The Ratiu Dialogues on Democracy serves as a growing platform for professionals, policymakers, academics, journalists, government officials, and teachers to meet and network.
THE RATIU DIALOGUES ON DEMOCRACY 2025
In a consequential year, the frame for European and Transatlantic order is changing. The terms for US engagement in and with Europe have altered: on security, on tariffs and on Russian policy. Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, even as steps towards a possible cease-fire are on the table. The nationalist right is advancing in European elections, while individual candidates in Romania and France have been disqualified from running. European countries are increasing their defense budgets and there is a renewed debate about European strategic autonomy. China is eyeing an opportunity to build bridges and influence in Europe. Volatility and uncertainty are the prevailing winds across the continent and beyond.
What does this all mean for Europe and for the international and Transatlantic order? What choices should our leaders be making? How can history and scholarship help inform strategic choices? Is there form and direction to the realignment that appears to be underway?
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Agenda
The Defence Imperative: Rethinking Budget Priorities in a Shifting Global Order
Ukraine 2025: Security, Sovereignty, and the Road Ahead
The Future of NATO: Navigating Strategic Crossroads in International Diplomacy
Cognitive Warfare: Shaping Narratives, Shaping Battles
Realpolitik Revisited: History and Modern Power Politics
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Mircea Geoană – President of Aspen Romania; Former Deputy Secretary General of NATO
Katrín Jakobsdóttir – Former Prime Minister of Iceland
OPENING REMARKS
H.E. Giles Portman – British Ambassador to Romania
H.E. Alfredo Durante Mangoni – Ambassador of Italy to Romania
Maria Forna – Prefect of Cluj
Nicolae Ratiu – Ratiu Family Charitable Foundation
Professor Alexander Evans – LSE IDEAS
PANELS &SPEAKERS
Chair: Professor Alexander Evans, LSE IDEAS
Speakers: Dr Spasimir Domaradzki – University of Warsaw, Professor Luciana Ghica – University of Bucharest, John Florescu – Television Producer
Chair: Andrew Noble – Former British Ambassador to Romania
Speakers: Professor Timothy Hoyt – US Naval War College, Dr Iulian Fota – Former National Security Adviser to the President of Romania, Horia Răzvan Botiș – NATO Industrial Advisory Group
Chair: Baroness Gisela Stuart – Member of the UK House of Lords
Speakers: Sir Laurie Bristow – Former UK Ambassador to Russia, Dr Ben Noble – University College London, Dr Samir Puri – Chatham House, Centre for Global Governance and Security
Changing Geopolitics
Speaker: Katrín Jakobsdóttir – Former Prime Minister of Iceland
Introduction: Sandra Pralong – Former State Counselor to the President of Romania
In conversation with: Professor Alexander Evans, LSE IDEAS
Chair: Professor Slobodan Markovich – LSE IDEAS and University of Belgrade
Speakers: Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar – Former Ambassador for Cyber Diplomacy, Estonia, Oleksandr (Sasha) V. Danylyuk – Center for Defense Reforms, Brigadier General Mircea Mîndrescu – Former Commander of NATO’s Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre, Dr Marcin Fatalski – Jagiellonian University
Chair: Anthony Monckton – VE Insight
Speakers: Dr Wojciech Michnik – Jagiellonian University, Dan Perry – Former EMEA Chief Editor, Associated Press, Professor Alexander Evans – LSE IDEAS
Chair: Cristina Cileacu – Digi24
Speakers: Michael Shear – The New York Times, John Lloyd – Financial Times, Professor Valur Ingimundarson – University of Iceland
OTHER PARTICIPANTS
Sandra Pralong – Communications Expert; Former State Counselor to the President of Romania
Baroness Gisela Stuart – Member of the UK House of Lords
H.E. Giles Portman – British Ambassador to Romania
H.E. Alfredo Durante – Mangoni, Ambassador of Italy to Romania
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