On 5–6 March, the Baltic Defence College convened its annual conference, “Russia in The World: Visions and Realities.” This iteration provided a comprehensive analysis of Russia’s geopolitical motives and its evolving self-perception on the global stage.

The event brought together over 300 international experts, including academics, military personnel, and policymakers. General (Ret.) Riho Terras delivered the keynote address, tracing Russia’s strategic trajectory since the collapse of the Soviet Union, which set the stage for a high-level panel discussion on Russia’s vision of the global order.

Specialised sessions explored Russia’s influence in the Middle East, the impact of US-Russia relations on Euro-Atlantic security, and the role of the Russian military instrument. The programme also addressed contemporary challenges in the cyber domain, information security, and the geostrategic implications of energy dependence.

A key theme throughout the conference was the shifting nature of Russia-China relations and the fundamental divergence in values and interests between Russia, Europe, and China. Despite emerging global health challenges at the time, the conference served as a vital forum for rigorous debate and the exchange of diverse strategic perspectives.