Between conflict and rearmament, challenge to build the new peace

In the current geopolitical scenario, with ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world (not only in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip) and with the race for rearmament by major states, how is peace best built? With deterrence - i.e. with the strategy of deterring aggression through the threat of an effective armed response - or with 'humble and persevering' diplomacy to foster a 'disarmed and disarming peace', as Pope Leo XIV evoked so suggestively in his first speech from the balcony in St. Peter's Square before the cheering crowd?

Current wars do not only concern the classical military sphere: the enormous damage that cyberwar and disinformation can create should not be overlooked, as an integral part of hybrid and cyber warfare that exploits digital technologies to achieve strategic, political or economic objectives.

The debate on how best to defend oneself against these risks is open and will also be held at the Festival of Economics 2025 in Trento, scheduled from 22 to 25 May, where the themes of geopolitics and defence will shine through the entire programme of events. And not by chance, since the title chosen this year reflects the uncertainties and crises of the moment: "Risks and Fatal Choices. Europe at the crossroads'.

Many geopolitics experts, economists and entrepreneurs will discuss these issues and the great uncertainty of this historical phase at this 20th edition of the Trento Festival of Economics, now in its fourth edition in the formula devised by the 24 ORE Group with Trentino Marketing (on behalf of local institutions and universities). A central theme of the festival, therefore, will be geopolitics (explored in depth on this theme page and already covered on 17 and 29 April in the Sole 24 Ore media, with the reporting of other round tables and protagonists).

Among the speakers, four ministers stand out...... names and qualifications...