[WSCSS] Fueling the Future: Peace or Conflict? The Resurgent Russian Energy Superpower

[Linser, William D]

Fueling the Future: Peace or Conflict? The Resurgent Russian Energy Superpower 

Wednesday, November 7, 5:30 - 8:30 pm 
Registration & Buffet 5:00 pm

University of Washington, Thomson Hall, Auditorium 101

Russia has mounted a remarkable economic recovery that has been fueled to a considerable extent by dramatically increased revenues derived from gas and oil exports.  With oil and gas prices near all-time highs, Russia's return to geopolitical influence and power derive to a great extent from its status as the world's largest producer of hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas combined).  Are these production levels and economic growth rates sustainable?  How does the energy sector affect domestic Russian political/economic development? How does energy influence Russia's relationships with its near neighbors, Europe, Asia, and the United States?  

Join us for an evening with Andrew Kuchins, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Russia and Eurasia Program. Known for his expertise in Russian foreign and security policy, Russian energy policy, and U.S.-Russia relations, Professor Kuchins will explain the complexities of oil politics in regions that are often ignored in the news and the classroom today. He will also discuss the politics of oil from a US national security perspective.

Before Professor Kuchin's public lecture at Kane Hall, we will begin in Thomson Hall 101 with a buffet and short overview of geography and politics in this region, addressing why the U.S. (and we as citizens and teachers) should care. We will also introduce up-to-date classroom materials.

Please join us for this special evening with the renowned Russian energy expert Dr. Andrew Kuchins from The Center for Strategic and International Studies located in Washington, DC. CSIS serves as a strategic planning partner for the government by conducting research and analysis and developing policy initiatives that look into the future and anticipate change. Funded in part by the World Affairs Council, the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies (REECAS), the U.S. Institute of Peace, and The UW Institute for National Security Education and Research (INSER)

Registration deadline is November 2. Cost is $30 and includes presentations, classroom resources (including a new CBA Bridging Document and Youth Magazine!), a Russian buffet, and three clock hours. For more information and to register, please visit the World Affairs Council website <http://www.world-affairs.org/calendar.cfm?eventID=927&action=eventDetails>  (http://www.world-affairs.org/calendar.cfm?eventID=927&action=eventDetails) or call 206-441-5910.