The emergence of the Russian Federation as an independent state transformed global politics and sparked hope for a more democratic nation. As Russia’s foreign minister during this crucial period, Andrei Kozyrev faced many challenges and has firsthand knowledge of how post-Soviet Russia transitioned from an emerging democracy to a more authoritarian regime. In his book, “The Firebird: The Elusive Fate of Russian Democracy,” Kozyrev recounts his time in Russia’s government and chronicles how the rise of powerful oligarchs, coupled with anti-Western sentiments and a declining economy, chipped away at prospects for a more democratic future.
At this event, Kozyrev participated in a moderated discussion with Baker Institute director Edward P. Djerejian. This event was held in partnership with the Kennan Institute’s “Kennan Conversation” program. A book signing followed the presentation, and copies of the book were available for purchase. Follow @BakerInstitute on Twitter and join the conversation online.
Agenda
6:00 p.m. — Reception
6:30 p.m. — Presentation
Featured Speaker
His Excellency Andrei Kozyrev is the former Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, and he serves as a distinguished fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars’ Kennan Institute. Kozyrev joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1974 and served as head of the Department of International Organizations from 1989-1990. He became the Foreign Minister of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in October 1990 and retained his position when the Russian Federation gained independence in 1991. Kozyrev was an early proponent for increased cooperation between the United States and Russia, and he advocated for the end of the Cold War. Kozyrev left the foreign ministry in January 1996, but continued in politics by representing the northern city of Murmansk in the Russian Duma for four years. Since 2000, Kozyrev has lectured on international affairs and served on the boards of several Russian and international companies. He graduated from the Moscow State Institute for International Relations and earned a degree in historical sciences in 1974.