While much attention is paid to the illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia, it is important to note that Russia continues to try and exert influence across the world. This is particularly true across the Middle East, where Russia has tried to center itself as the reliable partner for autocratic leaders throughout the region. Russia has a long history of engagement with Middle Eastern Leaders, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it saw its influence wane, down to just a couple of countries. Over the past ten years, however, they have regained a foothold through the Syrian Civil war and have increased their engagement with other countries, especially in the wake of the Arab Spring. While Russia has many interests in the region, our speaker, Vice Admiral John W. Miller (ret.), proposes that the driving force of Russian interests are two fold; to create transactional relationships that benefit Russia, and to disrupt the U.S.' vision for the region.

Join us for this episode to gain critical insights into why Russian engagement in the Middle East is an issue that all Americans should be aware of and why it is in the U.S.' national security interest to counter their growing influence. This episode will highlight the number of ways in which the U.S. and Russia approach this region and how many countries would prefer to partner with these large global actors.

Admiral John W. Miller serves as the President and CEO of The Fozzie Miller Group, LLC and as a Principal Partner of Global Alliance Advisors, LLC, both Washington DC based national security firms positioned at the intersection of government policy, defense acquisition programs, and industrial performance. The firm teams with US and international clients to deliver solutions that blend national security strategies and industrial growth into achievable national security objectives.

Admiral Miller also serves as a Highly Qualified Expert and Senior Mentor to the U.S. Naval War College, providing advice and expertise to the U.S. Navy on a wide range of operational and educational subjects.

His last three assignments in the Navy were as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander U.S. Fifth Fleet/Commander/ Combined Maritime Forces; Commander, Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center; and Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven.

Admiral Miller also serves as a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and as an active member of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Board of Trustees.