2014 marks the centenary of the outbreak of World War One and the bicentenary of the opening of the Congress of Vienna - two dates that profoundly shaped the course of history. While in 1814, towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the concerted powers of Europe were architects of a new international system, the leaders of 1914 have famously been described as sleepwalkers, stumbling into war. To create positive narratives for the future and revitalize our commitment to building a global community, the International Peace Institute and Salzburg Global Seminar brought leaders from politics, diplomacy, the military, and business together with historians, journalists, political scientists, philosophers, and writers from around the world. At a time of rapid change and escalating tensions, this high-level meeting will provide leading figures from different walks of life with the time and space to reflect on the lessons of the past in order to shape an international system fit for purpose.
