Russian-Ukraine war focus of Des Moines National Security Forum

The CGSC Foundation and its Simons Center hosted a gathering of the Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) at the Des Moines Embassy Club West in West Des Moines, Iowa on Nov. 4, 2026. This presentation of the forum featured a presentation entitled “The Russia – Ukraine War: Past, Present, Future” with David J. Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and a leading expert on Russia and Ukraine.

(Top photo and above) David J. Kramer, left, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and a leading expert on Russia and Ukraine, and Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt discuss the Russia–Ukraine War during the Des Moines National Security Forum at the Des Moines Embassy Club West in West Des Moines, Iowa on Nov. 4, 2026.

During the forum Kramer and Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt, Ph.D., led a fireside chat style discussion with Kramer examining the Russia-Ukraine war’s historical roots, the factors behind its apparent current stalemate, and its implications for international relations, NATO, the global economy and the future of warfare. They also explored potential paths to resolution.

To kick off the presentation, Kramer and Schmidt first discussed the history of Russia’s relationship with Ukraine over the past 150 years, which provided context to more current history and current events. Their conversation was wide-ranging, covering the implications of the war on NATO, international relations, the global economy, and the future of war in general. Kramer shared his views on Ukraine’s future as a potential member of NATO and the question of how it might affect Russian policy in a post-Putin era. Additionally, Kramer talked about U.S. policy and what the effects might it have on our allies, adversaries and competitors if the U.S. takes a pro-Putin stance. Would U.S. legitimacy be undermined? How might China react to U.S. resolve?

Kramer and Schmidt concluded their discussion with thoughts on how the war might end and then took questions from the audience.

After the Q&A, Schmidt presented Kramer with a small gift in appreciation for his time with the Forum.

For more photos see the CGSC Foundation Flickr album

David J. Kramer serves as the executive director of the George W. Bush Institute. Prior to joining the Bush Institute, he taught at Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, where he also was senior fellow in the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy and director for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Before moving to Miami, Kramer worked in Washington, D.C., for 24 years, including as senior director for human rights and democracy with the McCain Institute for International Leadership; president of Freedom House; and senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Kramer also served eight years in the U.S. Department of State during the George W. Bush administration, including as assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor; deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus affairs as well as regional non-proliferation issues; professional staff member in the secretary’s Office of Policy Planning; and senior advisor to the Undersecretary for Global Affairs. He also was executive director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy in Washington.

Kramer chairs the board of the Free Russia Foundation. He also serves as a member of the advisory councils for the Alliance for Securing Democracy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, Refugees International and Foreign Policy for America. He is a contributing editor of American Purpose and author of the book, Back to Containment: Dealing with Putin’s Regime.

A native of Massachusetts, Kramer received a master’s degree in Soviet studies from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in Soviet studies and political science from Tufts University.

The Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) is an exclusive professional information sharing and networking event exclusively for members of the community and select invitees of the CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center and Brownells, the co-hosts of the Forum.

The CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center designed the Des Moines National Security Forum (DMNSF) in the mold of its Arter-Rowland National Security Forum in Kansas City, wherein members of the forum meet periodically at guest speaker events to learn about issues related to national security. To help facilitate the new program in Des Moines, Brownells in Grinnell, Iowa, is the Simons Center’s local partner. Brownells Chairman Pete Brownell is also the Vice Chair for the Central Region of the U.S. for the CGSC Foundation’s board of trustees. The DMNSF is presented four times each year for those interested in keeping abreast of relevant information about national security issues.

~ Thank you to our 2026 DMNSF Sponsors ~