Since Donald Trump took office in January, the world has turned upside down: trust in the international institutional system that had guaranteed peace and security for decades has been shaken, and international politics now appears to be driven by entirely new dynamics – at least on the surface. The United States is distancing itself from its old allies, while Europe, including Hungary, is rushing to find its place and to rise to the security, economic, and political challenges it faces – challenges that include the risks posed by technological development, the Russia-Ukraine war, and an increasingly assertive China. In 2025, it feels like we are in the midst of a major transformation, with history unfolding around us. Yet the processes at play are difficult to comprehend, which causes many to feel anxious and concerned.
Although we cannot fundamentally change the international situation, what we can do is reflect on it with a clear head. As part of our conference, two roundtable discussions will bring together leading security and foreign policy experts to assess our position in a changing world. What might the near future hold for the cause of peace in Europe? Do we need to get used to armed conflicts becoming part of our everyday reality around the globe? Can the European Union rise to the challenge and show strength – both economically and in terms of defense? And what role will Hungary play in this “new world order”?
The event:
Date: Thursday 8 May 2025, 10:00AM – 1:00PM
Venue: Magvető Café, 1074 Budapest, Dohány Street 13.
The planned programme:
10:00 Opening
Gábor Horn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Republikon Institute
10:05 Security policy panel
Ferenc Kaiser, Associate Professor at the Department of International Security Studies, Ludovika University of Public Service
József Kis-Benedek, Security Expert, Doctor of Military Science, Lecturer at the Department of International and Political Science, Milton Friedman University
Dorka Takácsy, Russia Expert, Researcher at the Centre for Euro-Atlantic Integration and Democracy
Péter Tarjányi, Security Policy Expert and Author
11:45 Break
12:00 Foreign Policy Panel
Zsolt Kerner, Political Journalist at 24.hu
Tamás Magyarics, Former Ambassador, Senior Research Fellow at the America Research Institute, Ludovika University of Public Service
Gergely Prőhle, Programme Director at the John Lukacs Institute, Ludovika University of Public Service
Andrea Virág, Strategic Director at the Republikon Institute
Technical information:
The event is open to the public and will be held in Hungarian.
The event is free of charge, but please indicate your intention to attend via the following form: https://forms.office.com/pages/response
The event will be streamed live on Republikon’s Facebook page. The link will also be shared in the Facebook event!
The operation of Republikon Institute is supported by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed at the event do not necessarily reflect that of the European Union. Neither the European Union, nor the organisation providing support can be made responsible for these.
