GLOBSEC Trends 2023: United we (still) stand

Summary:

As Russia’s aggression against Ukraine wages on for a second year, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) finds itself on the right side of history but divided. Most countries remain steadfast in its support for European Union (EU) and NATO membership, and recognise the inherent threats posed by autocratic regimes to the region’s security. Most CEE societies are taking cue from their political leaders that have sought to openly distance themselves from autocratic regimes and assume a more decisive and vocal role on the international scene.

At the same time, a strong buy-in to false and manipulative narratives that undermine democracy and Western unity constitutes a major obstacle to preserving progress. CEE societies are still greatly vulnerable to economic and social turmoil, a dynamic intensified over the past several years by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s aggression. While this turbulence has revealed vulnerabilities and blind spots that need addressing, it has also invited introspection towards examining the factors fostering societal resilience.

Russia’s belligerency is being fought across multiple parallel battlefields including the information space. Although political will is necessary to take effective measures and establish a commitment to resilience building, all parts of society, especially the private sector, have a role to play.

GLOBSEC Trends 2023 shines a light on the frustrations and uncertainties that lie hidden underneath the surface that be further exploited by (pro-)Kremlin and anti-Western propaganda, facilitated by populists throughout the CEE region.

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