Programme of the Expert Dialogue of the Valdai Discussion Club in Partnership With Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University “From Global ‘Fighting With No Rules’ to a Dialogue of Civilisations”
Kaliningrad, June 23–24, 2026
Attention! The time specified in the programme is local
June 23, Tuesday
10:00 – 10:30 Opening of the Expert Dialogue (LIVE: Russian, English)
10:40 – 12:00 Session 1. Fighting With No Rules: Norm or Anomaly? Is There a Need for an Alternative to Anarchy in International Relations? (LIVE: Russian, English)
For centuries, humanity has been trying to find ways to live without war and military conflict. Immanuel Kant expressed this ideal in his concept of “perpetual peace.” In the 20th century, the League of Nations represented a practical attempt at establishing this peace—and after the end of the Cold War, hopes were pinned on the cessation of bloc rivalry and the “end of history”. However, each time, wars and conflicts reappeared with renewed vigour. Today, we are witnessing another surge of conflicts. Why do international relations remain conflictual? Can we define international conflicts as a “clash of civilisations”? What can be done to counteract anarchy, given the crisis of the UN system and the legacy of Yalta and Potsdam? Can the great powers take responsibility for the world, and what is the role of small powers?
12:30 – 14:00 Session 2. State, Civilisation, Civilisation-State: Conceptual Foundations and Contemporary Developments (LIVE: Russian, English)
The concept of “civilisation-state” is increasingly being used in foreign policy discourse. The declaration issued by the leaders of Russia and China following the Beijing summit directly refers to civilisational aspects. Russia views its identity in terms of a civilisation-state. China seeks to find the foundations of its political philosophy in its civilisational heritage. Indian thinkers rely on centuries-old civilisational codes. The West is redefining itself as a distinct civilisation, with its own projects emerging in Europe and the United States. Attention to civilisational issues is not just a political instrument for constructing identity or an intellectual fashion. It is about shaping the political identities of modern powers. What does this mean for international relations? Is a dialogue between civilisations possible? What competing concepts of civilisations are relevant? What does constituting “a civilisational state” mean for Russia?
15:00 – 16:30 Session 3. The Eurasian Security System: A Unique Creation or a “Made in the Image and Likeness” of Existing Models? (LIVE: Russian, English)
The Eurasian continent includes several civilisations and regional powers. A number of conflicts are unfolding here. The continent is also home to important resource reserves, logistics routes, and centres of innovation. In February 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an initiative for a Eurasian security system. This initiative is based on the principles of equal and indivisible security, sovereignty, and respect for the diversity of political and economic systems. Other major players have also expressed their ideas. What is this initiative? What stage has its practical implementation reached? What difficulties arise along the way? What are the further prospects?
17:00 – 18:00 Special session. Contemporary Media and Dialogue of Civilisations (LIVE: Russian, English)
Modern media is undergoing a qualitative and quantitative transformation. The volume of information has increased dramatically: today, humanity produces more information in a few months than in the entire history of media. There has been a fragmentation of target audiences, as modern algorithms allow for tailoring content to meet consumer needs and preferences. Artificial intelligence technologies have entered the information landscape. Content itself has become a foundation for AI training, which in turn generates new content, including false and misleading information. Despite the rapid growth of social and new media, information bubbles have become even denser. A socialist lives in a fundamentally different information environment than a neoconservative or a liberal. Moreover, fragmentation and polarization go much further than the ideologies of the 20th century. Is dialogue between civilizations possible in such conditions? Can modern media build bridges between them? What will be the role of humans in building such bridges?
June 24, Wednesday
10:30 – 12:00 Open Discussion. The Future of the Baltic Region: Powder Keg or Model of Peaceful Coexistence? (LIVE: Russian, English)
Relations between Russia and Western countries remain extremely tense on the military-political front. Military spending is increasing, defence industries and armed forces are being modernized. The Baltic Sea region is the most dangerous area of contact between Russia and NATO. Due to the specific nature of the air and sea borders, incidents in both the air and at sea are highly likely. The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, the periodic detentions of ships travelling from Russia, and incidents involving drones have already created an explosive environment. The UK's initiative to create a maritime alliance to contain Russia could be another step towards escalating the crisis. The current conditions require an assessment of possible scenarios of political and military escalation, once again raising questions about transit from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad, about the security of the Kaliningrad region, as well as the freedom of navigation in the Baltic Sea and beyond. The situation surrounding Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz also provide an opportunity to analyse a similar scenario in the Baltic Sea. Is a maritime blockade in the region possible? What consequences could it have? How can the escalation be controlled? Who would benefit and who would stand to lose?
