Brief Summary of the First Day of International Scientific and Diplomatic Congress

In the Spotlight: Candid Discussion on the Prospects of a New World Order at the Livadia International Conference 

(translated from Russian)

Photo by Regis Trambley

An international conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Yalta Agreements brought together prominent experts, politicians, and public figures from around the world. Led by Georgy Muradov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Crimea to the President of the Russian Federation, participants discussed the historical context of the 1945 Yalta Conference and its significance for shaping a modern multipolar world, UN reforms, and the future of international relations. 

 

TIME OF TURBULENCE 

Dr. Oksana Gaman-Golutvina, a political scientist and member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, set the tone for the discussion, urging caution in predicting the future world order. 

“I would not make any forecasts now, as we have not yet reached the peak of turbulence. This wave of turbulence will be long-lasting,” she emphasized. 

Gaman-Golutvina argued that the emerging world would be more “polycentric” than “multipolar,” as there may be more than two power centers. She stressed that before addressing global strategic challenges, Russia must focus on numerous local subtasks. 

 

LANGUAGE AS THE BASIS OF IDENTITY 

Sergey Tsekov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, highlighted the need to protect the Russian language, starting within the country. 

“We unconsciously insert foreign words. We use Latin script instead of Cyrillic,” Tsekov lamented. 

This issue is particularly critical for Crimea, the historical birthplace of Cyrillic. Tsekov expressed confidence that CIS countries “cannot abandon the Russian language,” as it remains the language of high science, industry, and economics. 

 

FROM LOCAL EXAMPLES TO GLOBAL CHANGES 

Vladimir Konstantinov, Chairman of the Crimean State Council, supported language preservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of practical examples. 

“If Crimea and Russia demonstrate successful practices of preserving our native language, this could become a norm and tradition,” he said. 

Recalling initial skepticism toward such initiatives, Konstantinov predicted that English-language signage in Moscow and elsewhere would soon give way to natural Russian-language alternatives. 

 

THE LEGACY OF YALTA IN A MODERN CONTEXT 

Pierre de Gaulle, grandson of General Charles de Gaulle, drew attention to the symbolic significance of his presence, noting his grandfather was not invited to the 1945 Yalta Conference. 

“Yalta is a source of inspiration for the future,” de Gaulle stated. “The Yalta Agreements shaped Europe for decades, creating stability but also sowing the seeds of the Cold War and East-West confrontation.” 

He expressed hope that today’s Yalta could pave the way for a new multipolar world of justice and prosperity. 

 

REALITIES OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICS 

Sergey Markedonov, director of the Department of Interethnic Relations at the Institute of Political and Military Analysis, urged a pragmatic approach. 

“While we might wish for a new world order agreement to be signed here in Yalta—a source of pride for Crimea and Russia—international politics is not about wishful thinking,” he noted. 

Markedonov emphasized the key question: whether the West is ready to recognize Russia’s interests in the post-Soviet space. 

 

GEOPOLITICAL CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES 

Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov linked recent geopolitical shifts to the 2014 events. 

“The path chosen was correct. Everything was done in the name of justice,” he asserted. 

Aksyonov identified the main obstacle to a fair world order as the “personal ambitions of Western leaders who believe they alone have the right to monopolize decisions.” 

 

INTERNATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONFERENCE 

The Yalta Conference became a truly global event, attracting representatives from the Czech Republic, Greece, Syria, and beyond. Participants included Russia’s Vasily Nebenzya, Jeffrey Sachs, and professors from Moscow and abroad. Discussions centered on Yalta’s historical role in shaping the world order, Russia’s prospects, UN reforms, and pressing international issues. The event reaffirmed Yalta’s status as a key diplomatic platform and a symbol of geopolitical transformation.

 

Source: https://gazetacrimea.ru/news/v-tsentre-vnimaniya-otkrovennyy-razgovor-o-perspektivakh-novogo-mirovogo-poryadka-na-mezhdunarodnoy-/

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