The University of Westminster has hosted a public panel discussion on the war in Ukraine, accompanied by a photography exhibition by Denis Skopin examining political life in Russia. As the conflict nears its fourth year, panellists reflected on its profound impact on both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the international community’s ongoing response.
The panel discussion, hosted by the University’s School of Social Sciences and the Centre for the Study of Democracy on 15 October, examined the war and its global impact, with speakers analysing the international response to the conflict and possible paths forward.
The panellists were Harald Binder, Founder of the Centre for Urban History of East Central Europe in Lviv, Western Ukraine; Denis Skopin, Visiting Scholar in Exile at Bard College Berlin; Keshini Navaratnam, Global Communications and Media Expert and long-time BBC World TV News Anchor; and Professor Roland Dannreuther, Professor in International Relations at the University of Westminster. The discussion, which brought together around 70 participants, was chaired by Dr Magdalena Frennhoff Larsén, Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster.
Each panellist brought a new perspective, with Binder sharing his experiences of daily life in a country at war and Skopin reflecting on the situation on the ground in Russia and people’s perceptions of the conflict. Navaratnam offered insights into the media’s portrayal of the conflict and the importance of diplomatic endeavours. Finally, Professor Dannreuther provided an analysis of the international response and reaction to the war.
The discussion concluded with the launch of the photography exhibition titled Symptoms of War: Political Life in Russia after February 24, 2022, by Denis Skopin, who was interviewed by BBC World Service (starting at 45:00) during the event. The photographs document life in Russia during the first month of the war. Skopin previously was a Professor of Political Philosophy at St Petersburg State University before having to leave the country as a result of his opposition to the war.
Dr Frennhoff Larsén said: “It was great to see such strong engagement with this important topic. In addition to its profound impact on Ukraine and Russia, the war has reshaped our thinking around European security and the geopolitical balance in the region and beyond.”
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Politics and International Relations courses at the University of Westminster.
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