Session: Plenary Session 1 / Regency Room
Date/Time:April 30, 2013 / 10:15-11:30

Panel Description
In many regards, the world has never been freer, safer, or more prosperous. Yet, this new world order is also characterized by unprecedented instability and uncertainty. The American unipolar moment has given way to the dramatic rise of China and newly-emerging great powers. This generation’s greatest financial crisis continues to stifle global economic recovery while the old economic centers of Europe and Japan appear to be in irreversible decline. The Middle East and North Africa is in the midst of the greatest political upheaval and change since the end of colonialism. And, most significantly, at a time when many are increasingly questioning the very future of the current international order, the world appears leaderless. This is a time when real leadership and visionary ideas are urgently needed.

Guiding Questions

1. How durable is the current United States-led liberal democratic international order?
2. Are we entering a unipolar, bipolar, multipolar, or non-polar era?
3. Looking forward ten years, what are the greatest threats to the future of international peace and security?