Savannah Council On World Affairs Lecture Series

Event details

SAVANNAH – On November 19, the Savannah Council on World Affairs will host Laura Cooper, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia from 2017 to 2025. From this position, Cooper played a central role in decisions concerning U.S. assistance to Ukraine in the wake of the invasion by Russia. Cooper will provide SCWA members and their guests an insider’s analysis of U.S. policy toward Ukraine and Russia, and then assess the latest battlefield developments and negotiations. She will discuss what can be expected in terms of “next steps” and look ahead to how the conflict might end. Cooper, is a career member of the Senior Executive Service with more than 25 years in the federal government. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia from 2017 to 2025, she spearheaded U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, delivering billions of dollars in support, and orchestrated the 50-nation Ukraine Defense Contact Group to unify partners and catalyze assistance. She championed novel unmanned systems and air defense programs, supporting Ukrainian battlefield successes. She also strengthened U.S. defense relationships through the Caucasus, Central Asia, Moldova and the Wester Balkans. Her federal service was long and varied and included a stint on the faculty of the National War College. She is now a senior fellow with the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington-based think tank. This SCWA Speakers Program will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, November 19, at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm Street in Savannah. Planters Inn is the Platinum Sponsor for this meeting. All SCWA programs are free for members and $20 for non-members who would like to attend. Entrance is free for full-time students, faculty and active military. Final details for this and future meetings can always be found on the SCWA website at savannahcwa.org .

Location

Organizer

November 19, 2026 · 7pm – 9pm