Baltic Breakfast: Science diplomacy in times of crises

Seminar

Date: Thursday 28 August 2025

Time: 08.30 – 09.15

Location: Scandic Klara, Slöjdgatan 7, Stockholm and digitally

Geopolitical conditions have recently changed rapidly and significantly. Concerns over crisis and war dominate the societal debate, resulting in a narrow approach to a highly complex context. Vulnerability and preparedness focus mainly on threats from other states and less on how societies will cope with key challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change – issues, which fundamentally depend on international cooperation.

Foto: Daniel Axén/Mostphotos

Already the geopolitical situation has had an impact on ocean-related work. Security concerns have caused some websites to stop providing public information about the state of the oceans, while defence interests have stymied efforts to move forward with wind power development and porpoise protection.

At the same time, cooperation on environmental issues has historically been a “safe” area for international cooperation, sometimes even in regions characterized by high geopolitical tensions or even conflict. Nearby examples include the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) and cooperation between Norway and the Soviet Union on cod during the Cold War.

What does the research say about the impact of geopolitical changes on the state of the environment and environmental measures? What can be learnt from past management of environmental issues in times of crisis? What role can science diplomacy play in balancing environmental protection, offshore infrastructure, and national security?

Welcome to a seminar addressing these issues!

Participants:

Robert Blasiak, is an Associate Professor at the Stockholm University Stockholm Resilience Centre, where he focuses on the sustainable management of ocean resources, and ocean stewardship. His recent work has dealt with issues surrounding the conservation and equitable use of marine genetic resources.

Karina Barquet, is a Senior Research Fellow at the Stockholm Environment Institute, Team Leader for the Water, Coasts and Ocean Group, and Lead for SEI’s Global Strategic Engagement for the Ocean. Her research explores how societies govern and manage risks across critical water infrastructures and functions—from offshore environments to coastal zones and urban areas.

Moderator: Gun Rudquist, Head of Policy, Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre

Practical information

The seminar is held on Thursday 28 August 2025, 8:30 – 9:15 am, at Scandic Klara, Slöjdgatan 7 in Stockholm. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am.

Physical participation requires registration. Registration will open closer to the seminar.

The seminar will also be livestreamed at this webpage and at su.se/balticseacentre/balticbreakfast. A recording can be watched afterwards at this same webpage.

About Baltic Breakfast

Baltic Breakfast is a series of short breakfast seminars/webinars organised by Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre. Their aim is to present the latest knowledge about issues of central importance to the Baltic Sea environment. The webinars are addressed to people in different sectors working for a sustainable development in the Baltic Sea region and everyone interested in environmental issues of the Baltic Sea.

Most Baltic Breakfasts are held in Swedish, but sometimes they are targeted at an international audience and held in English. If you want to get invitations to the upcoming webinars or subscribe to our monthly newsletters, click here.

Theme

Last updated: July 4, 2025

Source: Baltic Sea Centre

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