Russia and 'Putinism' Dinner
GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION DINNERS
Russia and Putinism
Thursday, November 13, 2008
6-6:45 PM Meet and greet with hors d'oeuvres
6:45-7:30 PM Buffet dinner
7:30-9:00 PM Topic discussion
Host: Richard and Margaret Curran
Moderator: Michael Wygant
"Vladimir Putin may not continue as Russia's president,
but he is unlikely to disappear from the political scene.
How much influence will he have after the March 2008 Elections?"
Great Decisions 2008 Edition p. 41
On March 2, 2008, Russian voters went to the polls and elected a new president, however, Vladimir Putin has not stepped off of the world stage. In many respects, the changing economic and energy markets have allowed Russia to re-assert itself both economically and militarily. As NATO gradually expanded its influence within Eastern Europe, Russia complained, but with little economic and political influence, it was hard pressed to influence the events of the emerging former Soviet markets and nation states. As its troops have rolled into Georgia, it appears that Russia is no longer willing to sit idly by as a nation without influence. This evening program is an opportunity for Council members and their guests to get together for an in-depth discussion of a "Great Decisions" topic, based on background material prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. Each discussion group is facilitated by an experienced Council facilitator and will be hosted by a World Affairs Council member at their private home. Dinner will be provided at the Host's home.
Moderator Biography: Michael Wygant
Mike had a 31 year career in the US Foreign Service, with assignments in three African countries, South Vietnam, the USSR, and Australia. He was the first American ambassador to the newly independent Federated States of Micronesia. Since moving to Maine in late 1990 he has worked as a re-hired annuitant for the State Department in Central Asia, and has held a number of positions with the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, serving in the ex-USSR, Slovakia, and ex-Yugoslavia. Michael is currently serving as the World Affairs Council of Maine's First Vice President
Space for this event is limited to 16. Following your registration, reading material for the selected topic will be mailed to you as will travel instructions to the Curran's home.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
$50 members ~ $65 non-member guests
Reservations are on a space-available basis.
Payment must be received prior to the event.
To register, visit our web registration site, or call 780-4551.
If you have questions about the evening, please feel free 780-4551 during regular business hours.
