Hennadii Nadolenko's lecture on the topic "Middle Powers in the Era of Global Turbulence: Lessons from ASEAN and Malaysia for Ukraine"

On May 14, 2026, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Malaysia, Hennadii Nadolenko, delivered a lecture for Master’s students of the "International Relations" educational program at the IIR.  

The lecture on the topic "Middle Powers in the Era of Global Turbulence: Lessons from ASEAN and Malaysia for Ukraine" took place within the framework of the "Economic Diplomacy" discipline (lecturer — PhD in Economics, Associate Professor N.M. Rylach) and became an opportunity to reflect on the modern transformations of the international environment and the role of middle powers in the new architecture of world politics.   

During his speech, the Ambassador emphasized that the world is entering a period of deep global turbulence and a reassessment of the established world order. Under these conditions, the role of middle powers in the international arena is strengthening, and economic diplomacy and the economic component of foreign policy increasingly determine national security issues. This is why the experience of ASEAN countries and Malaysia is of particular importance for Ukraine. 

One of the key themes of the meeting was the "ASEAN model" — a unique approach to diplomacy based on the principles of non-interference, consensus, consultation, strategic patience, and the avoidance of confrontation. Students also learned how ASEAN diplomacy functions in practice: from informal contacts and the sidelines of international summits to working meetings, WhatsApp communication, and tools of "quiet diplomacy."

"Diplomacy is not about events. It is about relationships between people," noted the Ambassador.   

During the lecture, Hennadii Nadolenko outlined the key directions of Ukraine's diplomatic work in the ASEAN region and Malaysia and explained why the development of cooperation with these countries is of strategic importance for Ukraine. Participants also familiarized themselves with the specifics of Malaysia's economic diplomacy and the practice of the Ukrainian Embassy's work — from political and economic to cultural fields of activity.   Special attention was paid to the practical dimension of the diplomatic profession: working in conditions of uncertainty, decision-making, intercultural communication, negotiation, and representation of state interests. Students also received professional advice on career development in the field of diplomacy and the competencies necessary for a modern diplomat.   

We sincerely thank the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Malaysia, Hennadii Nadolenko, for an informative and relevant lecture, valuable professional advice, and an interesting conversation with the students!