“Understanding Grey Zones of Modern War in Times of Global Uncertainty” – Book Launch Event with Prof. Marzena Żakowska and Prof. David Last

Webinar in collaboration SIETAR Polska and SIETAR France

“In today’s interconnected world, conflict rarely follows traditional patterns. Instead, we increasingly face grey zones—ambiguous spaces where war and peace overlap, and where hybrid threats blur the boundaries between military, political, cultural, and informational domains. These zones challenge not only states and institutions but also individuals, communities, and the very fabric of intercultural relations.

This lecture, based on the book Modern War and Grey Zones: Design for Small States (Routledge, 2025), explores how grey zones operate in practice, from disinformation campaigns and cultural manipulation to migration crises and identity struggles. It highlights why intercultural competence has become a critical skill in navigating global uncertainty, enabling us to recognize diverse perspectives, resist divisive narratives, and build resilience across borders.

For academics, trainers, and practitioners in intercultural communication, diversity, belonging, and identity, this session offers both conceptual insights and practical reflections. It invites dialogue on how the tools of intercultural practice can contribute to peace, security, and global solidarity in an age defined by ambiguity.

Problems to be addressed:

1. Grey Zones as a New Global Reality

1. • What “grey zones” of modern war are—situated between war and peace, security and insecurity.
   • How their existence reshapes our understanding of global social, migratory, and cultural processes.

1. Diversity & Belonging in Times of Uncertainty

1. • How hybrid conflicts and grey zones undermine the sense of belonging and diversity.

1. Intercultural Competence as a Tool of Resilience

1. • Intercultural competence not only in cross-cultural work, but also as a form of soft power against disinformation and division.
   • The ability to recognize manipulation, practice empathy, and mediate in times of crisis.

Q&A Session: Invitation to Reflection and Dialogue

1. • How do SIETAR members perceive the role of intercultural competence in times of grey zones and modern wars?”

Organised by Dr. Lidia Wiśniewska and Dr. Grazia Ghallini