Evening Conversation: Understanding the Invasion of Ukraine: Early Impressions

Evening Conversation: Understanding the Invasion of Ukraine: Early Impressions

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine, causing many to speculate that we have entered a new era of geopolitical brinkmanship and even world war. But many are also closely watching the human impacts of the invasion--noting the violence and loss ordinary Ukrainians are enduring, and the bravery and resistance many display.

This Evening Conversation will feature opening remarks (recorded) from U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, then discussion with three experts with experience in and knowledge of this part of the world. They will talk about what led up to the invasion, what conditions are like on the ground in Ukraine, and what we might expect next. As always the panel will answer your questions during the 1.5 hour-long program.

Panel:

Chase Johnson is a Research Associate at the Frank Church Institute, and a PhD candidate in Public Administration. He has degrees in International Relations from Boise State and Johns Hopkins Universities. Previously he served with the U.S. Peace Corps as an Education and Youth Development volunteer in the Republic of Georgia. He also has worked on Economic Affairs for the State Department and on NATO Policy for the Department of Defense. Chase teaches classes on Global Studies and Russian Politics.

Connie Collins served as a Peace Corps volunteer (2003-2005) as an environmental consultant for a non-governmental organization in Korostishiv, Ukraine, which began her love and study of Ukrainian history, culture, traditions, and people. Ms. Collins lectures on topics of Ukraine, including "The Geopolitics of Ukraine” and has worked as a professional counselor, educator, and consultant in many states and overseas specializing in human sexuality and at-risk youth. Connie was serving during the Orange Revolution in 2004. She has returned to Ukraine every 2 years for extended stays and travel in the country.

Marla B. Keenan is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center. Her areas of expertise are international security policy, human rights in armed conflict, protection of civilians, civilian harm tracking and analysis, and urban warfare. Marla has conducted high-level advocacy with international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, African Union, and NATO and has worked on conflict and crisis in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Mali, Israel, Jordan, Nepal, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Yemen, and the Central African Republic.

Moderator: City Club of Boise Board Member Katherine Himes, Ph.D., James A. & Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research Director

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. MT via Zoom