8th Expert Conference on International Relations

October 22-23, 2009, Munich

“The Economic Crisis as a Litmus Test – Will the West Gain or Lose?“

The current economic and financial crisis has put the whole global economic system to the test; the result could be a re-adjustment of the global balance of power. This also means that the competition between democratic systems and authoritarian regimes may become stronger and even more hostile.

The hegemonic role of the West is challenged by the unprecedented national debt in the United States and Europe who, as a result, might lack the means and resources to enforce its strategic interests. However, the crisis not only affects the major powers but also the developing countries. Declining foreign aid and changing trade patterns are likely to lead to political destabilization, which can spill out in dangerous ways to the international community. Who will emerge stronger from this crisis?

The conference participants - a selected group of 35 experts in international relations from Europe, Asia and the U.S. - discussed the following topics:

Session 1: Taking stock: How is the crisis changing the global economic balance of power?

Session 2: Are authoritarian regimes better suited to cope with the crisis?

Are powerful authoritarian regimes becoming new attractive role models for developing countries? Can China's economic pragmatism in international relations serve as a model? How will Russia emerge from the crisis? Will it lean towards Europe or China in order to modernize its economy and to better realize its interests?

Session 3: Failing states

An increase in the number of failed states may be another likely outcome of the economic crisis. How can and how should the West deal with the threat of failing states and the threat of continuous terrorism? Is this an area where the West can find common ground with Russia and new emerging powers such as China, India, and South Africa?

Session 4: What does the West have to offer?

Can the Obama presidency give fresh impetus to Western ideals and the specific assets of democratic societies? How much power does the West still have? How will its enormous national debt limit the U.S.'s ability to act? Will Europe emerge as a stronger player? How does the West deal with the increasing dependence on authoritarian regimes when it comes to solving global problems?

The conference was co-organized in cooperation with Prof. Dr. Christian Hacke (University of Bonn).