Russia After Putin

The discussion on “Russia after Putin” centred around the uncertain future of Russia after President Putin, particularly in the wake of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the deepening authoritarianism under his rule. The panel, featured Vladimir Kara-Murza, potential ‘Russian President in-exile’, and human rights advocate; Gennady Gudkov, Russian opposition politician; Lyubov Sobol, Russian opposition politician and lawyer; Marina Ovsiannikova, Russian journalist and opposition figure; Maria Alyokhina Member of Pussy Riot; Marianna Yarovskaya, Russian-American filmmaker; and Dr. Pavel Podvig, Director of the Russian Nuclear Forces Project. It explored various scenarios that might unfold if Putin were to leave power, including the potential for a democratic transition, a power struggle within the elite, or the emergence of another authoritarian figure. 

The unpredictability of such transitions in authoritarian states makes it difficult to foresee whether this would lead to a more liberal regime or further entrenchment of autocracy. The panelists debated the role of the West, with some arguing that Western countries should isolate the Russian regime and strengthen sanctions, while others emphasize the importance of engaging with Russian civil society and supporting independent media and exiled dissidents. The panel discussion concluded on a note of cautious optimism, acknowledging the resilience of democratic forces in Russia while recognizing the immense obstacles they face in the near future.

Israel and Palestine

The “Israel and Palestine” panel included, Ehud Olmert, 12th Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009; Nasser Al-Qidwa, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs (2003 - 2005); Yossi Beilin, Israeli Minister of Justice and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (1995 - 2001); Amos Yadlin, former Head of Israeli Military Intelligence; Dalal Iriqat, Palestinian diplomat and academic; Yonatan Zeigen, Israeli peace activist who lost his mother in October 7 2023 attacks; Hiba Hussaini, Former Legal Advisor to the Palestinian Negotiations Team in the peace process; Bahman Kalbasi, NYC/UN Correspondent: BBC: Persian Service. The panelists discuss the implications of international law on the ongoing conflict, with a focus on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

The discussion centered on the ICJ’s July 2024 Advisory Opinion, which declared Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) unlawful, and the subsequent UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/ES-10/24) demanding Israel end its occupation within 12 months, by September 2025. Key topics included Israel’s settlement policies, the right to Palestinian self-determination, and the role of international bodies like the UN in enforcing these legal findings. While some panelists advocate for an Arab-led security presence, others doubt the feasibility of peace given current political realities, particularly the strength of Hamas and right-wing Israeli leadership. The debate becomes heated when contrasting perspectives on terrorism, occupation, and international law arise, illustrating the deep divides that continue to challenge the peace process.

Korea - How to Contain Kim and Strengthen Democracy on the Korean Peninsula?

The panel discussion titled “Korea – How to Contain Kim and Strengthen Democracy on the Korean Peninsula?” brought together a powerful mix of personal testimony, legal insight, and geopolitical analysis to explore how the international community can respond to the threats posed by North Korea. Moderated by journalist Terry Martin, the session featured Chinese human rights lawyer Teng Biao; Otto Warmbier’s parents and human rights activists Cindy and Fred Warmbier; German sanctions law expert Lothar Harings; and undercover whistleblower Ulrich Larsen.

Teng Biao argued that North Korea’s survival is deeply tied to China, which provides critical economic, diplomatic, and technological support. Cindy and Fred Warmbier shared their heartbreaking journey following their son’s death in North Korean custody, describing their legal crusade against the regime, which included winning a U.S. court judgment, seizing a North Korean ship, and helping shut down a regime-run hostel in Berlin. Lothar Harings detailed the legal and bureaucratic struggle to enforce sanctions in Germany, highlighting how North Korea evades international law by exploiting loopholes. Ulrich Larsen offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the regime, recounting his undercover work exposing arms deals and propaganda efforts, and describing the surreal and indoctrinated environment inside North Korea. The discussion concluded a consensus that the key to change lies not just in isolating North Korea, but in targeting the support systems that sustain it, chief among them, China, while continuing to raise awareness, support defectors, and educate the global public about the true nature of the regime.

A New Red Telephone, A New Start 4 and a New IFN Treaty for Russia, China and the USA

"A New Red Telephone, A New START 4, and a New IFN Treaty for Russia, China, and the USA" convened experts and diplomats to address escalating nuclear and regional security risks among the three powers. The panel included Christine Muttonen, Co-President of the Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (PNND); Thomas Countryman, Former United States Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation; Jonathan Granoff, President of the Global Security Institute; Dr. Pavel Podvig, Director of the Russian Nuclear Forces Project.

The discussion focused on reviving and modernizing Cold War-era mechanisms like the U.S.-Soviet hotline ("Red Telephone"), extending the New START treaty (expiring 2026), and proposing a new Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF)-style treaty ("New IFN Treaty") to include China. The outcome of the panel was a unified call for urgent trilateral arms control negotiations, emphasizing that existing bilateral frameworks (e.g., U.S.-Russia) are insufficient without China’s inclusion. Participants probably agreed that a "New Red Telephone" hotline would enhance crisis stability, a "New START 4" could cap strategic arsenals, and a "New IFN Treaty" would curb destabilizing intermediate-range missile deployments. The panel concluded that without these measures, unchecked competition—exacerbated by regional flashpoints like Ukraine, Taiwan, and NATO’s eastern flank—risks accidental escalation. A key takeaway was likely a recommendation for the UN or a neutral body to mediate initial talks, given mutual distrust among the powers, with a draft framework proposed for further diplomatic action by late 2025.