The Bigger Picture of War and Technology

As conflict intensifies across multiple theatres, understanding the broader geopolitical picture is critical to making sense of today’s defence technology race. This panel, featuring Rajmund T. Andrzejczak, Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, and Jacek Siewiera, will connect the dots between Russia’s war in Ukraine, Iran’s actions, and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Drawing on Poland’s frontline perspective, the discussion will highlight how proximity to threat shapes urgency. At its core, the conversation will explore why defence tech startups must play a central role in safeguarding democratic resilience in an increasingly volatile world. Speakers: Rajmund T. Andrzejczak, Former Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, OTB Ventures (Strategic Adviser) Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky, Partner, NIF Jacek Siewiera, Director, Baltic Center for Strategic Analysis Moderator: Piotr Woyke, Director, Eastern Flank Institute