Universalism: A new Potsdam Conference for a peaceful multipolar world

The Potsdam Conference, which took place 80 years ago from July 17 to August 2, 1945, stands as a symbol of diplomacy and the negotiation of a new peaceful world order.

A pioneer unit of the Soviet army built a wooden bridge to replace the destroyed Glienicker Bridge and allow the "Big Three "delegations - USA, Russia, Great Britain - to travel from their residences in Babelsberg to the conference venue in Cecilienhof and back.

 Just a simple wooden bridge to facilitate diplomacy, communication, and understanding.

The three delegations almost certainly had further lively, personal exchanges over a hearty meal in their Babelsberg residences.

This was a stark contrast to today where indirect communication - often via social media such as X - mistrust, camouflage, and deception are the order of the day.

 Cognitive warfare is now omnipresent. The military mindset and approach are creeping into civil society and the business world. The boundaries between the civilian and military worlds are disappearing rapidly. A peaceful world no longer exists.

That is why we need a new kind of “Potsdam Conference” gathering, i.e. - Russia, USA, China and the European States, as well as the other BRICS member countries and all BRICS partner countries - to establish new foundations for peaceful coexistence in this multipolar world in the sense of Kant’s universalism; a new Potsdam conference before Europe lies in ruins again. Young bright minds are needed, as well as universalism, and empathy should be the guiding principles.

“Standing armies (miles perpetuus) shall be abolished in course of time.

For they are always threatening other states with war by appearing to be in constant readiness to fight. They incite the various states to outrival one another in the number of their soldiers, and to this number no limit can be set.”

(Kant, Perpetual peace, 1795)

Many thanks RIAC

Universalism: A new Potsdam Conference for a peaceful multipolar world