Join the Alaska World Affairs Council for a timely virtual program exploring the history, political realities, and far-reaching global implications of the war in Ukraine. With the world watching closely, and just days after the high-profile Putin–Trump meeting in Alaska, this program offers a critical opportunity to understand the forces shaping one of today’s most consequential conflicts. Participants will gain historical context, insights into Russia’s strategic ambitions, and an informed perspective on the challenges and stakes facing Ukraine, the region, and the international community.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Serhii Plokhy is a professor of Ukrainian history and former director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University. He taught in Canada, where he served as deputy director of the Peter Jacyk Centre for Ukrainian Historical Research and founded the “Religion and Culture” research program at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies.
Plokhy is the author of more than ten books on the history of Ukraine and Eastern Europe, including “The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine,” “The Last Empire: The Final Days of the Soviet Union,” “Atoms and Ashes: A Global History of Nuclear Disasters,” and “Chernobyl: The History of a Nuclear Catastrophe.” In 2018, he was awarded the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine for “The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine.”
In 2025, Serhii Plokhii received an honorary degree from Oxford University.
About the moderator
Lise Kristiansen, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, serves as the Norwegian Honorary Consul for Alaska and Advisor to the Alaska World Affairs Council. From 2007 to 2023, she was President and CEO of the Alaska World Affairs Council, where she developed high-impact programs featuring more than 450 world leaders, including diplomats, NATO commanders, policymakers, public officials, presidents, and royalty.
Lise has been recognized for her leadership and civic contributions, including being named one of Anchorage’s Top 40 Under 40, inducted into the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Athena Society, and honored as Leader of the Year by the National World Affairs Councils of America — selected from 94 council leaders nationwide.
A frequent speaker on Arctic and international affairs, Lise has shared her expertise both nationally and internationally. In recognition of her contributions to Norway-Alaska relations, she was awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Knight 1st Class, by the King of Norway.
Lise has a passion for sports and music, including playing the piano, and has participated in 6 Ironman Triathlons including the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. During her free time, you can often find her on a nearby pickleball court.
EVENT DETAILS
- This program will be held virtually on Zoom. A confirmation email with the access link will be sent following registration.
- Tickets are donation-based.
- Online registration closes at 9:00 AM AKST on August 20.