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Published by The Kennan Institute
Origins of the War is a long-form interview series from The Kennan Institute examining the historical, political, and intellectual origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Each episode features leading historians, scholars, and policymakers in conversation about the end of the Cold War, post-Soviet transformations, Russian decision making, and the critical moments that shaped the path to war. Rather than focusing on breaking news, the series provides context, evidence, and long-view analysis to help audiences understand how this war came to be and why it matters.
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How did European policy after the Cold War shape the path to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine? In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage is joined by Constanze Stelzenmüller of the Brookings Institution for a conversation on the evolution of European policy toward Central and Eastern Europe after 1991, Germany’s role in the Minsk diplomacy of 2014 and 2015, and the broader European and transatlantic context surrounding the origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Together, they examine how European policy evolved after the Cold War and how diplomatic efforts, security debates, and transatlantic relations shaped the road to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A conversation on European security, diplomacy, and the historical decisions that continue to influence the war today. Recorded as part of the Kennan Institute’s Origins of the War series.
How did the post-Cold War security order shape the path to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage is joined by Samuel Charap of the RAND Corporation for a discussion on the evolution of Russian foreign policy after 2012, the European security architecture that emerged after 1991, and Ukraine’s place in U.S. foreign policy. Their conversation explores the origins of the 2014 conflict, the Maidan Revolution, the annexation of Crimea, the Minsk agreements, and the diplomatic challenges that preceded Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. They also examine questions of nuclear strategy, deterrence, and nonproliferation in the broader context of European security. A thoughtful discussion on diplomacy, security, and the historical decisions that shaped one of the defining conflicts of the 21st century. Recorded as part of the Kennan Institute’s Origins of the War series.
How did the Russian military evolve from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the invasion of Ukraine? In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage speaks with Dara Massicot of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about the development of Russia’s military after 1991 and the conflicts that shaped its modern strategy. Their conversation traces the Russian military’s trajectory through the turbulent 1990s, the Chechen wars, the 2008 war with Georgia, and the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Together, they examine how institutional reforms, battlefield experience, and strategic thinking contributed to Russia’s decision to launch a full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A discussion on military transformation, strategic culture, and the historical foundations of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Recorded as part of the Kennan Institute’s Origins of the War series.
Michael Kimmage speaks with historian Timothy Snyder about the historical development of Ukrainian identity, Ukraine’s place in Europe, and the origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conversation explores the emergence of the Ukrainian national idea, the legacy of the Cossack period, the challenges of state-building in the twentieth century, and the resilience of Ukrainian political and cultural identity through decades of upheaval. Snyder also discusses the evolution of Russian foreign policy under Vladimir Putin, competing historical narratives about Ukraine, and the factors that contributed to Russia’s invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. Timothy Snyder is the Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University and the author of numerous books on the history of Eastern and Central Europe. A production of the Kennan Institute.
Michael Kimmage speaks with Patrick Travers, former advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, about the origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine and Canada’s distinctive role in supporting Ukrainian sovereignty. The conversation explores Canada’s historical ties to Ukraine, Western assessments of Russia’s motivations, the impact of Crimea and the Minsk process, Operation Unifier, and the policy choices made by Canada and its allies in the years leading up to Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Drawing on his experience in government, Travers offers insight into how Canadian policymakers viewed the evolving security environment in Eastern Europe and the challenges posed by Russia’s actions toward Ukraine. A production of the Kennan Institute.
Michael Kimmage speaks with Stephen Sestanovich of the Council on Foreign Relations about the long arc of U.S. policy toward Russia, the transformation of Eastern and Central Europe after the end of the Cold War, and the historical forces that contributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The conversation examines the hopes and tensions of the post-Cold War era, the emergence of authoritarian and imperial tendencies in Putin’s Russia, debates surrounding NATO expansion, and the broader trajectory of U.S.-Russia relations over the past three decades. Stephen Sestanovich is a Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of International Diplomacy at Columbia University, and former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for the former Soviet Union. A production of the Kennan Institute.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Dmitri Alperovitch joins the Kennan Institute to examine the roots of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through a global and geopolitical lens. Drawing on themes from his recent book World on the Brink , Alperovitch discusses the warning signs leading up to the 2022 invasion, including cyber operations, Russian intelligence activity, and the broader strategic calculations behind the Kremlin’s actions. The conversation also explores how the war in Ukraine relates to future geopolitical flashpoints, particularly Taiwan. The discussion covers Putin’s worldview, the significance of the 2013–2014 turning points in Ukraine, and the limitations of economic engagement as a strategy for moderating authoritarian powers. Learn more about World on the Brink : https://worldonthebrink.com/ Follow the Kennan Institute for more conversations on Russia, Ukraine, and the post-Soviet states.
Catherine Belton ( The Washington Post ) and Shaun Walker ( The Guardian ) join Origins of the War to discuss the intelligence, strategy, and political context surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This conversation explores how U.S. intelligence forecasted the invasion, why global and Ukrainian assessments often diverged, and how intelligence shaped policy decisions before the war began. A timely discussion on the origins of one of the most consequential geopolitical conflicts in modern history.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Alexander Bick, University of Virginia professor and former National Security Council official, joins Michael Kimmage to explore the policy choices, strategic calculations, and historical analysis surrounding Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The discussion examines: • U.S. policy decisions prior to the invasion • Russian strategic motivations • Historical frameworks in policymaking • National Security Council assessments • The intersection of scholarship and public service This episode provides a unique perspective on how historical training and real-world policy formation shaped the American response to one of the defining geopolitical crises of our time.
In this episode of Origins of the War , historian Margaret MacMillan joins Michael Kimmage to examine the deep historical roots of Russia’s serial invasions of Ukraine. The discussion explores: • The evolution of the modern nation state • European history before and after World War I • Nationalism, empire, and political transformation • The legacy of Versailles and unresolved tensions • Historical patterns that continue to shape contemporary conflict By situating Russia’s war against Ukraine within the broader history of European state formation and warfare, this episode offers a long-range perspective on one of today’s defining geopolitical crises.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Ivan Krastev joins Michael Kimmage to examine the European political, intellectual, and strategic dimensions behind Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The discussion explores: • The growth of the European Union in the 2000s • Ukraine’s evolving relationship with Europe • The significance of 2013–2014 and Maidan • Europe’s changing relationship with Russia • Putin’s worldview and European geopolitics This episode provides an essential European perspective on the origins of the war and the broader historical forces that shaped it.
In this episode of Origins of the War , historian Odd Arne Westad joins Michael Kimmage to explore the deep historical roots of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine through the lens of Cold War history and global geopolitics. The discussion examines: • The unresolved legacies of the Cold War • Putin’s worldview and Soviet influences • Russia’s strategic relationship with the West • Multipolarity, China, and emerging global powers • How historical structures continue to shape present-day conflict This conversation provides a global historical perspective on one of the defining geopolitical crises of the modern era.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Gwendolyn Sasse, Director of ZOIS and author of Russia’s War against Ukraine , joins Michael Kimmage to explore the deeper historical and political roots of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The conversation examines Ukraine’s evolving relationship with Europe, the political significance of Crimea, the legacy of EU enlargement, and the regional dynamics that shaped the conflict. Topics include: • Ukraine’s post-Soviet political development • EU relations and enlargement • Crimea and regional identity • Russia’s strategic calculations • Historical frameworks for understanding the war A vital discussion for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In this episode, Pavlo Klimkin, former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, discusses the diplomatic history behind Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conversation explores Ukraine’s early years of independence, the challenges of nuclear disarmament, and the country’s evolving relationship with both Russia and Europe. It also examines the pivotal events of 2013–2014, the long phase of “Minsk” diplomacy, and the developments in 2021 that preceded Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Grounded in firsthand experience, this episode provides a detailed look at the diplomatic and strategic context shaping the conflict.
In this episode, Angela Stent explores the origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine through the lens of U.S.-Russian relations since the end of the Cold War. The discussion examines the open-ended nature of the 1990s, the rise of Vladimir Putin, and the key moments that shaped the deterioration of relations between Russia and the West. It also considers the impact of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the broader historical context leading to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This conversation provides a historically grounded perspective on the political and strategic dynamics underpinning the war.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage speaks with Serhii Plokhy , Professor of History at Harvard University, about the historical roots of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conversation explores how imperial Russian narratives, particularly the idea of a shared identity between Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians, have shaped political thinking over time. Plokhy examines the emergence of Ukrainian national identity, the historical suppression of Ukrainian language and culture, and the long-standing tensions between empire and nationhood. Drawing on his book David and Goliath: Commentaries on the Russo-Ukrainian War , he provides a historical framework for understanding the origins of the 2022 invasion and the broader geopolitical conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This episode offers essential context for understanding the war through the lens of history, identity, and competing narratives in the post-Soviet states.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage speaks with Ambassador Thomas Bagger , German Ambassador to Italy, about the European dimensions of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conversation traces policy thinking and strategic choices from the 1990s to 2022, examining how European governments understood the post-Soviet space, the role of the European Union’s Eastern Partnership, and the significance of the Maidan Revolution. Ambassador Bagger reflects on the broader historical context behind the conflict and on how European leaders assessed Russian strategy and decision making in the years leading up to the full-scale invasion. This episode provides important context for understanding the war in Ukraine through a European lens and for considering the future of European security.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of Getting Russia Right , explores the historical roots of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conversation traces the evolution of U.S.-Russia relations from the collapse of the Soviet Union through the key policy decisions and geopolitical shifts that shaped the current conflict. Graham reflects on the optimism of the 1990s, the role of NATO expansion, and the transformation of Russia’s foreign policy under Vladimir Putin. Drawing on decades of diplomatic and policy experience, he offers a nuanced perspective on how past decisions continue to influence today’s strategic environment. This episode provides critical historical context for understanding the war in Ukraine and the future of U.S.-Russia relations.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage speaks with Michael Kofman of the Carnegie Endowment about the military and strategic origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conversation examines how Russian thinking on security and power evolved from the Russia-Georgia War of 2008 to the 2014 annexation of Crimea and ultimately to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 . Kofman discusses Russian military planning, perceptions of NATO, and the role of great power thinking in shaping the Kremlin’s approach. The episode also explores key miscalculations, including Russia’s failure to understand Ukraine as a sovereign society with its own political agency. The discussion provides a deeper historical and strategic framework for understanding the ongoing war and its broader implications for European and international security.
In this episode of Origins of the War , Michael Kimmage speaks with Ambassador Daniel Fried about the historical origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Fried reflects on the evolution of U.S.–Russia relations from the Cold War to the present , the debates surrounding NATO expansion , and the role of sanctions and diplomacy in responding to Russian aggression. The conversation explores key moments that shaped the current conflict, including the collapse of the Soviet Union, the transformation of Eastern Europe, the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution and Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion in 2022. Ambassador Fried also offers reflections on lessons from the Cold War, the importance of understanding Ukrainian history, and advice for future policymakers and scholars. Daniel Fried served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs from 2005 to 2009 and is currently the Weiser Family Distinguished Fellow at the Atlantic Council .
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