Putin's Gamble and the Future of Russia

Impressed by the initial performance of the Ukrainian military, Western pundits have rushed to a variety of conclusions. They stress Russian setbacks, predict an imminent Russian defeat, and speculate about potential regime change in Moscow. But as the process of the conflict demonstrates, military and economic fundamentals favour the Russians. In this salon, we will discuss the general orientation of Russian military strategy and their capacity to achieve their political objectives, as well as the limited efficacy of Western military and economic responses. We will also examine Russia's decade-long pivot away from European markets, which Western economic sanctions will accelerate and confirm.

Drinks and snacks served at 5:15 p.m., with lecture and discussion to follow.

Samo Burja is the founder and president of Bismarck Analysis, a political risk consultancy. His writings have appeared in a number of publications, including City Journal and Palladium magazine.

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