Lecture Series: "How Europe Got Russia Wrong"

From December 2 to 4, 2024, CENTREPEACE hosted an engaging and intensive lecture series as part of the course MVZN5102: How Europe Got Russia Wrong – Energy, Violence, and the Environment at Masaryk University's Faculty of Social Studies. Drawing over 50 master's degree students, the course provided a unique opportunity to critically examine Europe's approach to its complex relationship with Russia while exploring strategies for improvement.

Led by Professor Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen, an expert with over 25 years of experience in Russian geopolitics and environmental policies, the lectures delved into key themes shaping European-Russian relations. Topics included Europe's dependency on Russian energy, the persistent challenges of security and violence, and the growing influence of environmental strategies in global geopolitics.

The series emphasized the urgent need for a fresh vision, challenging participants to move beyond traditional approaches and consider innovative, sustainable solutions for fostering peace and cooperation in the region. It served as both a reflective critique of past policy missteps and a forward-looking exploration of how Europe can navigate its evolving relationship with Russia.

To deepen engagement, students were divided into working groups at the conclusion of the course. These collaborative sessions encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving as participants tackled pressing global issues. By exposing students to cutting-edge research and fostering an interactive learning environment, the course not only enriched their academic experience but also prepared them to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable solutions in the future.