Annual Conference on Russia: “Russia in2018: Challenges andResponses”

This week, from 8th to 9th of March, the Baltic Defence College is hosting its Annual Conference on Russia.

The fourth annual conference on Russia is titled “Russia after 2018: Challenges and Responses”. The aim of that academic event is to discuss Russia’s global ambitions and capabilities, its political developments and military power after modernization.

Altogether, the participants will have an opportunity to discuss current developments within 11 panel sessions covering variety of topics. The panels will focus on Russia'sactivities in Syria, East-Ukraine and the military exercise ‘Zapad 2017’. Special panels will thematically follow-up the focus of last year’s conference and are thus dedicated to lessons from hybrid conflict activities.

This year, the focus of the conference relies on short and mid-term predictions as well as on transatlantic deterrence, which continues to be a concept that shapes the future security. But as of rapid technological advancements, the volatile situation in security domains, political insecurities as well as Russia’s mixed messages, most people are unsure what the future will look like.

We sincerely hope that by organizing the Fourth Annual Conference the BALTDEFCOL has established an annual forum to discuss regional security. It is underpinned by bringing together high-profile speakers with differing background being a value by itself.

We are delighted to announce that Professor Mark Galeotti will be the keynote speaker. He will also contribute to the keynote panel along with Dr. Michael Carpenter and Mr. Michael Kofman. Among other notable speakers there are: H.E. Mr. Eitvydas Bajarūnas, H.E. Māris Riekstiņš, H.E. Vygaudas Ušackas, Lieutenant General (ret) Ben Hodges, Prof. Andrey Makarytchev, Dr. Ole Kværnø, Dr. Alexander Lanoszka, Dr. Phillip Petersen, Dr Kristi Raik, Dr. Bettina Renz, Dr. Michael Staack, Mr. Hans H. Luik, Mr. Brian Whitmore,Mr. Sven Sakkov and many more.