Amid growing geopolitical fragmentation and shifting global power dynamics, the panel discussion “Europe Between New Forms of Power and Dominance: Geopolitical Agency in a Fragmenting World,” held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 and co-hosted by the Bled Strategic Forum, explored Europe’s evolving role within an increasingly complex international order.
The discussion examined the structural transformation of the international system, characterized by intensifying geopolitical competition, regional conflicts, and mounting pressure on multilateral governance frameworks. Participants explored how traditional understandings of power are being reshaped through technological innovation, financial systems, and increasingly interconnected global networks.
The session was moderated by Simona Leskovar, Programme Director of the Bled Strategic Forum of Slovenia. The keynote address was delivered by Baiba Braže, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia. The panel also featured Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia; Audra Plepytė, Deputy Foreign Minister of Lithuania; and Jernej Pikalo, Professor of Political Science and Globalization at the University of Ljubljana, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Education of Slovenia.
Particular attention was devoted to Europe’s position between traditional state-centered power politics and emerging forms of influence driven by technology, capital, and transnational systems. The discussion emphasized that preserving Europe’s geopolitical agency will depend on its capacity to adapt to new forms of power while maintaining its commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, and shared democratic values.
