Speaker

• André Loesekrug-Pietri, Speaker of the Joint European Disruptive Initiative (J.E.D.I.)

Moderator 

• Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer, Non-resident Fellow at the GMF Paris

We are at a technological and political tipping point globally. Technological progress is allowing existing players to scale their advantage to a level never seen before, and to new players to have global impact. In this new era, military and civilian technologies are increasingly inseparable, and defense crises incorporate strategic, economic and technological components simultaneously. Besides, strategic success relies not anymore on size, but also on speed. On all accounts, despite honorable efforts and countless white papers and strong declarations, Europe seems stuck in a strategic black hole.

Like the U.S. who acted boldly after their soil became vulnerable in 1957 to Soviet ICBMs when Sputnik was launched, will Europe be able to radically change its method and give itself the means to remain a relevant player? Or will its influence continue to vanish, with the risk of becoming increasingly dependent on other for its prosperity, its values and the resilience of its democratic systems? Is China a game changer for European countries? On top of political divergence, is there a risk for the transatlantic alliance if the technology rift between the U.S. and European countries becomes too large?

Private event  - Off the record and on invitation only.