Globsec draws world leaders to Prague
With ten prime ministers and presidents attending, and speeches by political and business heavyweights, Globsec is undoubtedly a high-profile event.
This year, this security conference takes on added significance against the backdrop of rising global tensions and challenges to international stability. Robert Vass, president of Globsec, told Czech Radio:
“The main theme of this conference is how to tame or calm the storm that we see today in international relations and global security. This storm is probably the largest since World War II. The stability of our international system, based on international law, is being tested—not only on our eastern borders, specifically in Ukraine. The invasion of Ukraine two years ago was not just an attack on a sovereign country, but also on the fundamental principles of European security and the world order, which underpin our own security—both Czech and Slovak. If we do not protect these principles in the long term, we will lose trust in our institutions. Whatever we say in the future about other conflicts around the world, no one will believe us.”
Vass also highlighted the various fronts where this instability is manifested:
“There are several players who are trying to undermine the stability of the international system. We see multiple front lines, one of which is Ukraine. Another front line involves disinformation that is spreading within our societies, aiming to divide them and reduce our political ability to defend ourselves and recognize threats. We see conflict in the Middle East, we see paramilitary groups like the Wagner Group displacing governments in Africa, and we see military clashes in East Asia. All these incidents show that authoritarian regimes are testing the limits of how far they can go.”
And as for the outcomes expected from the Globsec conference, Vass was clear:
“It certainly won't be an academic debate. The conference is very practical, with around 2,000 guests from more than 70 countries attending. A strong delegation will arrive in Prague, including approximately 10 prime ministers, presidents, heads of state, and 20 defense and foreign ministers. There will be many journalists and key figures from parliaments as well. While the main forums will be important, more than 50% of the activities will take place within the framework of so-called corridor diplomacy, which is the soul of the conference. These are closed-door meetings where current issues can be addressed.”
Additionally, the conference will feature key announcements, such as recommendations for the new European Commission and the launch of a new Geotech center supported by Czech President Petr Pavel. The forum was previously held in Slovakia but was relocated to Prague following repeated criticism from Prime Minister Robert Fico.
