Do we need to reconsider core assumptions of international relations theory, strategy and military science when studying war and conflicts? The seminar sessions discuss how the war in Ukraine changes scholarly understanding of future war, offer analysis of Russia’s way of war and key policy challenges it creates for Europe. Furthermore, panelists will discuss specific challenges related to deterrence, escalation, and the relationship between statecraft and long-term competition with Russia.
The seminar is organized in cooperation with Mannerheim Chair of Russian Security Studies at the University of Helsinki and the National Defence University, and Project RuBase (a collaboration between the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology/GA Tech and the Hague Center for Strategic Studies/HCSS).
PROGRAMME:
Session I: Changing Nature of War, Coercive Diplomacy and Escalation Risk
Speakers:
Tim Sweijs, Director of Research, HCSS
Roy Allison, Professor, University of Oxford
Moderator:
Adam N. Stulberg, Professor, Sam Nunn School Chair of International Affairs
Session II: Russia’s Way of War
Speakers:
Bettina Renz, Professor, University of Nottingham
Juha Kukkola, Assistant Military Professor, the National Defense University of Finland (FNDU)
Moderator:
Katri Pynnöniemi, Associate Professor, University of Helsinki (UH) & FNDU
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
Policy Discussion: Key Challenges and Lessons from Russia’s War against Ukraine
Speakers:
Gen. (ret.) Philip Breedlove, Nunn School (online)
Hanna Smith, Senior Strategic Advisor, OSCE
Hanna Ojanen, Research Director, University of Tampere
Moderator:
Sinikukka Saari, Leading Researcher, FIIA
14:00 – 14:15 Break
Open Discussion: Convergence of Scholarly and Policy Research Questions on Changing Nature and Ways of War and Implications for Euro-Atlantic Security
Moderators:
Katri Pynnöniemi & Adam N. Stulberg & Sinikukka Saari