A public Future Forum 2050 conference in Moscow was opened by a small but striking lineup of Western leaders. It’s worth noting that the event was organized by Konstantin Malofeev, the influential ultra-nationalist tycoon with deep connections to the Kremlin. The strength of that lineup, in speakers, artists, and thinkers, has generated an abundance of interest and conversation. Among them is Errol Musk, the father of tech mogul Elon Musk.
the nonproliferation conference, organized by Proceeding from the initial theme of the conference, which echoed speakers from the Western and Russian communities. Joining Jones on the West’s delegation is British anti-imperialist politician George Galloway, and American economist Jeffrey Sachs, among others. Matthew Groves, an elected official from East Surrey, Britain, is on the list as well. Their involvement is particularly shocking in light of the geopolitical firestorm created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Errol Musk, before the conference. He held events with local media, including Chinese state media, deflecting questions about the then-ongoing tensions between his son Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump. “You know they have been under a lot of stress for five months, you know, give them a break,” Errol Musk stated, suggesting that the conflict was trivial and would resolve quickly.
The elder Musk has been openly admiring towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. He argues that his own family, including Elon himself, is “a bit star struck” by the leader. This disapproval is in stark opposition to Elon Musk’s public tirades against U.S. support for Ukraine. Here too, there have been allegations of his private discussions with Putin during the current war.
The Future Forum 2050 has high-level Russian leadership and membership. Those include Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s perpetual foreign minister, and Sergei Mironov, a veteran politician known for his hawkish disposition. Mironov hasn’t just adopted a two-year-old that Moscow abducted from a Ukrainian orphanage. This act highlights the deeply personal toll of this public health crisis.
Konstantin Malofeev, the man behind this extremist forum, is an influential figure in Russian politics. Despite ongoing Western sanctions, he remains able to influence the world today. His ability to attract Western speakers to a Kremlin-connected affair underscores the complicated reality of international relations. It further highlights the differences in how people are viewing the new geopolitics.
Whether it’s Future Forum 2050 IDP discussions or other processes, analysts will be watching closely. They are curious to see how these Western celebrities, in part due to their popularity, affect the narrative about Russia’s place in the world and the war in Ukraine.