The world order built after WWII is crumbling. Russia’s war against Ukraine has reshaped global politics, challenging European security, transatlantic relations, and the role of international institutions. Authoritarian governance is on the rise, deepening the global political crisis.

Wednesday, 21 May, 2024 - Public Day

09.00-09.30 Registration

09.30-10.00 Opening session

10.00-10.20 Keynote speech 1: Ivan Krestev (BG-online)

10.20-10.40 Keynote speech 2: Michel Eltchaninoff (FR)

10.40-11.10 Coffee break

11.10-12.30 Panel I: The war in Ukraine and the changed political reality in Europe

Moderator: Janet Gunn (UK)

Panel members: Natalia Chaban (NZ), Yaroslav Hrytsak (UA), Kaimo Kuusk (EE),young challenger- Olena Protsenko (UA)

12.30-14.00 Lunch break

14.00-14.20 Keynote speech 3: Peter Dickinson (UK/UA -online)

14.20-16.00 Panel II : 50 years after the Helsinki Accords:

The collapse of Europe's security system and the return of the nuclear threat

Moderator: Janet H. Anderson (UK)

Panel members: Lawrence Freedman (UK), Karin von Hippel (UK), James Sherr (UK/EE), young challenger- Neringa Galisankyte (LT)

16.00-17.30 Panel III: Is the Pacific the next battleground?

Moderator: Janet Gunn (UK)

Panel members: Remco Breuker (NL), Ian Buruma (USA/NL), Jonhyup Kwon (South Korea), young challenger- Brigita Dyburyte (LT)

Thursday, 22 May, 2024 - Morning session open to public

09.00-09.30 Registration and coffee

09.30-09.50 Simon Baron Cohen (UK- pre-recorded)

09.50-10.20 Keynote speech: Eugene Sadler-Smith (UK)

10.20-12.00 Panel IV: The Human Factor: are we our worst enemy?

Moderator: Janet H.Anderson (UK)

Panel members: Romeo Dallaire (CA), Abram de Swaan (NL), Simon Wessely (UK), young generation panel member: Maka Berulava (GEO)

12.00-12.15 Closing of the conference

12.15-14.00 Lunch break

14.00-17.00 Closed session- Chatham House Rule- by invitation only

What can we learn from the war in Ukraine?

The National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania was founded in 2009 and is housed in a historic residence - the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius Lower Castle. After more than 20 years of extensive archaeological and historical research, some palace areas have been restored, while others have been reconstructed.

The Museum collects, preserves, researches, and presents the historical and cultural heritage of the Lithuanian state, the Grand Dutchy of Lithuania, and its rulers through various means, including permanent exhibitions of rich and unique archaeological findings, collections of European applied and fine arts from the Gothic to the Baroque periods, and other valuable materials related to Lithuanian studies.

The Museum, more than just a repository of history, is a vibrant hub of educational and cultural activities. It disseminates information on cultural tourism, facilitates state-representative events, and actively engages with civil society. Its mission is to strengthen historical consciousness, foster national values, and maintain the Lithuanian community throughout the world. It also seeks to raise awareness of cultural and artistic heritage and to present the traditional historical and cultural links between European countries and peoples.

The Conference will take place at the National Museum, set within the historic Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius.