Evening Conversation: Understanding the Invasion of Ukraine: Early Impressions

In lieu of a registration fee we encourage you to make a donation to an organization supporting the victims of the conflict. Here are some suggestions: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/25/1082992947/ukraine-support-help

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 the people of Ukraine 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:

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. 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.

Chase Johnson is a Board Member at the Frank Church Institute at Boise State University and Ph.D. candidate at Warwick University. 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.

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

This program is produced in collaboration with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Boise State and City Club of Boise. Thank you to the members of both organizations for your support.

City Club thanks our Premier Sponsor, Northwest Nazarene University and the NNU College of Business, our Annual Sponsor University of Idaho, Boise, and the 2022 Forum Series sponsors: AARP of Idaho, Bank of Idaho, Echelon Group, Micron, Optum Idaho, PacificSource Health Plans, and Small Mine Development. We are pleased to welcome university students to attend our events thanks to our University partners Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University. Our media partners include Boise State Public Radio, Idaho Public Television and the Idaho Statesman. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, the state-based affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

If you have any questions, call 208-364-4614 and staff can assist you.