With Russian figuring heavily in the international political scene, it is important to understand some of its geopolitical history. New Canaan Library invites all to a lecture by Professor Colleen Kelly on Sunday, October 22, at 2 p.m. in the Adrian Lamb Room. Please register to attend, online at newcanaanlibrary.org.
Professor Kelly will present an overview of the geopolitics and history of Russia, Ukraine and Crimea. As Ukraine grew from a wealthy Slavic trading city on the shores of the Dnieper River, it gave rise to Russia from the beginnings of a Kievan-Rus state. Virtually land-locked during the winters, Russia needed access to a warm water port for trade. At the same time, its location on the Great Eurasian Plain made it subject to land invasion from both the east and the west. Professor Colleen Kelly will discuss and explain how access to trade, and vulnerability to attack, shaped Russia’s history.