Peace in Chechnya?
Last month, Russian Security Council Chair Alexander Lebed brokered a controversial peace agreement with the leaders of the Chechen rebels fighting for the independence of their small domain in the North Caucasus. Politically unpopular in Russia and detrimental to the country's image abroad, the war between the Russian army and the Chechen fighters lasted longer and was more devastating than predicted. The peace agreement arranged by Lebed, which begins with the withdrawal of the Russian army, may prove to be only a stop-gap measure, however, as one of the key demands of the Chechen rebels—independence for Chechnya—has not been resolved, but deferred. Moreover, the conflict and Lebed's role as mediator have thrown Russian politics into turmoil, particularly in light of the wavering leadership in Moscow.
Speakers
- Georgi Derluguian
Northwestern University
"A Fourth Russian Empire?" - Harley Balzer
Georgetown University
"The Political Morass in Moscow" - Anatol Lieven
Moscow Bureau, The Times (London)
"The Chechen Debacle: A Role for the United States?" - Patricia Carley
USIP Program Officer Chair
Media Inquiries
Please contact Ian Larsen (202.429.3870) or Lauren Sucher (202.429.3822) in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications.