Special Guest Lecture (online) and Q&A with Dr. Bruce Berglund

Why has Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine? In justifying the attack, the Russian president cited the history of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, as well as recent political events in Ukraine. A historian of the region helps us understand Putin’s view of the post-Soviet world and how he pushed Russia into war.

This talk gives a brief overview of Ukrainian national history, its relationship with its neighbors, and Putin’s actions motivated by Eurasianism, putting the current invasion of Ukraine into historical context. The second half of the event is spent on Q&A, delving deeper into current events.

About the Speaker:

Bruce Berglund taught courses on Russia, Eastern Europe, and modern war for the Calvin History Department for 15 years. A three-time Fulbright scholar, he has written about nationalism, religion, and politics in the region. His latest book is The Fastest Game in the World: Hockey and the Globalization of Sports. Follow him on Twitter at @brberglund (Please excuse the technical difficulties at the beginning of the video due to poor connection; the recording has been edited to remove brief periods of disconnection.)

(Please excuse the technical difficulties, particularly at the beginning of the video due to poor connection; the recording has been edited to remove brief periods of disconnection.)

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This event is sponsored by the Calvin University Historical Studies department. Check out our YouTube channel for more recordings of past events!