The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs hosted two sitting prime ministers for separate events, giving students rare and unique opportunities to engage with global leaders to gain insight into diplomacy and today’s most pressing global challenges.
In the past few weeks, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal visited GW for a conversation with Elliott School Dean Alyssa Ayres titled “Action and Result-Oriented Diplomacy in a Changed World: Ukraine’s Lessons.” And Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenković spoke on “New Global Dynamics: A View from Europe” in a discussion also moderated by Ayres.
"Within a two-week period, the Elliott School hosted the prime ministers of Ukraine and of Croatia, in separate events, to share their views on global events with our students,” Ayres said. “It's a testament to our faculty's leadership in European studies, and that creates a special kind of convening power, the power of expertise. We couldn't have had a more powerful way to round out the academic year.”
Ukraine pushes boundaries of traditional diplomacy
Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal focused on how Ukraine has reshaped its diplomatic approach in response to an unprecedented global crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Today’s conversation is about how the Ukrainians have gone beyond traditional diplomacy and turned it into a tool of action and decisions,” Shmyhal said. “I will speak about how Ukraine pushes the boundaries of traditional diplomacy in a changing world.”
Shmyhal recounted how he assumed office just days before the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was appointed on March 4, 2020, and on March 12, his country went into a total lockdown. Overnight, Ukraine's government pivoted to operating entirely online.
“It was like the first preparation for the future challenges which we faced two years later with the full-scale invasion of Russian military forces into Ukraine,” Shmyhal said. “Diplomacy began to change.”
Shmyhal explained that in the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, traditional diplomatic appeals for support were largely ineffective due to international hesitation and fear of direct involvement. As a result, Ukraine shifted its strategy, engaging directly with the people in other countries through public communication, university visits and media appearances. This grassroots approach created public pressure on governments, eventually leading to more substantial support. Initially, aid was symbolic, like receiving 5,000 helmets instead of getting ammunition, tanks or missiles, he said.
But Ukraine was grateful for the helmets because, in the early days of the war, the country needed the most basic supplies like uniforms and body armor due to overwhelming demand caused by the sudden expansion of the Ukrainian army.
He also noted that initial support marked the beginning of a broader shift. Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine's diplomacy became sharp, clear and action-oriented, reflecting the urgent and existential nature of the war. Shmyhal said that Russia’s war against Ukraine is not about territorial expansion, but about reclaiming spheres of influence and control over Ukraine.
He explained that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not act as a strategist, but as a political theologian motivated by symbolic conquest rather than strategic gain.
“For him, it is not about practicality, not about something pragmatic, but it's about symbolism as a tool of power and legacy,” Shmyhal said. “In his logic, Ukraine is the essential piece in the reconstruction of the Russian Empire.”
Ukrainians view the war as a fight for independence and the fundamental right to exist, Shmyhal said. While no one desires peace more than Ukraine, he said, peace must be lasting and grounded in justice, dignity and self-determination. He expressed appreciation for international support.
“I want to express the words of highest appreciation to the American nation, to all Americans for the unwavering support of my country, Ukraine, during this full-scale invasion of Russian military forces,” Shmyhal said. “We're thankful to all of you for your support during this most difficult time in our history.”
He emphasized that America remains a critically important partner to Ukraine, both militarily and diplomatically.
Croatia becomes a vital player in Europe
Prime Minister of Croatia Plenković, who has served in that role since October 2016, told the Elliott School students that he was honored to talk with them “about the important issues of today's situation in the world, and especially from the perspective of my country, Croatia, which is a young country on the international scene and a member of NATO and the European Union.”
Plenković discussed Croatia’s transformation from a newly independent nation to a vital player in European politics. He celebrated milestones such as Croatia’s accession to the Eurozone and the Schengen Area.
Plenković said Croatia has modernized its military, developing one of the region’s most capable air forces and has increased defense spending. Plenković also highlighted the country’s evolving role in economic and border security across Europe.
Plenković said the world is currently dealing with several major conflicts, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
All these moments create an environment where European allies and the United States must find a unified stance to defend shared values and uphold an international order based on law and multilateral cooperation. Plenković said the Russian invasion is a reminder that independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are fragile unless actively defended.
He emphasized the importance of international law and order, warning that without it, the global system risks sliding into a dangerous and unpredictable future.
Plenković further detailed Croatia’s recent growth and global positioning, noting a substantial economic growth rate since 2014. Croatia also ranks eighth in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which places the country among the top nations in terms of sustainable development progress.
Ayres asked Plenković about how Croatia is handling climate vulnerability.
Plenković said that climate change is a significant issue for Croatia and there have been observable shifts over the years. He recalled that during his high school years in Zagreb, winters were much colder with frequent heavy snowfall. In contrast, over the past 15 years, snowfall has become rare, and winter temperatures rarely fall as low. He said climate change is not an abstract concept, but a tangible reality.
“This is a global issue. And climate change is a serious issue for us and remains a critical area of policy,” Plenković said. “And that's why, in terms of climate policy, we're undertaking efforts to have more renewable energy, to have less of a carbon footprint and to adapt our economy in order to deal with those regional problems.”
