Ukraine’s fight focus of latest ARNSF

The CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center hosted an Arter-Rowland National Security Forum luncheon event on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Carriage Club in Kansas City. The event featured a presentation entitled “Ukraine’s Fight — and What We Can Learn” by military affairs analyst Paul Schwennesen, Ph.D.

(Top photo and above) Military affairs analyst Paul Schwennesen, Ph.D., conducts a presentation and discussion about the Ukraine War during the Arter-Rowland National Security Forum luncheon event at the Carriage Club in Kansas City on Feb. 19, 2026.

The CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center Director and ARNSF program leader Col. (Ret.) Todd Schmidt kicked off the Forum welcoming the ARNSF members and their guests. After lunch, he introduced Schwennesen.

Schwennesen based his photo-driven presentation around four key themes: Russia’s fragility, Ukraine as instructor, grassroots innovation and human dignity and liberty. He discussed these themes as he walked participants through an extensive set of photos from his trips to the war-torn areas of Ukraine. His most recent visit there was in January 2026.

In discussing the themes of “Ukraine as instructor” and “grassroots innovation,” Schwennesen highlighted how Ukraine has gone from a net importer of military equipment and tactical training to positioning itself as a net exporter of the world’s most innovative and cutting edge battlefield know-how. Particularly in the realm of drone warfare, he said Ukraine possesses the most advanced doctrine on the planet and the U.S. security establishment would be wise to embrace it.

At the end of his presentation Schwennesen asked the audience to turn on their phone flashlights to show their support of the Ukrainian people so he could take a photo and share it. He also offered attendees the opportunity to donate funds that would go directly to supporting Ukraine.

After the presentation and an extensive question and answer period, Schmidt presented Schwennesen with a small gift in appreciation for his time with the Forum. Schmidt also provided information about future ARNSF gatherings.

For more photos see the CGSC Foundation Flickr album

Paul Schwennesen, Ph.D., is a military affairs analyst. He earned his doctorate from the University of Kansas, a master’s in government from Harvard University, and degrees in history and science from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Schwennesen served 10 years in the U.S. military in weapons-systems acquisition, foreign area intelligence, and flightline operations which included deployments to Central America and Afghanistan. In 2022, he volunteered in Ukraine to provide civilian aid and combat training on the frontlines against the Russian invasion. He was presented with the Verhkhovna Rada medal by the Ukrainian Parliament for “Merit to the Ukrainian People.” His writing has appeared in Law & Liberty, The New York Times, American Spectator, Claremont Review, and in textbooks on environmental ethics (Oxford University Press and McGraw-Hill).

The Arter-Rowland National Security Forum (ARNSF) is led by the CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center and is an exclusive professional information sharing and networking forum for those interested in keeping abreast of relevant information about national security issues.

Members of the Forum and their guests meet periodically at guest speaker events in downtown Kansas City. National and regional guest speakers representing all elements of national power (Diplomatic, Informational, Military and Economic) highlight the meetings. The Forum is nonpartisan, but elected government officials may present from time to time.

The Forum is named after Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Arter, Founding Chairman of the CGSC Foundation, and Mr. Landon Rowland, the Foundation’s first major donor who was well-known in Kansas City for his keen interest in national security issues and his leadership in business and philanthropy.

ARNSF events are only open to ARNSF members and their guests. If you are not a member but are interested in joining, contact the CGSC Foundation.

The Arter-Rowland National Security Forum is sponsored by: