The world is entering a critical period of upheaval. Flemming Splidsboel Hansen presents a clarifying and timely examination of global power dynamics, conflicts and their impact on Denmark. The war in Ukraine marks Europe's largest conflict since World War II, the Middle East is gripped by terrorism on an unprecedented scale, China threatens Taiwan, and the United States signals interests in both Greenland and Canada. Nuclear weapons have returned as a strategic deterrent, while democracy and human rights weaken globally.
Through this lecture, a thorough analysis unfolds showing how the world order has broken down and what perspectives lie ahead in the years and decades to come. The old system had benefited Denmark, but multiple superpowers actively challenge it, and even the United States no longer wishes to defend it. Denmark faces growing geopolitical uncertainty, which places new demands on the country's diplomatic and strategic efforts.
Central questions
- What underlying factors drive global instability and the breakdown of the world order?
- How will competition between superpowers – particularly Russia, China, the United States and Europe – affect Denmark's position?
- What strategies can smaller nations employ to navigate a world filled with wars, threats and uncertainty?
About the speaker
Flemming Splidsboel Hansen is a nationally and internationally recognized expert who frequently contributes analyses of Russian and post-Soviet affairs to Danish and international media. He writes regularly for publications including Ræson, Berlingske, Jyllands-Posten and Politiken. In 2023, he received both the Ministry of Education and Research's research communication prize and DR's Rosenkjær Prize – awarded to individuals who manage to communicate complicated subjects to a broad audience with both clarity and engagement.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Splidsboel Hansen has participated in over 1000 media interviews and established himself as an important voice in the debate about Europe's geopolitical situation. Beyond written contributions, he regularly appears in television programmes and at lecture venues, where he casts light on complex international issues with analytical rigor and nuance.
Practical information
Admission: 200 DKK
Location: Dokk1/Aarhus Main Library
