Opening remarks
Prof. Dr Djawed Sangdel
Director General of SWISS UMEF, Member of the Geneva Grand Council (cantonal parliament), specialist in leadership and entrepreneurship.
He will open the evening with introductory remarks.
Independent platform for geopolitical analysis and debate · Geneva, since 2024
Apéro Géopolitique Geneva
Each edition brings together leading speakers around a major international question, followed by an open discussion with the audience and a convivial moment to continue the conversation.
About us
The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza have profoundly shaken our points of reference: international law, cooperation between states, treaties, the security architecture in Europe, and even the very idea of world order. The usual analytical frameworks are no longer enough.
The Apéro Géopolitique was born in Geneva in April 2024 to meet this need: an independent platform bringing together elected officials, diplomats, experts, researchers and journalists to discuss the most sensitive issues in international affairs, with a genuine debate with the audience.
Next event · Thursday 29 October 2026 · 7 pm · Château d’Aïre · Complimentary drinks
“Economic warfare: how states and global giants are carving up the world”
Industrial espionage, economic predation, energy rivalries and power struggles
Economic warfare has become one of the main arenas of confrontation between the great powers. Behind trade and industrial partnerships, decisive battles are being fought for control of technologies, energy resources, strategic companies and global markets.
The United States, China, Russia, but also European powers: in this global competition, political allies can also become formidable economic adversaries. As for large multinational groups, they are no longer mere market players: some wield financial, technological and strategic power comparable to that of certain states.
Industrial espionage, sanctions, economic intelligence, industrial predation, energy rivalries and influence strategies: how do states and large companies use the economy as an instrument of power?
Do Switzerland, France and Europe still have the means to defend their economic sovereignty?
A panel debate to understand the new rules of global economic warfare.
Speakers
Loïc Hervé
Senator for Haute-Savoie (France), former Vice-President of the French Senate, member of parliamentary inquiry committees on foreign interference and influence strategies.
Hicheme Lehmici
Geopolitical analyst, columnist, lecturer in international relations, founder of the Apéros Géopolitiques.
Practical information and registration
Programme
7 pm: opening remarks by Prof. Dr Djawed Sangdel, followed by the panel debate and a discussion with the audience. The evening continues with complimentary drinks.
Venue
Château d’Aïre, Swiss UMEF Campus
Route d’Aïre 185, 1219 Aïre – Geneva
Bus 7, “Aïre” stop
Admission
Free admission, registration required.
Complimentary drinks after the conference.
Registration – limited seating
Registration is required, limited seating. You will receive a confirmation by e-mail.
The team
Hicheme Lehmici
Founder
Geopolitical analyst, columnist and lecturer in international relations, specialised in energy security and economic intelligence. He holds two master’s degrees in contemporary history and geography, a DEA in political science from Sciences Po Lyon, a master’s in diplomacy and international relations and a qualification in international strategic analysis from IRIS, Paris. A former press and radio reporter in the Middle East, lecturer at Cairo University and political adviser to French members of parliament, he brings a systemic reading of international crises.
Maria Clara Alves
Secretary
Professor of leadership and humanities at Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, executive coach and instructional designer, founder of IBS International Business School and Lookatmepro Academy. She brings to the association nearly twenty-five years of experience in managing organisations, leading groups and passing on knowledge, an asset for both the rigour of our operations and the quality of our conferences.
Jamila Burtin
Treasurer · Event manager and communication
Financial planner (pensions, wealth and retirement). A state-registered nurse with a degree in health engineering and a certificate in leadership and management, she oversees the association’s accounts, the organisation of the conferences and communication.
Past editions
- Crisis of Multilateralism and the Future of International Geneva
14 October 2026 - The Future of European Security: Focus on Poland and Moldova
29 May 2026 - Geopolitics of Space: the New Strategic Frontier of the 21st Century
25 March 2026 - Venezuela, Greenland, Iran: a New World War over Energy and Resources?
18 February 2026 - The Arctic: the New Strategic Frontier of the 21st Century
9 December 2025 - Ukraine: What’s Next? The Polish Perspective
30 October 2025 - USA – China – Russia: Triumvirate or New War of Civilisations?
25 September 2025 - Trade War: the New Global Confrontation?
28 May 2025 - Geopolitics of Migration: Ukraine as an Example
15 April 2025 - Central Asia: the “Heart” of the New World?
26 March 2025 - The European Union: Renewal or Collapse?
27 February 2025 - What Is the Future of Syria?
29 January 2025 - China: Hegemonic Power or New Peacemaker?
21 November 2024 - U.S. Presidential Election: What’s Next?
21 October 2024 - Africa: the Great Awakening?
25 September 2024 - Does BRICS Want to Reinvent the World?
17 July 2024 - Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia: the New Great Game in the Middle East
27 June 2024 - War in Ukraine: Peace Talks and Possible Scenarios
17 April 2024
All recordings are available on our YouTube channel: Apéro Géopolitique in Geneva ↗. Debates are moderated by journalist Ecaterina (Katy) Cojuhari.