“21st century challenges posed by the war in Ukraine – nuclear, cyber, economic security, information, and democracy”

– The war in Ukraine is being conducted as a full-scale hybrid war involving the use of intelligence, disinformation, international propaganda, cyberattacks, and so on. In response to this situation, efforts by citizens and the private sector to work together to defend democratic societies against information warfare waged by totalitarian states and terrorist groups are also becoming more visible.

Furthermore, the situation with the safety and security of the world can be said to have reached a major turning point, with Russia hinting that it might use nuclear weapons.

On the other hand, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world’s bread basket, and the subsequent disruption of food supply routes has led to sharp rises in global food prices, worsening the outlook for the world economy.

In addition, against a backdrop of efforts to achieve decarbonisation, energy dependence on Russia, which possesses natural gas and other resources, has been increasing, and the international community is also being confronted with the question of how to ensure energy security.

With such a situation forming the background, the US and other countries have changed course, bringing production back home and boosting their self-sufficiency in food, energy, etc., while trade regulations are carving the world up into economic blocs.

In his keynote speech, the Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy will examine the historical background of the invasion of Ukraine and its wide-ranging impacts on international society, including business. He will also address the need for states, business, and civil society to work hand in hand against forces that seek to ‘weaponise’ information, energy, etc., to undermine peace and stability.

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