Indeed, following the consequences of a drawn out Covid-19 Pandemic, few could have imagined that some months later we would seriously be discussing a possible, even nuclear, Third World War.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine was a shock even to those who had warned us that such an aggression may occur.

This war happened after a number of consecutive crises: the financial crisis, the refugee crisis, the pandemic, as well as the continuing climate crisis.

Along with these, inequalities have both been exposed and dramatically increased creating a fertile ground for demagogues, extreme racists and fear-mongering nationalists. Yet, for progressives in Europe and around the world, this  challenge  should and can  become an opportunity to re-imagine our societies, our democratic institutions from a radically different standpoint.  In this context, culture  is the best vehicle for nurturing democratic values and inclusive societies. 

The Ukrainian drama highlighted the dangerous unpredictability of authoritarianism and its abuse of power. Simultaneously,  it brought out the vulnerability of democracy as captured by powerful players in and outside our democratic societies.

Will this become a bipolar ideological confrontation instrumental in defining our world’s future? Will geopolitical antagonisms hide the necessary reforms needed to strengthen our democratic values, social cohesion as well the just transition to a model of green development?

How are we going to face those daunting challenges and build trust in a new critical but vital pathway towards peace, cooperation and democratic rule? Can we learn from the flaws we either inherited or have seen widening over the past years? Can we learn, include, and maintain a rational approach in times that may bring on panic and chaos? Can we use this new technological era for the common good, in these “meta” times where our citizens feel disempowered and marginalized?