Since the start of the 21st century, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dominated Russian politics. So much so that global media often refer to him as a czar and dictator. But is the perception of Putin backed by reality? Geopolitical Futures asks:
Russia is an enormously weak country. Putin is working desperately to make it appear more powerful than it is – and so far he’s doing very well at creating that illusion. Nevertheless, Russia’s fundamental problems still exist and there may be no clear way to overcome them. A free special report – Putin and Russia’s Illusion of Power [see below] – dives into the heart of Russia’s problems and details the path Putin has taken to reclaim Russia’s role as a major power.
As the Kremlin continues its crackdown on journalists, activists, and civil society, voicing opposition in Vladimir Putin’s Russia is not only becoming more challenging, but a matter of life or death, notes The Atlantic Council. It will bring together a panel of experts to discuss the current state of human rights in Russia and shed light on the great challenges that Russian human rights activists continue to experience.
Welcome remarks:
Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, Senior Fellow, The Future of Diplomacy Project, John F. Kennedy Belfer Center for Science, and International Affairs, Harvard University. Keynote remarks: The Hon. Benjamin Cardin US Senator for Maryland US Senate; The Hon. Marco Rubio US Senator for Florida US Senate. A conversation with: 
Mr. Carl Gershman (right) President National Endowment for Democracy, the Washington-based democracy assistance group; Mr. Vladimir Kara-Murza (left) Vice Chairman Open Russia; Mr. Tomasz Malinowski Former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor US Department of State. Moderated by: Dr. Alina Polyakova Director of Research, Europe and Eurasia Atlantic Council. RSVP CLICK HERE TO WATCH WEBCAST
