We may think of symbols as something of the past, something that only exists in literature and the arts. But even in an era dominated by digital technologies and platforms, symbols are still abundant. Battles are increasingly fought not with conventional weapons, but with the concepts of history or identity. From Warsaw to Washington and Tel Aviv, political legitimacy, alliances and even the very concept of international order are being redefined through powerful — even if volatile — symbols.
In Eastern Europe, a dispute over WWII-era partisans is threatening to fracture the vital Poland-Ukraine alliance against Russia. The Polish government’s recent decision to revoke President Zelenskyy’s highest honour to commemorate the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), was met with a defiant response by Zelenskyy. This is a case study in how historical narratives are being used to consolidate domestic power. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) is warning that Russia is preparing a new information operation aimed at worsening relations between the two countries.
In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that some Christian villages in Lebanon have asked to be annexed by Israel in order to receive protection from Hezbollah. With this, Israel is championing another identity that contrasts sharply with their actions in Gaza: that of protectors of those who cannot protect themselves — so long as they are Christian. It can be argued that adding another card to a fragile castle would be a risky move, but as we come to understand the current workings of global politics, even a castle of cards is impenetrable if its foundation is a strong enough symbol.
Are we running out of cards to play, or is the global system malleable enough only at the very top? Join us this Thursday and Friday for Global Risk Forum 451 & 452 and lend your voice to the discussion.
- Global Risk Forum 451
- Thursday, 9th July at 12:00 EDT / 17:00 BST
- REGISTRATION >>
- Global Risk Forum 452
- Friday, 10th July at 10:00 BST
- REGISTRATION >>
