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AU Russia Research Task Force presents at Southern Slavic studies conference

  • Published
  • Air University Public Affairs

Students in the Air University Russia Research Task Force presented their original research at the 59th Southern Conference on Slavic Studies in Gainesville, Fla., recently. 

The research task force’s panel, entitled “Critical Questions from the Russia-Ukraine War, One Year Out,” attracted one of the conference’s largest audiences. The conference was held March 30-April 2, 2023.

The Russia Research Task Force pursues research that examines strategic competition and future national security strategy as it relates to Russia's economy, environment and technology sector, and its complex and changing relations with NATO, Europe, Asia and the United States.

Air Command and Staff College student Maj. James Bowron, presented a paper on Russia’s future deterrence strategy options. His paper argues that with the rapid depletion of Russian conventional forces, they will be forced to lean heavily on nuclear options as a deterrent.

U.S. Department of State employee and ACSC student Mark Turner presented on the future possibilities of the Russia-China alliance.

Air War College student Lt. Col. John Szczepanski presented on the plight of the Kaliningrad region in current and future European-Russian relations. His paper argues that Kaliningrad’s unique position could make it either an isolated Russian military outpost or a potential enclave of Western engagement to Russia.

“I’m extremely proud of the quality of research my students conducted this year,” said Dr. Andy Akin, Russian RTF director. “Their presentations reflect their professionalism and experience. I am equally pleased by how welcoming the conference was to our AU contingent. It was a wonderful opportunity for peer review and professional development.”

Managed by the Air University Office of Sponsored Programs, research task forces are two-term elective courses taken by a mixed group of AWC and ACSC students recruited early in the school year and selected by faculty. This joint, collaborative environment allows researchers to bring their expertise and experience to formal academic scholarship guided by available AU faculty.

Conference keynote speaker Mark Galeotti, an internationally recognized expert on Russian security matters, also attended the panel.