Amb. Kulminski | Russia's Imperial Overextension: The War in Ukraine and the Future of Euro-Security

It is with great honor that the Moynihan Institute's Practice of Global Politics series presents Vladislav Kulminski, ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States of America.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine may prove to be one of the greatest strategic miscalculations in its history. Drawing on historical parallels from the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, Ambassador Vladislav Kulminski will examine a recurring pattern of imperial overextension, upheaval and retreat.

He will argue that Russia's attempt to restore its sphere of influence has instead accelerated its strategic retreat, strengthened national identities across the post-Soviet region, and reshaped Eastern Europe. As Russia's power and influence decline and it increasingly resorts to heavy-handed tactics to maintain control over its neighbors, post-Soviet countries will seek to distance themselves from Moscow, further accelerating Russia's broader strategic retreat.

What happens when an empire can no longer sustain its ambitions? Will it continue down a path of confrontation and instability? Drawing on the experiences of Moldova and Ukraine, Ambassador Kulminski will explore the implications for European security and American foreign policy.

Vlad Kulminski is the ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the United States and an alumnus of Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

He has over two decades of experience in diplomacy, conflict resolution, international negotiations and foreign policy. Previously, he served as Moldova's deputy prime minister for reintegration, foreign policy and strategic planning advisor to the prime minister, and secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He has worked with the United Nations, UNDP, World Bank, GIZ, and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue on mediation, peacebuilding and international development, including work related to the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Ambassador Kulminski holds a master of public administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School and a master's degree in international relations and European studies from Central European University. He is a Fulbright, John Smith, and Munich Security Conference fellow.