The Syrian Quagmire: Understanding Russia’s Role

Please join us for a roundtable discussion on Russia’s increasing involvement in the war in Syria with UNC faculty Stephen Gent, Charles Kurzman, Robert Jenkins, and Graeme Robertson.

After several years of politically and militarily supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Russia began airstrikes in Syria on September 30, targeting the parts of the country controlled by ISIS. However, airstrikes have also resulted in casualties among rebel groups backed by the U.S.-led coalition, prompting Western governments to question Russia’s goals and strategy in Syria. In light of these recent developments, and as the war in Syria continues to escalate, the roundtable participants will address the competing geopolitical interests of Russia and the United States and the consequences of Russia’s military intervention both on its domestic politics and on the future of Assad’s rule.

This event is co-presented with the Carolina Center for the Study of the Middle East and UNC Curriculum in Peace, War, and Defense.