Explaining Putin: The Man Behind War in Ukraine

With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine now in its seventh month and Russian forces in surprising retreat, the question still remains of how history, geography, and personality led to the largest conflict in Europe since 1945 – one that might be entering a more dangerous phase. How did we get here, did it have to happen, how might it be resolved, and with what consequences? 

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Philip Short, author of the recently published biography Putin, which draws on deep research to reveal the man behind the invasion of Ukraine who has dragged Russia back to a dark past. In light of the setbacks Russia has suffered in the face of stubborn Ukrainian resistance, signs of growing discontent at home, and an economy facing long term debilitation, might an alternate title be Putin - A Comeuppance Long in the Making?

Philip Short’s career has included serving as a foreign correspondent in Moscow, Beijing, and Washington, D.C., for the BBC, the Economist, and the Times of London. He is the author of definitive biographies on Mao, Pol Pot, and Francois Mitterand.

This virtual event is on the record and is open to the public. Paul Kolbe, Intelligence Project Director, will moderate this session. Registration is required. Please register at: https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_01XhTi02SCKT-LriTCcLEQ.