Event

The role of dialogue when power prevails

Panel speakers, 4 portraits.

Sold out! In 2026, we face a world where power trumps law: What happens to international diplomacy and dialogue now?

Time:11 Feb 2026 17:00 - 18:00 CEST
Place: Nobel Peace Center

Listen to the event recording:

Spoken language is Norwegian

The year has begun dramatically. In Venezuela, the United States removed dictator Nicolás Maduro by force. In Iran, demonstrators are being brutally suppressed, while President Trump threatens military intervention against the regime. Are we witnessing the end of a rules based international order founded on international law? Is diplomacy and dialogue still possible when power prevails? What will it take to improve the lives of people on the ground in Venezuela, Iran, and other conflict affected countries? And what can the international community learn from its involvement in Afghanistan?

You will meet:

For this year’s first Nobel Peace Talk, we have invited some of Norway’s leading experts on international diplomacy to help us answer these questions.

arne portrait

Arne Strand, senior researcher at the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI), who has also headed PRIO’s Cyprus Centre. Strand’s research includes state and peacebuilding, with a particular focus on Afghanistan, as well as the role of great and regional powers in Asia and the Middle East.

Johan portrait

Johan Vibe, director of NOREF – the Norwegian Centre for Conflict Resolution. Vibe has extensive experience in peace and conflict work from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including serving as ambassador in Bogotá and head of mission in Havana.

ayesha portrait

Ayesha Wolasmal, author of the book “A Thousand Days with the Taliban”, with many years of experience as an aid worker, diplomat, and interpreter in Afghanistan.

Kristian portrait

Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute and secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Harpviken previously worked at PRIO and is particularly known for his research on Afghanistan.

Kjersti portrait

Moderator: Kjersti Fløgstad, Director, Nobel Peace Center