In addition to being a speaker, Rob de Wijk is available as a moderator on topics such as international relations, geopolitics, international security, and societal issues.
Drawing on his experience and extensive knowledge, he is able to respond quickly and ask sharp questions to speakers in the program or to the audience. Rob ensures that the event runs smoothly while also contributing his own knowledge, elevating the substantive program to a higher level.
Rob de Wijk is a leading expert in international relations, geopolitics, international and national security, and terrorism. During his lectures, he draws on his extensive knowledge and experience. He identifies global trends that are putting pressure on the world order in which current generations have grown up. He incorporates the role of major powers such as the United States and China, providing an overarching perspective. He sees the broader geopolitical picture and takes his audience through today’s challenges.
This time, the focus is on Europe and the Netherlands. In The Battle for Europe, Rob describes how the continent is constantly facing challenges from both within and outside its borders. Chinese President Xi Jinping sees Europe as a source of economic gain. Through his new Silk Roads, the Belt and Road Initiative, he has been working for years to increase China's influence in the Balkans and across Europe and seeks to divide the European Union. Russia feels threatened by NATO, and President Putin continuously carries out covert operations to undermine the alliance. President Trump made it easier for the Russians and Chinese by turning away from his closest allies and also targeting Europe. Prime Minister Johnson believed the United Kingdom would be better off outside the European Union, while the Hungarian and Polish leaders undermine the democratic rule of law through their illiberal policies. All four believe that a strong European Union stands in the way of their ambitions.
