On April 26, 2023, MLI hosted a delegation from Visegrad Four (Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary) to discuss how the Transatlantic community can approach the challenges posed by authoritarian regimes and what lessons should be learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In attendance were the Political Directors from Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, as well as the ambassadors of the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee, Ali Ehsassi, MLI Senior Fellows, other experts, and representatives from Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defense. It was moderated by MLI Senior Fellow and Director of the Transatlantic Program, Dr. Balkan Devlen, with opening remarks by MLI Managing Director Dr. Brian Lee Crowley.
The group discussed the importance of Western unity in the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine, the need for better co-ordination among the Transatlantic community in facing authoritarian challenges to the international order, how to engage with the Global South on these matters, and the urgent need to provide sufficient support for Ukraine to win the war.
We also reflected on lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine for security in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning a potential contingency involving Taiwan and how Europe and Canada cannot ignore the PRC’s challenge in the region.
