Beyond the Ukraine: Russia’s Grab for its Neighbors

Visit the World Affairs Council Web site for ticketing info.

Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky hopes that ‘Europe whole and free’ is more than a slogan as Russia actively subverts the EU’s credibility within its ‘sphere of influence.’ As Central European capitals grow increasingly concerned, Dr. Dobriansky urges Washington to demonstrate its commitment “not just to the region’s security but to its democratic future.”

Recently, the President of the Council of Europe Donald Tusk delivered a message to Washington on the urgency to stem the tide of a brutal history repeating itself as Russia seeks to destabilize the EU and the trans-Atlantic alliance. Ambassador Dobriansky will address Russia’s current propaganda campaign blaming western nations for their delayed return to prosperity.

Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky is a celebrated foreign policy expert and former diplomat specializing in national security affairs, who served in the administrations of five US presidents. Presently, she is a Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s JFK Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and Chair of the National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America.

Among her numerous accolades, Ambassador Dobriansky held the Distinguished National Security Chair at the U.S. Naval Academy and received the Secretary of State’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal. During more than 25 years in national security affairs, her many Senate-confirmed and senior level positions included Director of European and Soviet Affairs at the National Security Council.

As the first Senior Fellow for Russian and Eurasian Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations with a B.S.F.S. summa cum laude in International Politics from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service; and a M.A. and Ph.D. in Soviet political/military affairs from Harvard University affairs, Dr. Dobriansky is a leading voice on Russia.

Will the debate in Washington expand beyond the Ukraine to ensure the unrestricted sovereignty of all European countries before Russia convinces its neighbors otherwise?