Peter Grk, Secretary-General Bled Strategic Forum
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it has become a must-attend strategic event in Asia and a reference point for interesting and far-reaching discussions about the state of the world. The Raisina Dialogue conference, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, took place between 17 and 19 March under the title Kālachakra – People, Peace and Planet. In this context, the Bled Strategic Forum continues to nurture and develop a long-standing partnership with ORF and the Raisina Dialogue to promote inclusive and deep discussions about the future of the multilateral system, which is now under much pressure.
Multilateralism, not as a choice but as a necessity, was at the forefront of the discussions at this year’s Raisina Dialogue, with peace and cooperation as ultimate values, which need to be safeguarded and promoted. It is by no means a surprise, especially in the violent new geostrategic reality, where the multilateral rules-based international order is crumbling, and global players are entering into a competitive race for spheres of influence, where at the end of the day probably there can be no winners, more likely, we will all lose.
Of course, the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza and Syria, as the most dominant examples of the above-mentioned new reality, were heavily discussed and debated. While everybody agrees on the need for peace, there are still different opinions on how to reach an agreement that won’t reward those who broke the UN Charter but will set down a framework for a just and sustainable solution. European ministers and participants from European civil society argued quite resolutely that any peace negotiations about Ukraine must include Ukraine and Europe. If not, peace will be neither just nor sustainable in the long run.
Additionally, debates showed that the time has come to put a real effort into reforming the multilateral system if we want it to survive. We must take grievances, ideas, and suggestions from emerging global players who view this multilateral reality as inadequate and unjust more seriously.
The world has dramatically changed since the Second World War when the current system was created. Yet, we do not see this reflected in the current setup of the multilateral decision-making processes and institutions. While acknowledging that the foundations of the system are good and functional, we need to reshape it to reflect this new reality. If not, there is a reasonable assumption that realpolitik” and power without rules will replace multilateralism. It would be a disaster for the geostrategic stability and sustainable future.
Finally, where is Europe in all this? Interestingly enough, Europe finds itself in an interesting position, as it has to prove that it deserves a seat at the global table and simultaneously resolve its internal setup and decision-making. Many skeptics say that Europe is incapable of this feat, but the Bled Strategic Forum is not among them.
We still believe in Europe’s power and resilience to adapt and overcome challenges, not because we are naïve or foolish, but because Europe was not built in a day and won’t be destroyed in a day.
In the last 10 years, Europe has faced many existence-threatening crises, yet here it is, still standing and fighting for the values of democracy, the rule of law, and a multilateral system. Europe is not perfect, as it’s slow and cumbersome, and its decision-making process is far from ideal. On the other hand, it represents one of the most beautiful and prosperous political and social experiments in the history of humankind. To sit down with so many different nations that need to agree on a common future at the same table is truly remarkable.
However, Europe needs to change and adapt once more. It needs to take on a more prominent role on the global stage while collaborating with world leaders who share our view of the need to preserve the multilateral system and adapt it to the new reality. Additionally, it should take care of its defensive posture and increase its defensive capabilities. At the same time, it has to preserve the democratic and social system (European way of life), making it attractive and resilient. It is a tall order, but there is a way where there is (political) will.