council
Chagai Tzuriel – Director General, Intelligence Ministry, Israel
Patrycja Sasnal – Head of the Middle East and North Africa Programme, Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), Poland

MODERATOR: Piotr Łukasiewicz – Senior Fellow, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

Bell Helicopter – building on our legacy and redefining the future battlespace – Joel​ ​Best​ – Director Europe, Bell Helicopter
Next 25 years – The Polish Air Force in the Context of Air-Land Battle in the Central Eastern Europe – Col. Krystian​ ​Zięć​ – Senior Fellow, Casimir Pulaski Foundation

Future of Air Forces in Poland and Over Eastern Europe

Continuous advancements in aviation are the hallmark of the XXI century. Air power defines the modern battlefield and is indispensable for protection of territories and populations against emerging threats.  

Can the European countries cooperate on their ongoing air force programs and realize synergies in terms of training and maintenance? Which assets and capabilities are necessary for defense and can they be collectively developed? Is a common jet fighter program feasible?  Can shared pilot training reduce costs?

Mark Gunzinger – Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, USA
Ferenc Kalmár – Advisor in the Ministry of Defence, Hungary 
Daniel Kostoval – Deputy Minister – Head of the Armaments and Acquisition Division, Ministry of Defence, Czech Republic
Gen. Tadeusz Mikutel – Chief of Staff, Operational Command of Types of Armed Forces, Poland
Zdravko Jakop – State Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Croatia

MODERATOR: Zbigniew Pisarski – President of the Board, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

New European Approach to Defense Research and Procurement: Perspective of the Polish Defense Industry

To date, all of European Union’s attempts at integrating the defense industries of its members have failed. Legislative shortcomings prohibited the Common Security and Defense Policy from becoming a full-fledged policy tool, while the European Defense Agency did not succeed at pooling national industries into a single European Defense Industrial Base. The newly established European Defense Fund could be a game-changer. The Preparatory Action on defense research was adopted in April of 2017, reaffirming EC’s and member states’ commitment to the idea of a common defense market and shared R&D efforts. What obstacles can we expect while implementing this major reform? How can Polish companies adapt to new rules and compete for multi-million-euro projects? Can synergies with Poland’s military modernization program be achieved?

Arturo Alfonso-Meirino – Director, Organisation conjointe de coopération en matière d’armement (OCCAR)
Col. Karol Dymanowski – Department of Armament Policy, Ministry of Defence, Poland
Hubert Królikowski – Deputy Director, Department of Military External Affairs, Ministry of National Defence, Poland
Maciej Szymański – Policy Officer, DG GROW, European Commission

MODERATOR: Jerzy Aleksandrowicz – Research Fellow, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

Zbigniew Pisarski – President of the Board, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

Brooke Stedman – Deputy Director, Women In International Security, USA

Women in Security: Gender, Violent Extremism, and Terrorism

Terrorism and violent extremism are evolving challenges that threaten global stability and security. Responses should reflect a broad understanding of how both men and women are radicalized and the varied and at times overlapping ways in which men and women are vulnerable to extremist messaging. In addition, successful initiatives to counter and prevent violent extremism and terrorism should be aware of existing societal and cultural norms associated with gender when developing programs to reintegrate former extremists back into the community. The panel will explore the push and pull factors of radicalization and recruitment, highlighting how violent extremist organizations are successfully leveraging gender norms to aid recruitment efforts. In addition, experts will provide an overview of current government P/CVE programs and provide concrete recommendations on how to strengthen gender-sensitive initiatives and programs moving forward.

Aleksandra Gasztold – Assistant Professor, University of Warsaw, Poland 
Melissa Conley Tyler – National Executive Director, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australia
Anna-Karin Eneström – Director General for Political Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden
Hamoon Khelghat-Doost – PhD Fellow, National University of Singapore, Singapore

MODERATOR: Frances G. Burwell – Senior Fellow, Women In International Security; Distinguished Fellow, Atlantic Council, USA

Session in partnership with the Women in International Security (WIIS)

Struggling for Peace – An agenda for the Security Council @ (dis) United Nations

The UN Security Council is viewed globally as a showcase for major power clashes on key international crises, such as Syria and Ukraine. Decisions in the body mandate the second largest troop deployment in the world – the blue helmets, and struggle with growing conflicts and humanitarian catastrophes. The Trump administration has been vocal on cutting its support to these operations, where new actors as China are increasingly engaging. With all its problems, the UN remains the backbone of the international peace and security architecture – can the body strengthen preventive diplomacy, breaking political deadlocks? Are there chances for breakthroughs? How could the Security Council be more effective in its role?

Agnieszka Bienczyk Missala – Professor, Institute of International Relations, University of Warsaw, Poland
Martin Griffiths – Executive Director, European Institute of Peace, Belgium
Vuk Jeremić – President of the UN General Assembly (2012-2013) ; President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development, Serbia
Maciej Popowski – Deputy Director-General, European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission

MODERATOR: Marcin Buzanski – Director, Peace and Stabilisation Programme, Casimir Pulaski Foundation, Poland

Over the last three years relations between Russia and the West have shifted from a partnership of convenience to strategic opposition. These developments came as a major surprise for many European capitals, yet seemed to be anticipated by Moscow. What have we not understood regarding Russian core assumptions about the international system, and what does history teach us in this regard? Will we see – as expected by the Kremlin – a return of geopolitics and “realpolitik” or a “Grand Bargain” is an unlikely scenario, as it would shake the foundations of the Western world? And finally, can Russia change in itself?

Vladislav Inozemtsev – Director, Centre for Post-Industrial Studies, Russia
Hannah Thoburn – Research Fellow, Hudson Institute, USA
Brian Whitmore ​- Senior Russia Analyst, Radio Free Europe, Czech Republic

MODERATOR: Michael Carpenter – Senior Director, Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement;  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (2015-2017), USA

In partnership with the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement

Katarzyna Pisarska –  Director of the European Academy of Diplomacy, Poland
James Denton – President, World Affairs, United States