The Baltic Defence College, based in Tartu, Estonia, stands at the intersection of East and West, and is dedicated to exploring the complexities and challenges of our eastern neighbor, Russia. The College’s annual Conference on Russia is a flagship event in its academic program, and serves as a platform for experts from the political, diplomatic, military, and academic spheres to share their insights and perspectives on Russia.

Since 2014, the College has hosted the Conference on Russia, which has grown in both scope and importance over the years. Previous editions of the Conference have explored various aspects of Russian power and projection, Russian revisionism, the centennial of the Russian Revolution, Russian challenges and responses, non-linear challenges, Russia’s self-perception versus geostrategic realities, and the impact of Russia’s embrace of its revisionist past in light of its invasion of Ukraine. The overarching goal of the Conference each year has been to delve deeper into Russia’s view of itself and the world.

The 2023 Conference, “Russia’s Futures,” is poised to continue this tradition of excellence with a focus on the future trajectory of Russia in the new paradigm of the war in Ukraine. The conference will bring together a diverse group of experts to engage in discussions on critical issues, including the role of global powers in deterring further Russian adventurism and aggression, NATO’s internal and external response, alternative approaches to power projection beyond nuclear saber-rattling, the contested informational space, Russia’s military restructuring, and whether Russia has a pathway to becoming a normal member of the international community.

In addition to the dynamic debates and discussions, the 2023 Conference will also feature the third annual publication of the Conference Proceedings. This publication serves as a valuable resource for experts and stakeholders alike, providing cutting-edge insight into the themes and subjects covered during the conference. The proceedings consist of chapters written by some of the leading experts on Russia, exploring subjects such as geopolitics, demography, political systems, cultural identity, and military technology. By serving as a platform for worldwide debate and discussion, the Conference Proceedings play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Russia and its place in the world.

The Conference on Russia 2023 is a must-attend event for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Russia and its role in the world. The College looks forward to welcoming experts and stakeholders from across the globe to Tartu in March 2023 for this dynamic and thought-provoking event.

This conference is supported by NATO Public Diplomacy Division, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, NATO Defense College, Tartu City,  Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, MILREM Robotics and Embassy of Georgia to the Republic of Estonia.