Perspectives on Ukraine: Should New Zealand be Worried?
The Ukraine is 17,000 KMs away from New Zealand. Yet, in today’s interconnected world, events there can profoundly affect us here. War would be catastrophic in terms of lives, and would send the world economy into tailspin. The weakening of a rules-based international system would also disadvantage New Zealand’s ability to project her voice on the world stage. New Zealand has a great interest in a negotiated, diplomatic solution acceptable to all, and is well placed to contribute. Our panel covered different perspectives on the crisis; historical, national, and international. The event gathered 160 people and took place 20/03/2014 at the Parliament, in Wellington.
The event took place on 20/03/2014 at Parliament and was hosted by Grant Robertson, MP for Wellington Central
Panellists
Post event summary
Coming from a range of backgrounds, the panellists contributed their analysis and expertise on what has become one of the most challenging international crises in post-Cold War world. The picture that emerged from the discussion is of a situation where identity, economic interconnectedness, great power geo-politics and historical tension are key contributors and one where the importance of reaching a negotiated solution is felt far beyond the boarders of Europe. There was consensus that as a small state which depends upon a rules based international system, New Zealand has a strong stake in a peaceful solution.
The event took place on 20/03/2014 at Parliament and was hosted by Grant Robertson, MP for Wellington Central
Panellists
- HE Beata Stoczyńska, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland
- Mr Stuart Prior, former university lecturer for Russian studies and former NZ Ambassador to Moscow
- Mr Michalis Rokas, the Charge d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to New Zealand
- Mr Terence O’Brien, former New Zealand diplomat and senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic studies
- Dr Andrew Ladley: International consultant on conflict issues
- Dr. Natalia Chaban, Associate Professor and Jean Monnet Chair at the University of Canterbury
- And finally our chair Mr Gerald McGhie (QSO), Who had been NZ’s last Ambassador to the Soviet Union, NZ first Ambassador to Ukraine (resident in Moscow) And NZ’s first Ambassador to the Russian Federation
Post event summary
Coming from a range of backgrounds, the panellists contributed their analysis and expertise on what has become one of the most challenging international crises in post-Cold War world. The picture that emerged from the discussion is of a situation where identity, economic interconnectedness, great power geo-politics and historical tension are key contributors and one where the importance of reaching a negotiated solution is felt far beyond the boarders of Europe. There was consensus that as a small state which depends upon a rules based international system, New Zealand has a strong stake in a peaceful solution.
