Origins of the War

Origins of the War is a long-form interview series from The Kennan Institute examining the historical, political, and intellectual origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Each episode features leading historians, scholars, and policymakers in conversation about the end of the Cold War, post-Soviet transformations, Russian decision making, and the critical moments that shaped the path to war. Rather than focusing on breaking news, the series provides context, evidence, and long-view analysis to help audiences understand how this war came to be and why it matters.