Kyle Wilson | Getting Russia Right

What is Russian exceptionalism? How can we best understand the mindset of Russians and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure the most effective response to the war on Ukraine? Is there a path forward to ‘getting Russia right’?

In our fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2024 former Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines interviews one of Australia’s foremost Russia experts, the esteemed academic, diplomat and Russian interpreter Mr Kyle Wilson.

In their discussion, the pair draw upon Mr Wilson’s direct dealings with President Putin as well as his research into Russian history and society to explore the mindset that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Mr Wilson posits that President Putin is bent on reaffirming age-old traditions of autocracy at home and empire abroad. Far from being threatened by NATO expansion in its so-called near abroad, Putin is intent on integrating Ukraine into greater Russia.

Kyle Wilson graduated in European languages (Russian, Polish, German, with First Class Honours in Russian) from ANU in 1976 and then studied at the Moscow State and Leningrad State Universities (1977-79). He taught Russian and Russian history at UQ before joining the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) in 1981. DFAT posted him to Warsaw (1982-84) and Moscow (1988-92). In Russia he was also accredited to Mongolia and was closely involved in establishing and consolidating Australia’s diplomatic relations with newly independent Kazakhstan. In addition, he pursued a particular interest in Siberia and Pacific Russia, regions which he continues to visit.

In 1994-95 Mr Wilson studied Mandarin at Beijing’s Institute of Economic Management, before working in the Australian Embassy in Beijing from 1996 to 2000 as the Counsellor Economic. From 2000 to 2003 he headed a section of DFAT responsible for managing relations with China and Mongolia. From 2004 to 2014 he was seconded by DFAT to the Office of National Assessments as the Senior Analyst for Russia and Central Asia. He has served as Russian interpreter for Australian prime ministers, governors general and ministers. On three occasions he has interpreted for Putin.

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