17 June 2024

Recording

Zoom lecture

The War in Ukraine has had a seismic effect on Europe and the world since it began in February 2022. Major Watson will present an overview of the conflict and some insights into how this first major European War since World War II has forever changed the security situation in Europe. We will look at the rise of Russian nationalism and revanchism following the breakup of the USSR; its clash with a rejuvenated Ukrainian identity; the 'hybrid' war of 2014 and the takeover of Crimea; and the major events of the Russian Invasion of 2022 and the resulting stalemate. We will also look at the most recent developments and Russian offensive, and what they may mean for the future.

Major Joshua Watson is an officer in the Australian Army. Born and raised in the United States, he graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and served for ten years in the US Army, including two combat deployments to Afghanistan. He and his family immigrated to Australia in 2014 and he now serves in the Australian Army as a combat engineer and explosive ordnance disposal technician. A veteran with twenty years of service, Major Watson is currently the Australian student at the French Command and Staff College, Ecole de Guerre, in Paris.