The Valdai Discussion Club conference, titled “The World Order: New Rules or a Game Without Rules”, was held in Sochi from the October 22 to 24, 2014.
Over 100 experts from 25 countries discussed contemporary issues in international relations, stability and defence matters, as well as Western sanctions against Russia, suggesting solutions for the stabilization of the international order.
The speakers included: Wolfgang Schüssel, former Austrian Federal Chancellor; Thierry Mariani, politician and Vice-President of the Union for a Popular Movement party and member of the French National Assembly; Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister of France; Masahiro Akiyama, former President of the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research; Ivan Krastev, Chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies in Sofia, and others.
Five sessions took place within the framework of the conference: “The Limits of Control and a Systemic Breakdown”, “Cooperation vs Competition: On the Issue of Interdependence”, “The Rise and Fall of Powers: Who’s Who in the 21st Century?”, “Leadership: Hegemony or Responsibility”, “The Formula of an Agreement: Is a Peaceful Deal on the International Order Possible”.
Furthermore, attendees participated in meetings with key Russian newsmakers, representatives from the Presidential Administration and the Government of the Russian Federation. Discussion topics included Russia’s strategy of economic development under sanctions, global threats from a Russian perspective, potential crises in the post-Soviet space, and cooperation with China, among other international relations issues.
In the final panel session, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the conference. He outlined key contemporary global issues, calling for an equal dialogue and the recognition of Russia’s position.
