Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes Live from Davos with Alexander Stubb
Jan 20, 2026
Alexander Stubb, a seasoned Finnish politician and academic, shares insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos. He discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape, emphasizing a historic pivot akin to 1918. The conversation explores Finland's diplomatic focus on Ukraine amid concerns over Greenland. Stubb presents three potential solutions for Ukraine's conflict and reflects on personal diplomacy's importance, including casual moments with leaders. With his expertise on transatlantic relations, Stubb urges engagement and values-based realism in foreign policy.
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The Triangle Shaping The New World Order
- Global power is shifting into a triangle: West, East, and a decisive Global South.
- The Global South will increasingly determine outcomes unless the West adapts its power structures.
Values-Based Realism And Dignified Policy
- Values-based realism combines sticking to liberal values with pragmatic engagement beyond like-minded countries.
- Dignified foreign policy requires humility and treating rising powers as equals to preserve multilateral norms.
How US Priorities Squeeze Europe
- US foreign policy under Trump mixes MAGA ideology with an 'America First' hierarchy of regions.
- That hierarchy squeezes Europe into a lower priority despite ideological tensions with the US.
