Join us for an engaging conversation with Gabrielius Landsbergis, Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow, and Michael McFaul, Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute, as they discuss the emotional journey surrounding Russia's war against Ukraine, its global implications, and transatlantic support for Ukraine.

Hope and Despair: The Emotional Response to the War in Ukraine

Every few months, new technological developments or limited battlefield successes by either Russia or Ukraine spark sweeping claims that the war's outcome has been decided. Shortly thereafter, these narratives often collapse, leading to a reversal and a cycle of inflated expectations followed by disillusionment. Despite this tumultuous rollercoaster of hope and despair, one fact remains clear: Ukraine has not lost, and Russia has not won. Both outcomes – and their opposites – are still possible. For those of us who support Ukraine, this uncertainty is, in itself, a positive sign. However, hope alone cannot be our only strategy.

In a discussion with Michael McFaul, Gabrielius Landsbergis will explore how to cut through the shifting headlines to understand the real picture and what actions must be taken to strengthen Ukraine, so that hope is not our sole approach. He will examine what fuels this state of uncertainty and what factors can help us grasp the balance of power on the battlefield.

Gabrielius Landsbergis served as minister of foreign affairs of Lithuania from 2020 to 2024, a pivotal period for the region. He led Lithuania’s diplomatic service guided by the principle of values-based foreign policy. During his tenure, Lithuania emerged as one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine, Taiwan, and freedom fighters worldwide. Before that, he served in the Parliament of Lithuania from 2016, was chairman of the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Conservatives), and was elected to the European Parliament in 2014. Prior to entering politics, Gabrielius Landsbergis was a career diplomat.

He currently serves as Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow at Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

Michael McFaul is director at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, the Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies in the Department of Political Science, and the Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. He joined the Stanford faculty in 1995. He served for five years in the Obama administration, first as special assistant to the President and senior director for Russian and Eurasian affairs at the National Security Council at the White House (2009-2012), and then as U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation (2012-2014).

This in-person event is at capacity and no longer accepts additional attendees.

This event is part of Global Conversations, a series of talks, lectures, and seminars hosted by Stanford University Libraries and Vabamu with the goal of educating scholars, students, leaders, and the public on the benefits of but also challenges related to sustaining freedom.