World order in free fall: Kalli Purie reflects on war and power at Conclave 2026
India Today
In her concluding speech at the India Today Conclave 2026, the Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, Kalli Purie, warned of a situation in the upcoming time when powerful personalities will overshadow democratic institutions. She called it "Persona-Cracies."
Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, delivered a reflective closing address at the India Today Conclave 2026, warning that the world may be entering an era where powerful personalities overshadow democratic institutions — what she termed “persona-cracies.” Drawing from her recent visit to Tehran and conversations around the escalating global conflict, Kalli Purie spoke about a world in flux where long-held norms — from borders to the rules of war — appear increasingly negotiable. Calling for empathy, open dialogue, and a commitment to humanity amid geopolitical turmoil, she ended on a poignant note about the human cost of war and the need to cherish moments of peace. Kalli Purie, the Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group
Here's Kalli Purie's full speech:
Good evening
Last year, I stood here and spoke of a world in flux and flex mode.
Tonight, it just feels like flux and flex, hyper scaled and we have a world order in free fall and global trade in a choke hold.
We watch almost hypnotised as war strategy is decided on the fly.
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