Consequences for Russia and Europe
Podium discussion
Speakers:
Ivan Timofeev
Director of Programs, Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC)
Sergei Afontsev
Head of the Economic Theory Department, Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO), Russian Academy of Sciences
Discussants:
Bobo Lo
Analyst, Associate Research Fellow with the Russia-NIS Center, French Institute of International Relations (IFRI)
Stefan Meister
Head of the Robert Bosch Center for Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, DGAP
Chair:
Stefan Meister
Projections for the future have always challenged policy makers, especially long-term forecasts. History is too non-linear to provide consistent patterns. Moreover, current international developments show how fast things can change. But thinking about the future has crucial political value. Intellectuals must search continually for alternatives, envision different normative pictures, and project desirable outcomes. A strategic vision is essential for politics, especially if we look to the current state of the EU-Russia relations.
The Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) has conducted a multidimensional brainstorming project on the long-term future touching on 55 different spheres (demography, technologies, cities, regions, great powers). The result is a “mosaic” picture of the global future a century from now. Two of the main authors will present some of the results of this endeavor and bring the mosaic into focus. Bobo Lo and Stefan Meister will discuss with the authors about the linkage between todays Russia and its future position. What are the implications for Russia and the EU? What role for Russia in the future world?
The event will be held in English.
