August 19th lecture: Peter Petschauer "Vladimir Putin and Russia: Enemy or Friend of the US?"

On Sunday, August 19, Peter Petschauer, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Appalachian State University, will speak on "Vladimir Putin and Russia: Enemy or Friend of the US?" at 5 pm in the American Legion Building in Blowing Rock, NC.

Vladimir Putin's life started in 1952 in the difficult post-war WWII Lenigrad (St. Petersburg). The heroic defense of the Soviet Union and his city taught him that determined rulers successfully repulse all attempts by outside powers to determine a country's future.

His service in the KGB, particularly in then East Germany, reinforced his eagerness to serve his country, his admiration for strong leadership, and his suspicion of outsiders.

When he entered politics in 1990, he obviously brought this past with him, and it determines his decision-making to this day. Understanding this Russian leader's background will shed light on the current conflicted US dealings with Russia.

Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be time for questions and answers.

Petschauer arrived in the U.S. in 1957 at age 17 and almost immediately set out to continue the education he had started in Europe and obtained B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in European and Russian History at New York University. He taught European history at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC from 1968-2006. In addition, he led several programs, including the university's faculty and staff development center and headed Appalachian’s Faculty Senate and the UNC system’s Faculty Assembly.

He taught at several other institutions, including for ten years in the S.C. Governors School at the College of Charleston, for seven years in the Summer Institute at Palacki University, Olomouc, the Czech Republic, and one semester at North Ossetian State University in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia.