Global order and democratic values in a time of power shifts and great power rivalry
The University of Bergen and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invite you to a one-day conference on Norway's foreign policy.
Main content
The global balance of power is transforming. Previous hopes for the ideological triumph of liberal democracy have not been fulfilled. Instead, we observe authoritarian states gaining significant global influence, serving as inspiration for others. Countries long considered consolidated democracies are experiencing democratic setbacks, and an increasing number of citizens seem to lose faith in democracy as a form of governance.
Norway, being a small country, is highly dependent on collaboration with others. What does a changed global order and doubt about support for democratic values mean for us? How can foreign policy ensure that we can uphold our values in the future?
The Response Conference in Bergen will attempt to assess the status of democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights in the world today. It will discuss the foreign policy areas and regions where Norwegian foreign policy can make a positive difference in these values.
We have invited prominent experts to shed light on various conflicts and to take stock of democracy.
The University of Bergen and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are the main collaborators behind the conference.
You can read more about the government's Response Conferences here. (Norwegian)
Program
Moderator: Siri Kleiven Strøm
10.00 - 11.30: Part 1: Democratic Status Update – Global and LocalMany argue that democracy is in decline worldwide, and an increasing number of people are losing faith in democracy as a form of governance. But what does research tell us about the status of democracy? |
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11.30 - 12.30: Lunch break |
12.30 - 13.45: Part 2: Panel Discussion: What global trends are putting pressure on democracy and the rule-based global order – and what can we do about it?Changing geopolitical power balance and a series of crises and shocks create democratic challenges, putting the global order under pressure. Multilateralism has made significant normative progress, but the will and ability to implement it are lacking. What difference can Norway make to counteract democratic and human rights setbacks and the weakening of the international legal foundation we depend on? |
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13.45 - 14.00: Coffe break |
14.00 - 15.30: Part 3: Panel Discussion: The world is big, and Norway is small. Where can we make a difference?Throughout history, Norway has been active in foreign policy, development policy, and economics in large parts of the world and, compared to many small countries, has a broad global network. Where can Norway achieve the most democratic values and an international legal-based order? |
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| Conclusion and summary by the Norwegian foreign minister |