Europe in Times of Strategic Threat
Piotr Klodkowski, Professor at the Centre for Comparative Studies of Civilizations, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland and Skalny Visiting Professor
Thursday, March 20, 2025
7:30 p.m.
Sloan Auditorium, Goergen Hall, UR River Campus
How the Russian invasion of Ukraine and global ideological shifts have changed the perspective on building and developing defense alliances in Central and Eastern Europe.
The lecture analyzes the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Kremlin's imperial ambitions, marking the end of the optimistic post-Cold War era. Countries like Poland, the Baltic states, Finland, and Sweden express security concerns over potential Russian aggression. Putin's nuclear intimidation tactics complicate military aid to Ukraine from the EU and the U.S. While Western sanctions on Russia have had some effect, economic ties with the Global South, including China and India, enable Moscow to sustain its war capabilities. Amid turbulent political changes and the rise of populist parties sympathetic to Moscow, Europe faces challenges in redefining its defense and political priorities, especially on NATO's eastern flank. A strategic approach is proposed for Central and Eastern Europe to combat Russian neo-imperialism, ensuring regional stability and peace.
Free and open to the public. Parking on designated University lots is free after 7 p.m.