Geopolitical Chaos
15 April 2026
15:00 - 16:30
Speakers' Corner
Why Crisis Feels Like the New Normal
War in Europe. Disinformation spreading faster than facts. Power balances shifting beneath our feet. What once felt exceptional increasingly seems like the new reality. What does that mean for Europe? And what does it mean for you?
On Wednesday, 15 April, we welcome Beatrice de Graaf for a lecture that looks beyond the headlines. No jargon, no doomscrolling, just clear insights into the geopolitical forces shaping our world.
Why this matters
The news can easily create the impression that the world is constantly on the brink: competing powers, shaky alliances, endless conflicts. But geopolitical turmoil rarely appears out of nowhere. Behind it lie patterns, choices, and long-term developments.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe’s security landscape has changed dramatically. Yet the roots of today’s tensions go back further: years of strategic miscalculations, technological competition, and eroding trust between states and societies.
And yes, it’s exhausting. Geopolitical fatigue is real. When every headline screams “crisis,” it’s easy to tune out. But that’s exactly when democracy gets weaker and simplistic “us vs. them” narratives take over.
What to expect
During this lecture, Beatrice de Graaf will explore questions such as:
- Why Europe’s security feels so fragile (and what that means for your future)
- How global powers play the game (spoiler: it’s not just about military might)
This lecture is not about fear. It’s about understanding the bigger picture, so we can ask better questions and make sense of a rapidly changing world.
A moment to think ahead
Geopolitical uncertainty is not only about borders or politics. It also touches on values and choices.
- How do you respond to fear-mongering?
- Can security and freedom both win?
- What’s your role as a future professional in this messy, interconnected world?
This is your invitation to think critically. In a world drowning in information but starving for meaning, your perspective matters. Join us, let’s break it down together.
Registration
Admission is free for students and staff, as always. Please register in advance.
Do you have a question for Beatrice? You can submit it ahead of time through the registration form.
Soon!
Beatrice de Graaf
Beatrice de Graaf is a Dutch historian and Professor of the History of International Relations at Utrecht University. She regularly appears in the media as an expert on terrorism and security. As a historian, she places issues of security and counterterrorism in historical perspective, addressing both academic audiences and the wider public.
Photo: © David van Dam
An event by The Lighthouse
At The Lighthouse, you take a closer look at the world and maybe also at yourself. Always relevant, inspiring, and with a twist.
