KEDISA-ELISME-MARDIPLO Webinar on Maritime Diplomacy and Geopolitical Challenges

On 26/11/2025, MARDIPLO in cooperation with KEDISA and ELISME organised an online webinar on Maritime Diplomacy and Geopolitical Challenges.

Dr. Mary Papaschinopoulou, founder and managing partner of MARDIPLO, offered a comprehensive presentation of the innovative tool of corporate maritime diplomacy. Emphasizing MARDIPLO’s role in applied diplomacy for the maritime sector, she highlighted how strategic communication, negotiation and a dense network of international diplomatic channels are critical for safeguarding commercial maritime interests and business operations in a period of rising geopolitical tensions.

Dr. Papaschinopoulou presented for the first time the case study “Maritime Security in the Baltic Sea – A conceptual model for situational awareness and emergency response in commercial shipping”, in collaboration with Mr Antonios Pentsas from Vanguard.

Mr. Petros Tassios examined the U.S. foreign policy with main focus on “Restoring America’s maritime dominance.” He discussed the Trump-era maritime policy toolkit that includes tariffs on China, policy support for domestic shipbuilding to undermine the dominance of Chinese shipbuilding activity as well as, measures to enforce America’s Flag power and  influence global maritime trade flows.

Admiral (Ret) and Vice President of ELISME/HELISS Vassileios Martzoukos offered a strategic perspective on naval power balance and maritime security threats, with a particular emphasis on how evolving regional security dynamics shape freedom of navigation and critical sea-line protection. His analysis underscored the need for enhanced situational awareness, operational capability, strong maritime partnerships, and sustained diplomatic dialogue.

Special thanks to Dr. Andreas Banoutsos President of KEDISA and Lieutenant General (Ret.) and President of ELISME Ioannis Baltzois for co-organising this Webinar, as well as, Dr. Panagiotis Sfaelos, Vice President and Research Director of KEDISA for the moderation of the event.