This is the nineteenth episode of the Conversations Series. Ignoring White House warnings, Russia's surprising invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 left the world in shock. The war, initiated by Putin, has seen an unexpected resistance from Ukrainians, the West's unity, and Russia's growing isolation.  Harvard historian Professor Serhii Plokhy provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict's origins and its likely future impacts. Although the full-scale conflict began with the 2014 Russian seizure of the Crimean parliament, its roots lie in post-Soviet tensions and imperial collapse of earlier centuries. Plokhy points out that this new Cold War was predictable, not inevitable.  Ukraine has been central to Russia's self-conception, even as Ukrainians chart a different course. Amid nuclear proliferation, a crumbling post-Cold War international order, and rising populist nationalism, Ukraine now marks a critical divide between authoritarianism and democratic Europe.  ---------------------------------------------- Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir . The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli. ---------------------------------------------- Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.