The end of the Second World War was marked by the beginning of lasting confrontations between the two victorious powers, the United States of America and the Soviet Union. Territorial claims, completely contrary world views that did not seem to be compatible with each other led to a Cold War that lasted for more than forty years and divided Central Europe and in particular the defeated Germany into two spheres that could not have been more different on a social, political and economic level.

In order to prevent a repetition of the political turmoil of the interwar period, a rule-based international order was established under the leadership of the United States of America after the war, which led to economic prosperity and ushered in decades of peace in Europe. This order was further deepened after the end of the Cold War and is commonly referred to as the liberal world order.

Among other things, this solidified normative order of international politics creates incentives for democratization, consolidates values and norms, and relies on the resolution of international conflicts through multilateral cooperation. At the same time, the liberal world order and the global governance associated with it faces numerous challenges. Within Western democracies, backward-looking developments can be observed. Right-wing populist movements and parties are attacking the foundations of the liberal world order. Former liberal states are turning against and challenging the established order. Outside the Western world, authoritarianism is being consciously propagated as a superior counter-model. The rise of China and the destabilising behaviour of Russia are repeatedly mentioned against this background.

What can/should Europe do - in cooperation with partners - in order to contribute to the preservation and further development of the liberal world order to which our continent owes so much?

The conference will be also available via Zoom. Registration for Zoom: HERE.

Covid Information

The 3-G rule (tested, recovered or fully vaccinated) applies throughout the campus of the Andrássy University Budapest. Proof of this must be presented when entering the university. In the case of testing, official proof of a negative PCR test (not older than 72 hours) or an antigen test (not older than 48 hours) must be presented.

Please note that it is compulsory to wear a mask in closed rooms at the AUB (except the speaker in a speech).