Seminar 7 of the High Studies for Security and Defence: Understanding the former Soviet area through a strategic lens
On 14 and 15 March 2025, auditors of the High Studies for Security and Defence (HSSD) gathered for the seventh seminar of the annual programme, devoted to the strategic exploration of the former Soviet area.
Against a global backdrop marked by the return of war in Europe, this session provided an opportunity to develop an understanding of Russian dynamics, Sino-Russian relations and the prospects for countries on Europe’s eastern flank.
A programme focused on Russia, its neighbours and the future of Ukraine
The seminar opened with an in-depth analysis of Russian military thinking, led by Colonel (GS) Erik Claessen. By clarifying the concepts of ‘great power’ and regime continuity, he enabled the auditors to better understand the Kremlin’s strategic logic in a long-running conflict.
The issue of Georgia was then addressed by Dr Giulia Prelz Oltramonti (RHID researcher), who described a country at a crossroads between European aspirations and Russian pressure.
The following day, Nicolas Gosset (Foreign Affairs/NATO) presented Sino-Russian relations through a lucid reading of the strategic balance. His presentation highlighted the converging interests and the limitations of a partnership often described as ‘unlimited’.
A highlight of the seminar was the dialogue between Major Dr Luk Sanders and Prof. Dr Victoria Vdovychenko (Cambridge University), which focused on Ukraine’s European prospects. This two-voice exchange provided an opportunity to look beyond the conflict and examine the political, economic and security conditions for successful integration into the European Union.
Finally, Prof. Dr Ria Laenen (KU Leuven) closed the analytical section with a well-attended lecture on the Kremlin’s underlying motivations in the war against Ukraine.
Group work
The auditors were invited to reflect collectively on the end of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its consequences for the European Union. Divided into three working groups, they imagined different scenarios, analysed their feasibility and discussed their strategic impacts.
A special moment: dinner at the residence of the CHOD
On Friday evening, auditors were invited to an official dinner at the residence of the Chief of Defence (CHOD). This was a highlight of the seminar, providing an opportunity for strategic networking and informal dialogue, reflecting the spirit of openness and proximity that characterises the HSSD.
📌 Find out more
Would you like to discover how the HSSD addresses major international issues and trains the decision-makers of tomorrow? Read all our articles on previous seminars here: Session 2024-2025
Read the latest article by Dr Giulia Prelz Oltramonti: Russia’s Expansion in the Field of Civil Aviation – in Violation of International Law
