On 21 May, 2026, a discussion entitled “Russia and African States: Objectives of Partnership” took place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

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#WorldMajorityValues #Africa

LIVE: at 12:00 Moscow Time (GMT +3), a discussion entitled “Russia and African States: Objectives of Partnership” begins.

https://valdaiclub.com/multimedia/video/russia-and-african-states-objectives-of-partnershipv/

#WorldMajorityValues #Africa

⏰ TODAY at 12:00 Moscow Time (GMT +3), a discussion entitled “Russia and African States: Objectives of Partnership” will take place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

❓What challenges does the partnership between Russia and the countries of Africa face today?
❓How can the effectiveness of the Russia–Africa summit process be improved?
❓What feedback is being received from Russia’s partners on the continent, and from alumni communities of Russian universities?
❓How might Russia make use of foreign experience in Africa?

These and other questions will be addressed by the participants in the Valdai Club discussion.

Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.

#WorldMajorityValues #Africa

🇨🇳🇷🇺🇺🇸 Trump’s visit to China after nine years to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14, 2026 was a historic landmark event.

The biggest achievement was the establishment of a “constructive strategic and stable relationship,” characterised by cooperation as its primary focus, orderly competition, controllable differences, and the promise of a peaceful future. 

This new positioning has helped to prevent the further deterioration of US-China relations, stabilising them and potentially allowing for a gradual warming. This is no easy feat.

 
Five days after Trump’s visit, Russian President Putin visited Beijing. This can be seen as another significant stability signal of new interactions among China, the US and Russia, after China-US relations returned to strategic stability. 

China, the US, and Russia—the three most important global powers—are altering the paradigm of major power interaction with remarkable strategic foresight, and are reshaping the global political landscape, Wang Wen writes. 

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/china-and-the-us-pursuing-strategic-stability/

#EurasianPerspective #UnitedStates #China

🗺️ For fifteen years until its collapse, the Soviet Union regularly published a popular science series titled At the Political Map of the World.

Issued monthly, these brochures examined current events in specific countries or regions and offered historical context. They served as an excellent companion to the world map itself, which, amid ongoing decolonization, was updated almost annually. Attention was also paid to long-established countries, both near and far. Soviet citizens had many opportunities to deepen their knowledge of political geography.

This legacy may explain why stories about cartographic blunders in US media remain so popular in post-Soviet Russia. The widespread availability of basic geographic knowledge fuels demand for such content. In this respect, Russia aligns more closely with other European countries, where geography instruction remains at a high level, and stands in contrast to the New World.

Yet even in countries with a strong geographical culture, something remains hidden from view.

The political map of the world has never been universally accepted: it not only visualizes global structures but also reflects the official viewpoint—one might even say the political philosophy—of the country in which it was created, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Anton Bespalov.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/political-map-of-the-world-to-each-their-own/

#PolycentricityDivercity #politics #geography

On May 20, 2026, a discussion titled “The Baltic Region: Risks of Military-Political Escalation,” took place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

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#PoliticalEconomy_of_Connectivity #BalticRegion

LIVE: At 11:00 (GMT +3), a discussion titled "The Baltic Region: Risks of Military-Political Escalation" begins.

https://valdaiclub.com/multimedia/video/the-baltic-region-risks-of-military-political-escalationv/

#PoliticalEconomy_of_Connectivity #BalticRegion

⏰ TODAY at 11:00 (GMT +3), a discussion titled “The Baltic Region: Risks of Military-Political Escalation” will take place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

❓What are the possible scenarios for political and military escalation?
❓What lessons can be drawn from the conflict surrounding Iran and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz?
❓What are the prospects of Baltic shipping routes being severed? What consequences would this entail?
❓And how can escalation be controlled?

Participants in the Valdai Club discussion will attempt to answer these and other questions.

Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.

#PoliticalEconomy_of_Connectivity #BalticRegion

On May 18, 2026, a discussion entitled “The United States and China after the Beijing Summit: Is a New Cold War Possible?” took place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

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#EurasianPerspective #China #UnitedStates

LIVE: at 15:00 (GMT +3), a discussion entitled “The United States and China after the Beijing Summit: Is a New Cold War Possible?” starts at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

https://valdaiclub.com/multimedia/video/russia-and-african-states-objectives-of-partnershipv/

#EurasianPerspective #China #UnitedStates

🇺🇸 On February 24, 2026, US President Donald Trump strode into a divided House of Representatives chamber and delivered a record-setting 108-minute State of the Union, declaring a “Golden Age of America” while pitching tariffs, border enforcement, and a parade of made-for-TV moments.

It was Trump 2.0 in miniature: volatility as performance, uncertainty as leverage, and foreign strategy reduced to slogans—China, in particular, scarcely featured, writes Hao Nan.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/reading-trump-2-0-as-a-system-what-four-strategy/

The author is a participant of the Valdai – New Generation project.

#EurasianPerspective #UnitedStates #Valdai_NewGeneration

⏰ TODAY at 15:00 (GMT +3), a discussion entitled “The United States and China after the Beijing Summit: Is a New Cold War Possible?” will take place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

❓Could the rivalry between the two powers become the foundation for a new bipolar confrontation?
❓What is the current state of relations between China and the United States, what are their prospects, and what are the key driving forces behind them?
❓How will Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing affect these relations? What are Russia’s interests in this context?

These and other questions will be addressed by participants in the Valdai Club discussion.

Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.

#EurasianPerspective #China #UnitedStates

🦅 The main strength of US policy today lies in its armed forces.

The US Navy possesses a level of power unprecedented in human history, even relative to global economic development.

American corporations are also a strength, though a lesser one; they are supported by US fiscal policy and by tax advantages granted to them by America’s allies at Washington’s request.

Recent events suggest that the United States might base the creation of an American Commonwealth—whatever name it may be given to obscure its aims—on forms of colonialism.

The radical alternative to a new Commonwealth is a process leading toward a World Federation; this process could be initiated by the creation of a European Federation, which would also reshape the meaning of a multipolar order in the near term.

It is up to a weak Europe to make the most important choices, beginning with giving itself a government capable of difficult, possible, and necessary decisions, writes Dario Velo.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/what-the-british-commonwealth-teaches/

#WorldMajorityValues #UnitedStates #neocolonialism

📆 ANNOUNCEMENT: On 25 May at 16:00 (GMT +3), a discussion entitled “Is There a Future for Cultural Diplomacy in a World of Hard Power?” will take place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

In recent decades, force has become the primary instrument for resolving interstate contradictions. The language of diplomacy and universal values is increasingly drowned out by the rhetoric of ultimatums. It appears that cultural diplomacy is rapidly losing its relevance. States are scaling back humanitarian exchanges, shutting down cultural centres, and redirecting budgets from education and outreach towards deterrence. Moreover, many governments now regard the very instruments of cultural diplomacy created during the previous era of globalisation—foundations, media outlets, and educational exchange programmes—with suspicion. They are seen not as bridges of mutual understanding, but as levers of foreign influence and tools for eroding national identity.

Yet it is precisely at this moment of apparent triumph of force that questions of cultural diplomacy become especially acute.

Perhaps an era of confrontation demands abandoning the notion that culture is always apolitical. The cultural diplomacy of the future may lie in the ability to defend one’s values pragmatically, while preserving dialogue even under conditions where diplomatic channels have been severed.

❓How should the current state of cultural diplomacy be assessed?
❓What forms does it take today?
❓Which institutions are assuming a key role in this sphere?
❓How do the instruments of cultural diplomacy affect economic and political confrontation?

Participants in the Valdai Club discussion will attempt to answer these and other questions.

🎙️ Speakers:

🇬🇧 Anatol Lieven, Senior Research Fellow, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft

🇧🇷 Marco Fernandes, Brazilian Representative, BRICS Civil Council,Geopolitical Analyst, Brasil de Fato, Editor, journal Wenhua ZonghengInternational

🇷🇺 Anna Velikaya, Candidate of Political Sciences, Senior Researcher,Peace and Conflict Research Group, Department of International PoliticalProblems, IMEMO RAS

🇷🇺 Ksenia Tabarintseva-Romanova, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor, Department of International Law, Ural Federal University

Moderator:

Anton Bespalov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club

https://valdaiclub.com/events/announcements/valdai-club-to-discuss-the-future-of-cultural-diplomacy/

Working languages: Russian, English

ℹ️ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website. If you have any questions about the event, please call +79269307763.

Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.

#PolycentricityDivercity #diplomacy

📆 ANNOUNCEMENT: On 21 May, at 12:00 Moscow Time (GMT +3), a discussion entitled “Russia and African States: Objectives of Partnership” will take place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

The discussion will be held on the eve of African Liberation Day, which is celebrated annually on 25 May by the member states of the African Union following a proposal by the United Nations General Assembly, and symbolises the liberation of the peoples of the continent from colonial oppression.

Russia has consistently supported the states of Africa in their struggle against neocolonial influence, and offers cooperation in the fields of security, energy, advanced technology, education, and food supply.

In 2019 and 2023, two Russia–Africa summits were held in Sochi and Saint Petersburg, respectively. Meetings of foreign ministers are held annually in order to discuss multilateral partnership and prepare for the summits. In accordance with the Presidential Decree of 25 March 2026, Moscow will host the third Russia–Africa summit. The goal of the summit will be to strengthen Russian–African partnership and define new objectives for the next three-year period.

❓What challenges does the partnership between Russia and the countries of Africa face today?
❓How can the effectiveness of the Russia–Africa summit process be improved?
❓What feedback is being received from Russia’s partners on the continent, and from alumni communities of Russian universities?
❓How might Russia make use of foreign experience in Africa?

These and other questions will be addressed by the participants in the Valdai Club discussion.

🎙️ Speakers:

🇷🇺 Denis Degterev, Professor at Higher School of Economics, Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for African Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences

🇪🇬 Sherif Ged, Chairman, Egyptian Association of Graduates of Russian and Soviet Universities (Egypt)

🇿🇦 Mikatekiso Kubayi, PhD, Senior Researcher, South African Research Chair on African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, University of Johannesburg

🇲🇬 Alice Soamirai Ndriambanona, Director of Partnerships and Legal Affairs for the Sofia Region, Madagaskar

Moderator:

Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club

https://valdaiclub.com/events/announcements/valdai-club-to-discuss-partnership-between-russia-and-african-states/

Working languages: Russian, English

ℹ️ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website. If you have any questions about the event, please call +79269307763.

Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.

#WorldMajorityValues #Africa

📆 ANNOUNCEMENT: On 20 May at 11:00 (GMT +3), a discussion titled “The Baltic Region: Risks of Military-Political Escalation” will take place at the Moscow venue of the Valdai Club.

Relations between Russia and the Western countries remain extremely tense. NATO continues to support Ukraine—military spending is increasing, while the defence sector and armed forces are undergoing modernisation. The territory of certain NATO member states may be used to launch strikes against Russia. The Baltic region is becoming a dangerous zone of contact between Russia and NATO. It is precisely here that incidents, both in the air and at sea, are most likely to occur.

The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, the detention of maritime vessels sailing from Russia, and incidents involving drones have already created an explosive environment. The United Kingdom’s initiative to form a maritime alliance aimed at containing Russia is further aggravating the situation.

The issue of the “Kaliningrad transit” is once again emerging, alongside the security of the Kaliningrad Region, as well as freedom of navigation in the Baltic Sea and beyond.

❓What are the possible scenarios for political and military escalation?
❓What lessons can be drawn from the conflict surrounding Iran and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz?
❓What are the prospects of Baltic shipping routes being severed? What consequences would this entail?
❓And how can escalation be controlled?

Participants in the Valdai Club discussion will attempt to answer these and other questions.

🎙️ Speakers:

🇳🇴 Glenn Diesen, Professor, University of South-Eastern Norway

🇷🇺 Dmitry Lanko, Candidate of Political Science, Associate Professor, Head of the academic programme “Baltic and Nordic Studies”, St. Petersburg State University

🇷🇺 Igor Zhukovsky, Cand. of Science (Politics), Senior Researcher of the Baltic Sea Region Integrated Research Group of the Center for Strategic Policy Studies, IMEMO RAS

Moderator:

Ivan Timofeev, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club

https://valdaiclub.com/events/announcements/valdai-club-to-discuss-escalation-in-the-baltic/

Working languages: Russian, English

ℹ️ Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our website. If you have any questions about the event, please call +79269307763.

Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.

#PoliticalEconomy_of_Connectivity #BalticRegion

🌏 From the Himalayan mountain arc in the north to the atolls of the Indian Ocean in the south, from the Baloch deserts in the west to the Burmese jungles in the east stretches a region conventionally referred to as South Asia.

Even the territorial sweep of these—admittedly highly conditional—boundaries plainly hints at the diversity of security challenges characteristic of this region.

Despite this, even within the expert community discussions are often reduced to military-political issues alone. This is understandable: the region is marked both by episodes of escalation between major powers (India–Pakistan, India–China), and by the intensification of intra-state armed conflicts—these crises alone suffice to saturate the news cycle.

However, the concentration of expert attention on the defence policies of South Asian states does not diminish the importance of other issues—terrorist activity, shortages of energy resources, questions of water management and agricultural production, climate change, and gender security.

South Asia is a region bearing much promise, and no fewer challenges. Aside from the widely covered traditional security threats—terrorism and armed conflict—at the forefront of the regional agenda are issues of gender, resource scarcity, climate change, and other complex, structural roadblocks hindering development and growth, writes Gleb Makarevich, Research Fellow, South Asia and Indian Ocean Group, Center of the Indo-Pacific Region, IMEMO RAS.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/from-water-resources-to-women-s-rights-security/

#WorldMajorityValues #SouthAsia #geopolitics #security