Putin in Perspective

Vladimir Putin – who is he, where he is coming from and where is he going?

In this event John Edwards will attempt a penetrating analysis of this bold, enigmatic leader of a world super-power. Does he have expansionist ambitions or is he just responding to provocations driven by the USA? How should we respond and interact with the “Bear”? Is the development by the EU of strong trading relations with Russia an important new step?

We look at how he came to power in late 1999 following the catastrophic political and economic collapse of the Yeltsin era. We will examine the subsequent changes in Russia, current policies, the role of the Western media, his continuing popularity (see Inessa S on YouTube) and assess what the future holds.

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John Edwards read Engineering Science at Oxford and has had a long and well-researched interest in things Russian. He has been a member of the Conway Hall Ethical Society since 2005, and has given presentations on climate change, energy, the Ukraine and the former Yugoslavia.

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Doors 10.30. Start 11.00

Entry £3, £2 concessions. (free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members)

Brockway Room (Ground floor – accessible. Induction loop audio).

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.