by Paul Grod, UWC President
As the world’s elite gathers at the World Economic Forum in Davos and as we witness some major political changes in the US, Ukraine marks three years since Russia’s treacherous full-scale invasion. This gathering, intended to tackle global challenges and spur economic growth, must recognize that Ukraine’s victory is indispensable — not just for regional stability but for global economic recovery and prosperity.
Russia’s assault on Ukraine is not just about territorial gains; it’s a brazen attempt to annihilate Ukrainian national statehood and identity. This conflict is part of a broader confrontation with the West. The occupation of Ukraine is viewed as crucial for Russia to reclaim its lost dominance and “global leadership” perceived to have been unjustly stripped away by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
This war is an attack on the international order and the unity of democratic nations, dragging us back to a bygone era of empires and spheres of influence, where the strong dictated terms to the weak. The global nature of this conflict underscores the necessity for a robust, unified response from democratic states. The failure to effectively counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has emboldened other authoritarian regimes, convincing them that they might just be able to trump right.
Russia is forging alliances with other authoritarian states — North Korea, Iran, Belarus, and Venezuela — while enjoying tacit support from China, which harbors its own ambitions in Southeast Asia. The increasing coordination among these regimes is alarming. In 2024, North Korea escalated its involvement by sending regular troops to aid Russia, formalized through a treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang. Recently, a similar pact was struck with Iran.
Authoritarian regimes thrive without the constraints of a free market, open societies, or competition—elements that have underpinned the prosperity of democracies since World War II. The choice before civilized society and democratic governance is stark: rally around Ukraine to counter this authoritarian axis or risk the disintegration of our world as we know it. The fight against authoritarianism must be our generation’s creed and a cornerstone of global governance. By tolerating authoritarian regimes and normalizing “business as usual,” we empower aggressors and erode the freedoms essential for our collective well-being.
Ukraine’s struggle offers a critical window for the democratic world to unite and strengthen. Yet, this window is finite. Democracies must transition from defense to offense.
The survival and triumph of Ukraine and the democratic world are inextricably linked. We either stand together and prevail, or face a shared descent into authoritarian darkness.
Cover: World Economic Forum
