Technological revolution and globalization have opened up the “Age of Perplexity.” This new age is defined by rapid and vast changes in the economy, politics, society, and daily life. Mass migration, climate concerns, populism and anti-establisment movements, authoritarianism, digital disruption, economic inequality, and demographic change all present serious challenges to the liberal world order.

At this critical juncture, the Atlantic Council, in partnership with BBVA and the Elcano Royal Institute, hosted a public discussion featuring some of the authors from The Age of Perplexity: Rethinking the World We Knew, the book published by BBVA, through its OpenMind initiative, to share their perspectives on the major transformations currently taking place in our society and the impact they may have on the future of the liberal international order. These are the challenges and opportunities that will define the 21st century.