On the afternoon of June 28, 2023, the Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University (PKU) hosted the lecture series under the 64th North Pavilion Seminar. Andrey Kortunov, Academic Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council, delivered a lecture titled "The Day After: A New World Order is Emerging". The lecture was chaired by Guan Guihai, Executive Vice President of IISS, and Associate Professor of the School of International Studies (SIS), PKU.

Kortunov began by reflecting on four major international events that happened over the past 35 years: the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He analyzed them as missed opportunities for creating a more united world order. He pointed out that they not only highlighted the international community's need and expectation for a more united world order in political, security, financial, and health aspects, but also provided a clearer understanding of the problems in and resilience of the current world order.

Kortunov argued that the Russia-Ukraine crisis represents the fifth opportunity to form a new world order. He noted that in this conflict, both Russia and Ukraine as well as the West have shown a certain degree of resilience. As for the countries in south of the globe, despite facing pressure from the West to take sides, they have adhered to their commitment not to participate in the conflict and are reluctant to follow decisions made without their vote. According to Kortunov, the current international system has limited flexibility and adaptability. Given the serious international financial risks and the challenges posed by climate change, food security, the migration crisis, the situation in the Middle East, and the evolution of mass destruction weapons technology, the current world order is in its final stages. A new world order needs to be gradually and non-confrontationally established so as to avoid catastrophic wars. The form and nature of the new world order will be influenced by numerous variables, including the degree of cohesion between the U.S. and Europe, the scope of China-U.S. competition, and the future of globalization.

During the Q&A session, Kortunov engaged in an in-depth exchange with the audience on topics such as ways and mechanisms to promote unity in the international community and the situation around the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (Contributed by: Wang Runtan)

Editor: Li Fangqi   Photographer: Zheng Peijie