The prevailing narrative in the U.S. right now is one in which the ongoing war in Ukraine is seen as the result of an aggressive, imperialistic policy initiated by Vladimir Putin as part of a grand project to rebuild the USSR.

This presentation takes a sober look back at the longer-term evolution of Russia's relations with the West since the break-up of the USSR. It recalls some of the misplaced optimism on both sides during a chaotic transition, and then proceeds to highlight some key events that produced deep disappointments and spiraling distrust on all sides. This prevented a more pragmatic approach that might have helped head off what is seen in Moscow as a proxy war initiated ten years ago (not in 2022).

None of this suggests that the invasion of Ukraine was justified or even the best option for Russia to pursue its long-term interests. But, it does suggest that the path leading to where we are today was a convoluted one, with many compounded missteps as well as 'exit ramps' that were missed or ignored. If one accepts this alternative narrative, it implies that a negotiated end to the war, or at least to a cease-fire, is possible and desirable - and not a case of appeasement of a 'KGB thug' intent on restoring an 'evil empire.'

Speaker: Rudra Sil, Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania

Sponsored by the Departments of International Relations, Politics, Russian & Eurasian Studies, and History and by the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives