Upcoming meeting: "Ukraine on the Edge" | Jan 29th Sat 10am at Cafe 8
Will Russia invade? How should the West respond to Russia’s troop buildup?
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s latest sabre-rattling against Ukraine presents a fresh threat to regional and European security. Mounting tensions, mutual mistrust, and uncertainty regarding the Kremlin’s precise intentions will further complicate efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully. Some experts worry that, because Putin has few good options for retaining power, Russia may indeed launch a highly risky invasion. Others think that it’s rather a bluff and it won’t lead to a full-scale war between the two countries.
As reports pile up about Russia’s military mobilization on Ukraine’s border and the Kremlin’s diplomatic demands, questions abound. What is going on? What will come next? Will Russia invade? How should the West respond to Russia’s troop buildup? During the upcoming meeting “Ukraine on the Edge”, we will discuss the power dynamics in the post-USSR region and its geopolitical implications.
Date & time: Saturday Jan 29, 10 am
Location: Cafe 8 (Central Pier #8). Once arrived, please ask staff for The Economic Club meeting.
Theme: "Ukraine on the Edge"
Suggested articles to read:
1. Why Russia Has Never Accepted Ukrainian Independence
https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2021/12/18/why-russia-has-never-accepted-ukrainian-independence
2. Ukraine on the Edge
https://www.project-syndicate.org/bigpicture/ukraine-on-the-edge
3. Putin's Ukraine Formula
https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/putin-ukraine-old-script-new-dangers-by-carl-bildt-2021-12
4. What Putin Really Wants in Ukraine
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russia-fsu/2021-12-28/what-putin-really-wants-ukraine
Fee: Free, attendees would buy a drink as a courtesy to the venue.
Format: free-flow discussion in a small group of 4 people. We will not have a speaker on chosen discussion topic, thus your self-preparation is key for an intelligent and quality discussion within a group (Under the Chatham House Rule).
The Economic Club is a community of intellectually curious people in Hong Kong. Founded in 2015, it is a space where people come together to connect and learn from each other and just have fun through small-group discussions on selected topics.
Learn more about the Economic Club on https://www.econclubhk.org