BASU National Conference 2026
The BASU National Conference 2026, hosted in Manchester, GBR, marks a significant event for researchers and practitioners focused on Ukraine. This gathering aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives on the complex challenges facing Ukraine and the broader region. The conference provides a platform for presenting new research, exchanging ideas, and building networks among those dedicated to understanding and addressing the multifaceted impacts of the ongoing situation.
Committees & topics
Topics
Resistance: Civil and Armed Defiance Under Occupation · Resilience: Sustaining Societies Under Sustained Attack · Recovery: Rebuilding Ukraine and Conflict-Affected Economies · Russia's Hybrid War in Ukraine and Europe · Ukrainian Politics: Wartime Governance and Democratic Resilience · Wartime Economics and Reconstruction Finance · Industry: Defense Production, Energy, and Industrial Policy · Society: Demography, Displacement, and Social Cohesion
Why it matters
This conference is particularly relevant given the evolving geopolitical landscape and the sustained international attention on Ukraine. By convening experts in Manchester, GBR, the event facilitates a concentrated effort to analyze the various dimensions of the conflict and its implications. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference ensures that discussions will span political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, offering a holistic understanding of the challenges and potential solutions.
The insights generated from such a gathering are crucial for informing policy, humanitarian efforts, and future research agendas. The conference’s focus on fostering collaboration can lead to more coordinated and effective responses to the complex issues at hand. Furthermore, by bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the event can help to identify <a href="/learn/lessons/hidden-stakeholders">hidden stakeholders</a> and promote more inclusive approaches to problem-solving.
How to prepare
Attendees should prepare by familiarizing themselves with the latest developments concerning Ukraine, particularly in the context of international relations and regional stability. Understanding the various perspectives from countries like UKR, RUS, and BLR, as well as their respective allies and partners such as USA, DEU, FRA, and POL, will be beneficial. This will enable participants to engage more effectively in discussions and contribute meaningfully to the conference's objectives.
Consider how different national interests and historical contexts shape the discourse around Ukraine. For instance, the perspectives of neighboring countries like POL, LTU, EST, and FIN, which share borders with RUS or BLR, often differ significantly from those further afield. Preparing for the conference should also involve reviewing relevant academic literature and policy briefs to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topics to be discussed. Participants might also consider applying <a href="/learn/lessons/what-is-stakeholder-mapping">stakeholder mapping</a> techniques to better understand the various actors involved in the Ukrainian context.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 6 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
UkrainePrimary focus of discussions, seeking international support and understanding.
Role in topic
Central to the conference's themes, as the nation directly impacted by the ongoing conflict and subject of extensive research.
RussiaSubject of analysis regarding its role in the conflict and regional destabilization.
Role in topic
Its actions and policies are a key area of study and discussion, particularly concerning the hybrid war and its geopolitical implications.
United KingdomHost nation, facilitating academic and policy discussions.
Role in topic
Provides the venue for the conference in Manchester, serving as a hub for intellectual exchange on the topic of Ukraine.
United StatesKey international actor providing support and influencing policy.
Role in topic
Its diplomatic, economic, and military support for UKR, along with its broader strategic interests, are crucial aspects of the discussions.
GermanySignificant European partner in addressing the conflict.
Role in topic
As a major European economy and political power, its role in sanctions, aid, and diplomatic efforts is a critical subject for analysis.
PolandFrontline state, heavily impacted by the conflict and a key supporter of Ukraine.
Role in topic
Its geographical proximity and historical ties make its perspective and actions vital to understanding the regional dynamics and refugee crisis.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
Resistance: Civil and Armed Defiance Under Occupation
Key players
- Ukraine
Primary site of contemporary armed and civil resistance against Russian occupation
- Russia
Occupying power conducting repression in seized territories
BelarusHosts opposition resistance movements abroad while its government aligns with Moscow
- Poland
Supports Ukrainian resistance and develops its own territorial defense model
LithuaniaAdvocates 'total defense' doctrine and backs Belarusian and Ukrainian civil resistance
Resilience: Sustaining Societies Under Sustained Attack
Key players
- Ukraine
Live laboratory for societal and infrastructural resilience under wartime conditions
EstoniaLeads on cyber resilience and hosts NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre
FinlandModel for comprehensive security and civilian preparedness
- Germany
Reforming its civil protection architecture in response to hybrid threats
- United States
Major provider of resilience assistance and critical infrastructure expertise
Recovery: Rebuilding Ukraine and Conflict-Affected Economies
Key players
- Ukraine
Recipient and lead architect of its own recovery and EU accession path
- Germany
Largest European bilateral donor and host of the 2024 Recovery Conference
- United States
Major financial and reconstruction partner, subject to shifting political conditions
- United Kingdom
Co-leads on insurance, capital mobilization, and frozen-asset frameworks
JapanLeading non-European donor focused on demining and infrastructure
- Poland
Logistical hub and key partner for cross-border reconstruction
Russia's Hybrid War in Ukraine and Europe
Key players
- Russia
Principal actor conducting hybrid operations against Ukraine and European states
- Ukraine
Primary target and frontline laboratory for counter-hybrid defense
- Poland
Frequent target of sabotage and migration pressure on the Belarusian border
- Germany
Target of espionage and disinformation; key EU policymaker on response
- United Kingdom
Active in attribution, sanctions, and intelligence-led counter-hybrid policy
- Belarus
Co-belligerent platform facilitating Russian hybrid activities into the EU
Ukrainian Politics: Wartime Governance and Democratic Resilience
Key players
- Ukraine
Subject state navigating wartime governance and EU accession reforms
- Russia
Aggressor whose war shapes the contours of Ukrainian political life
- United States
Major external influence on Ukrainian political conditionality and aid
- Germany
Key EU voice on accession benchmarks and rule-of-law reform
- Poland
Closest regional partner, with growing political and historical complexities
Wartime Economics and Reconstruction Finance
Key players
- Ukraine
Wartime economy dependent on external financing and reform conditionality
- United States
Largest bilateral financial backer, with shifting domestic political support
- Germany
Largest European economic contributor and sanctions policy driver
BelgiumHosts Euroclear, where most immobilized Russian assets are held
- Russia
Sanctions target whose frozen assets sit at the center of financing debates
ChinaMajor economic lifeline for Russia and key sanctions-evasion concern
Industry: Defense Production, Energy, and Industrial Policy
Key players
- Ukraine
Rapidly expanding drone and defense-tech producer integrated with Western partners
- Russia
War economy reliant on third-country inputs and weapons transfers
- Germany
Anchor of European defense industrial expansion, especially in air defense
FranceMajor arms producer pushing 'European preference' industrial policy
- Poland
Fastest-growing defense industrial base on NATO's eastern flank
- United States
Largest single supplier of advanced systems and industrial partner
Society: Demography, Displacement, and Social Cohesion
Key players
- Ukraine
Society reshaped by displacement, mobilization, and identity consolidation
- Poland
Hosts one of the largest Ukrainian refugee populations in Europe
- Germany
Largest single host country for Ukrainian refugees under temporary protection
- Russia
Implicated in forced deportations and 're-education' of Ukrainian children
CzechiaHigh per-capita refugee host and model for rapid integration policies
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for BASU National Conference 2026.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
United KingdomCountry dossier
UkraineCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
BelarusCountry dossier
PolandCountry dossier
LithuaniaCountry dossier
EstoniaCountry dossier
FinlandCountry dossier
GermanyCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
JapanCountry dossier
BelgiumCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
FranceCountry dossier
Country dossier
Frequently asked questions
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