Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Russia

The aim of the public discussion “The West and Russia: Charting (un)known Waters?” is to discuss the recent events in Ukraine, which have been generally perceived as a game-changer for the Eurasian and world security. The policy of “reset” on the American part and the “pragmatic engagement” realized by the EU are now being reconsidered. At the same time, after Geneva talks and promises of de-escalation, it is now time to ask what, if any, long-term changes in the West-Russia relations will actually take place.

The debate, organized by the Latvian Institute of International Affairs with the support of the Nuclear Threat Initiative and in cooperation with the European Leadership Network, will involve five internationally known experts from the United Kingdom (Ian Kearns), Russia (Sergey Utkin), Poland (Slawomir Debski), the United States (Samuel Charap) and Latvia (Andris Sprūds). The event will take place on April 29, from 16:00 to 17:30, at the Hotel Gutenbergs (1 Dome square).

The event purports to have a pragmatic debate on what new trends will enter, and stay in, Russia-West relations; what the consequences are for the Baltic Sea Region, and for Latvia in particular; and how this old/new situation can be managed.

Please register by writing to [email protected] or via the e-registration form: http://ej.uz/security2014. By registering, you agree that the working language of the event is English. 

Media representatives are welcome to attend the event. You can contact the manager, Diana Potjomkina ([email protected], +371 2888 3143) for more details. 

PROGRAMME