The Finnish Institute of International Affairs and the think tank Magma have the pleasure of inviting you to a seminar on Russia after the elections:

Do we look at Russia the same way?

On Thursday 8th March 2012 at 10:30–12:30

At the Auditorium of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Ankkurikatu 5, 4th Floor, Helsinki

The increasing instability of the political situation in Russia, as well as the vulnerability of the country's economy are gradually becoming issues of public discussion both inside and outside the country.

However, this is hardly reflected at the level of official statements. This raises questions as to whether Western policies towards Russia are based on an adequate understanding of the situation. It seems that neither the gap between the ambitions and resources of Kremlin's foreign policy, nor the impact of domestic developments on the behaviour of Russia in the international community is analyzed openly and with sufficient depth. Without an  enlightened public debate on these issues, there will be no consistent and successful common Russia policy on behalf of the EU.

The aim of this seminar is to deepen our understanding of the political and economic developments, which can be expected in Russia after the elections. Will we see growth and stability or hazardous turns? Is the legitimacy of the power structures eroding? How will Russia's foreign policy and foreign relations be influenced by domestic developments? What should small democratic neighbouring countries expect and prepare for?

Speakers:

Dr Arkady Moshes, Programme Director, The Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Ms Anna-Lena Laurén, Reporter and Moscow correspondent for Hufvudstadsbladet
Dr Lena Jonson, Programme Director, Swedish Institute of International Affairs
and Professor Andres Kasekamp, Director, Estonian Foreign Policy Institute

Chair:
Henrik Lax, Chairman for The Institute for Russia and Eastern Europe, former Member of the European Parliament.

Please note that this is a personal invitation. Coffee will be served before the seminar, starting at 10:00.

We kindly ask you to confirm you participation at the latest on Tuesday 6th March through the following link:
http://www.fiia.fi/en/registration/437