Monde trumpien, monde mélien : un monde sans l'Europe ? | ESSEC Webinar

Monde trumpien, monde mélien : un monde sans l'Europe ? | ESSEC Webinar

by ESSEC Business School

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Geopolitics & Defence JPSInternational relationsJPSLGeopolitics
🎙 ESSEC Business School 👥 90K 📅 January 29, 2026 ⏱ 111 min 👁 489 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-13
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

Melian dialoguepost-globalizationeconomic warfareEuropean strategygeopolitical risk

Summary

This ESSEC webinar, organized by the Institute for Geopolitics & Business, brings together a panel of experts to analyze the implications of the current geopolitical landscape for European businesses. The speakers discuss the concept of a ‘Melian world’, drawing on Thucydides’ Melian dialogue to argue that international relations have always been governed by power dynamics rather than law. They identify five key geo-economic trends shaping the post-globalization era: the proliferation of influence, interference, and intimidation strategies; the intensification of economic warfare; the weaponization of critical dependencies; a global competition for capital; and new forms of economic predation. The panel examines these trends region by region, covering the US, Europe, China, Japan, India, the Middle East, and Africa. They emphasize the end of European illusions about US protection, China as a purely commercial partner, and cheap Russian energy, and call for a strategic realignment of European businesses. The webinar concludes with a Q&A session and highlights the launch of a new series of ‘briefs’ by the institute.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The webinar provides valuable insights into the current geopolitical shifts and their direct implications for business strategy. The argumentation is solid, drawing on historical analogies (Thucydides, Tacitus) and contemporary examples to support the thesis that the world is entering a more confrontational era. The panelists effectively articulate the challenges and opportunities for European companies, emphasizing the need for resilience and strategic autonomy. The discussion is well-structured, moving from general concepts to regional analyses, and the experts offer nuanced perspectives that go beyond simplistic narratives.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which discusses the implications of a 'Trumpian' and 'Melian' world for Europe.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The webinar features a panel of recognized experts in geopolitics and business, including academics and former diplomats, providing a high level of expertise. The content is well-structured and grounded in historical and contemporary analysis, though it is primarily opinion-based and lacks formal citations.

Chapters

Cited Sources

  • ESSEC Knowledge — Mentioned as a resource for further insights and publications from ESSEC.
  • ESSEC Business School Official Website — Referenced as the institution's main website for programs and information.
  • ESSEC LinkedIn — Provided as a social media channel for engagement.
  • ESSEC YouTube Channel — The channel where the webinar is hosted and where subscribers can access future content.

Concurring Sources

  • Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War — The primary source for the Melian dialogue, which the webinar uses to illustrate the realist view of international relations.
  • Tacitus' Agricola — Referenced in the webinar for the quote 'They make a desert and call it peace', illustrating the brutal nature of power politics.

Contribution & Novelties

The webinar offers a timely and comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical shifts affecting European businesses, framing them within the concept of a ‘Melian world’ and the transition to post-globalization. It provides a multi-regional perspective, bringing together experts on the US, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, which is a valuable contribution to understanding the global landscape. The discussion goes beyond traditional geopolitical analysis by directly linking these trends to business strategy, offering actionable insights for corporate leaders.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Thucydides’ Melian Dialogue — The foundational text for understanding the ‘Melian’ concept discussed in the webinar.
  • Post-globalization — A concept central to the webinar’s thesis about the current era.
  • Economic warfare — A key trend identified in the webinar, with historical and contemporary relevance.
  • European Strategic Autonomy — A proposed response to the challenges discussed, relevant for European businesses and policymakers.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores across all dimensions, indicating a well-rounded and reliable presentation. The webinar excels in providing substantial information and expert analysis, with a strong technical level suitable for a professional audience. The overall reliability is high, though the lack of formal citations slightly reduces the score.

Reliability 8/10