Last month, Sacred Heart University and WSHU Public Radio hosted a geopolitical conversation with John Sullivan, the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
This event provided students an opportunity to speak with an experienced diplomat and gain firsthand knowledge of the complexities of U.S.-Russian relations.
John Sullivan signing a copy of his book “Midnight in Moscow.”
“It was very important to host a forum such as this because the world is currently a volatile place, and people need to hear directly from an individual with vast knowledge and expertise, such as Ambassador Sullivan, about the threat to world peace the current leader of Russia currently presents,” said Dr. Gary Rose, Scholar in Residence at SHU.
“This forum was far more educational than an academic lecture regarding what is happening in contemporary Russia.”
Sullivan’s expertise draws from his extensive career in foreign policy, which can offer students a learning experience that connects academic study with real-world insights.
John Sullivan pictured at a book signing
at SHU.
Sullivan, a Connecticut resident, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia from 2019 to 2022. He previously held positions in the Departments of Justice and Defense and served as Deputy Secretary of State, exposing him to issues relating to national security and international relations.
“Midnight in Moscow,” Sullivan’s recently published book, explores the historical background of the relationship between the U.S. and Russia.
“More than the history of U.S. relations with Russia, the Ambassador’s book provides readers with the most direct, upfront and personal observations about Putin’s character, his background with the KGB [Russia’s Committee for State Security], and the authoritarian tradition he continues to represent,” said Rose.
“‘Midnight in Moscow’ is a book that every student should read, as the Ukraine war and Putin’s lock on power in Russia will inevitably have [an] impact on the security of the U.S. and Western Europe,” said Rose.
During the discussion, Sullivan discussed the evolution of relations between the U.S. and Russia, with particular focus on recent conflicts and global security challenges.
He discussed the factors that influenced Russia’s foreign policy and explained how they shape the country’s approach to international relations.
Sullivan also discussed recent tensions and their impacts on global security, making the conversation relevant to multiple current events worldwide.
A key theme was the importance of resilience and diplomacy while maintaining communication, even in complicated global relationships.
“It’s a lesson that American diplomats and Americans generally need to learn. The Russians are different. Russians are different from us.” said Sullivan. “That shouldn’t surprise anyone, especially their approach to diplomacy, business with us, and life. We see this today in the aggressive war that Putin has started against Ukraine.”
In addition to the discussion, Sullivan’s book “Midnight in Moscow” is available for students as an avenue to explore international relations.
Sullivan may appear at SHU again in the future, according to the university’s website. He was invited to drop a puck at a SHU hockey game in the Martire Family Arena by Paul Sutera, Senior Vice President of University Advancement.
