Putin’s Offset: The Kremlin’s Geopolitical Adaptations Since 2014

Introduction

• Kimberly Kagan, President, Institute for the Study of War

Speakers

• Nataliya Bugayova, Non-Resident National Security Fellow, Institute for the Study of War; Director of Intelligence, Tecsonomy
• Ben Hodges, Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis
• Teija Tiilikainen, Director, European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats
• Oksana Syroid, Co-Chair of Lviv Security Forum; Leader of Samopomich Union political party

Moderator

• Bruno Lété, Senior Fellow, German Marshall Fund of the United States

This event derives from the publishing of a report titled “Putin’s Offset: The Kremlin’s Geopolitical Adaptations Since 2014” by Nataliya Bugayova, Institute for the Study of War. It will feature a moderated panel discussion focusing on Putin's evolving ways and the strategies for the West to counter him.

The West has had some success in countering the Kremlin since Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, but Vladimir Putin has found ways to offset external pressures on Russia without relinquishing his gains and goals. Although Putin has done well in coveting his power, his hand remains weak as the gap widens between his means and aims. This growing gap provides the West with an opportunity to counter the Russian challenge by limiting the amplifiers of Putin’s power—narratives and coalitions. Nataliya Bugayova’s report details how Putin often gains by shaping others’ perceptions of Russia while, in reality, Putin’s power is limited. What is the trajectory of Putin’s efforts, and what can the U.S. do to counter the Russian challenge? We invite you to access the report prior to the event here.

If you have any questions, please contact Patrycja Panczyk at [email protected].