View source for RSI Connect: Russian Military as an Instrument of Foreign Policy

'''Date:''' September 23rd, 2021 at 15:00 CEST / 09:00 EDT  
'''Platform:''' Cisco Webex Events  

=== Link to Video Recording ===
[https://eucom.webex.com/eucom/lsr.php?RCID=7da0067c2d1a183b4061c63c2b50f42a Link to Video Recording]  

=== Details ===
RSI was joined by Fredrik Westerlund, Bettina Renz, and Hanna Smith for a discussion on the role of the military in Russian foreign policy.  

The event explored how Russia uses its military as a tool of foreign policy, examining its strategic thinking, operations, and influence on global affairs.

=== Format ===
Each panelist presented for 5-7 minutes followed by guided discussion and 30 minutes of Q&A.

=== Agenda ===
* 1500-1540 CEST / 1000-1040 EDT: Panelist Remarks  
* 1540-1600 CEST / 1040-1100 EDT: Guided Discussion  
* 1600-1630 CEST / 1100-1130 EDT: Question & Answer Session  

=== Biographies ===

==== Fredrik Westerlund ====
[[File:Photo_Fredrik_Westerlund.jpg|thumb|200px|Fredrik Westerlund]]  
'''Title:''' Deputy Research Director  
'''Affiliation:''' Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)  

Fredrik Westerlund specializes in Russian military power, defense industry, and intelligence services. He is currently completing a PhD thesis on the role of the military in Putin’s foreign policy at Åbo Akademi University. He co-edited the report ''Russian Military Capability in a Ten-Year Perspective'' (2019) and authored ''The Role of the Military in Putin’s Foreign Policy'' (2020).

==== Bettina Renz ====
[[File:Photo_Bettina_Renz.jpg|thumb|200px|Bettina Renz]]  
'''Title:''' Professor of International Security  
'''Affiliation:''' School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham  

Dr. Bettina Renz specializes in Russian security and defense policy in the post-Cold War era. She is the author of ''Russia's Military Revival'' (2018) and has published widely on military reforms, strategic thinking, and civil-military relations. She has lectured at King’s College London and was a distinguished visiting professor at the Canadian Forces College.

==== Hanna Smith ====
[[File:Photo_Hanna_Smith.jpg|thumb|200px|Hanna Smith]]  
'''Title:''' Director of Research and Analysis  
'''Affiliation:''' Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats; Visiting Professor, College of Europe, Brugge  

Dr. Hanna Smith is an expert on hybrid threats, Russia, and Eurasia. She has published extensively on security studies, international relations, and regional cooperation. Her recent works include ''Strategic Culture in Russian Neighbourhood'' (2019) and ''The Landscape of Hybrid Threats: A Conceptual Model'' (2020). She frequently comments on international affairs in media outlets.

=== Additional Resources ===
* '''[[Main Page#Calendar|Current Calendar]]'''  
* '''[[RSI Research|All RSI Research]]'''