The Program: How U.S. Diplomacy Can End Russia’s War in Ukraine

As Russia’s invasion continues, Ukraine’s prospects for victory on the battlefield have faded. While Congress struggles to agree on a new U.S. aid package for Ukraine, some are painting a years-long bloody stalemate as the best of bad options. But what if there were an alternative: a diplomatic settlement that could secure Ukraine’s sovereignty, end the invasion, and begin the long process of rebuilding and reconciliation?

The Quincy Institute’s George Beebe believes there is a window of opportunity in 2024 for the U.S. to take the lead in forging such a diplomatic resolution with Moscow. The alternative, Beebe argues — a destructive, years-long conflict like a wound in the heart of Europe— will only worsen conditions in Ukraine, while perpetuating intolerable risks and costs for the U.S. Questions remain: Is Putin really interested in diplomacy? What will negotiations entail? How do you build an agreement that all sides will actually stick to? Join Beebe for a discussion on laying the path toward peace in Ukraine.

Presenter: George Beebe

George Beebe spent more than two decades in government as an intelligence analyst, diplomat, and policy advisor, including as director of the CIA’s Russia analysis, director of the CIA’s Open Source Center, and as a staff advisor on Russia matters to Vice President Cheney.

His book, The Russia Trap: How Our Shadow War with Russia Could Spiral into Nuclear Catastrophe (St. Martin’s Press, 2019), warned how the United States and Russia could stumble into a dangerous military confrontation.

Prior to joining QI, George was Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for the National Interest and before that he served as president of a technology company that measured the impact of events, issues, and advertising campaigns on audience views. He speaks Russian and German.

Thursday, May 10th, 2024 6:00pm Tanoan Country Club