Justin Steinbeck is joined by our Visiting Fellow Dr. Matthew Sussex and Dr Kyle Wilson for a podcast discussion exploringRussia's past, present and future. 

Questions pondered by the guests include: 

• Who is to blame for what Russia has become today? Is it Russians themselves? Is it the fault of outside sources that want to marginalise Russians at Putin suggests?
• What is the current state of Russia? Is it internally stable?
• What is to be done? What will the outcome Russia's invasion of Ukraine be? What does the future hold for Putin? Can Russia be a great power? How should Australia treat Russia?

Dr Matthew Sussex is a leading expert on strategic policy, with a particular focus on Australian defence policy, Chinese strategic policy, Russian strategic policy, and grey zone/information operations. He has held multiple roles at a range of national and international organisations, including the Australian Defence College and Centre for Defence Research. He is currently a Visiting Fellow at ANU’s Centre for European Studies.

Kyle Wilson is a former diplomat and specialist in Russian affairs. He served for DFAT in Warsaw and Moscow, where he was also accredited to Mongolia and helped establish relations with Kazakhstan. Later, he headed DFAT’s China and Mongolia section and served as Senior Analyst for Russia and Central Asia at the Office of National Assessments. Mr Wilson has interpreted for multiple Australian prime ministers and on three occasions for Vladimir Putin. He is a recipient of Poland’s Solidarity Medal and an Australia Day Medal for his analysis during the collapse of the Soviet Union. He is currently a Visiting Fellow at ANU’s Centre for European Studies.

Listen to the full recording at the link below.