Conference on Russia 2024 – Archive
The tenth iteration of the Baltic Defence College’s Annual Conference on Russia, titled “The Russia Paradox: Between Total Control and Total Chaos,” was held on 7-8 March 2024. The event analysed Russia’s self-perceptions within contemporary geostrategic realities.
A more effective approach to countering Russia’s offensive actions necessitated a comprehensive understanding of its future aspirations and policy determinants. The proceedings focused on geopolitical reconfigurations following the tensions of 2022-2023.
The conference meticulously assessed Russia’s existing means of power and conducted a reality check of its military and informational capabilities to determine its standing as a global power.
By convening global experts, the event facilitated a precise delineation of Russia’s offensive posture, highlighting how its foreign policy mirrors the regime’s imperative to maintain power.
Programme
| 10:00–12:00 |
Registration
Foyer and Corridor
|
| 12:00–12:20 |
Opening & Administrative Remarks
Conference Director Dr Viljar Veebel & Commandant of the Baltic Defence College Brigadier General Alvydas Šiuparis
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 12:20–12:50 |
Keynote Address followed by Q&A
German Parliamentary State Secretary Ms Siemtje Möller
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 12:50–13:30 |
Keynote Speech: “Russia 2024: What options left for Kremlin?”
LTG (ret) Ben Hodges
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 13:30–15:00 |
Panel I: “Russia 2024: What options left for Kremlin?”
LTG (ret) Ben Hodges, Mr Jānis Kažociņš, Dr Konstantin von Eggert, H.E. Mr George P. Kent and Dr Kristi Raik
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 15:00–15:30 |
Power Coffee Break
Online Session: “Pro-Russian Sentiments in European Politics: Motives and Modalities”
Dr Stefano Braghiroli and Dr Toms Rostoks Online Broadcast from Conference Hall – Latvia |
| 15:30–17:00 |
Panel II: “Belarus 2024: Russian junior partner or …?”
Dr Mark Ozawa, Mr James Sherr, Mr Kaupo Rosin. Moderated by Ms Alena Kudzko
Conference Hall – Scandinavia (In cooperation with IRI)
|
| 17:00–17:30 |
Online Session
“Russian internal politics and Presidential elections” – Mr Marko Mihkelson
Online Broadcast from Conference Hall – Latvia
|
| 20:00–22:30 |
Charity Dinner
Charity address: Ms Iryna Bartsun. Tartu welcome address: Mr Kaspar Kokk
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| Late Session |
Night Owl Session: “Informational Warfare vs. Actual Conflict: Russia 2024”
H.E. Mr Maksym Kononenko, Mr Hans H. Luik, Mr Elie Tenenbaum and Dr Matthias Schulze
|
| 09:00–10:15 |
Panel III: Student Panel: “Quo Vadis Russo-Ukrainian war 2024?”
Students of the Baltic Defence College
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 10:15–10:30 |
Coffee Break
Online Session: “Quo Vadis Russo-Ukrainian war 2024?”
Mr Gert Antsu and LTC Bohdan Pshendrovskyi |
| 10:30–11:45 |
Panel IV: “China’s Role in Russia’s Future”
Mr Marko Mihkelson, Dr Kārlis Bukovskis, Dr András Rácz and Dr Marcin Zaborowski. Moderated by Dr Asta Maskaliūnaitė
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 12:00–13:00 |
Buffet Lunch
Venue: V Spa and Conference Hotel Lobby and Restaurant Joyce
Online Session (12:15–13:00): “Global South and BRICS impacting Russian ambitions”
Dr Illimar Ploom and H.E Mr Emmanuel Mignot |
| 13:00–14:15 |
Panel V: “Russia and Russians through the Prism of International Law”
Mr Kaupo Känd, Mr Mark Voyger and Dr Leonid Karabeshkin. Moderated by Dr Merilin Kiviorg
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 14:15–14:45 |
Coffee Break
Online Session: “Nordic Integration into NATO: Impacts on Baltic states and Russia”
Ambassador Shota Gvineria and Ms Indrė Makaraitytė |
| 14:45–16:00 |
Panel VI: “Russia 2024: Baltic and Nordic Security Imperatives”
Mr Hanno Pevkur, Mr Žilvinas Tomkus and Mr Olevs Nikers. Moderated by Dr Zdzisław Śliwa
Conference Hall – Scandinavia
|
| 16:00–16:10 |
Closing Remarks
Annual Conference on Russia 2024-2025 – Dean of the Baltic Defence College, Dr Zdzisław Śliwa
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