On Nov. On April 4, 2026, the Des Moines National Security Forum met at the Des Moines Embassy Club West in West Des Moines, Iowa, to discuss the geopolitical consequences and future direction of the conflict in Eastern Europe.
Hosted by the CGSC Foundation and its Simons Center, the event featured a comprehensive presentation titled “The Russia – Ukraine War: Past, Present, Future.” David J. Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and a leading expert on Russia and Ukraine, led the discussion alongside Simons Center Director Todd Schmidt, Ph.D.
The gathering brought together community members and select invitees for a fireside chat style discussion that traced the historical roots of the confrontation. Kramer and Schmidt opened their presentation by examining Russia’s relationship with Ukraine over the past 150 years, using that century-and-a-half timeline to frame current military and diplomatic realities.
From there, the conversation widened to analyze the factors driving the conflict’s apparent stalemate. The speakers addressed international relations, repercussions for the global economy, and the evolving nature of modern warfare. Discussions also touched upon the future of NATO and how Ukraine’s potential membership might reshape European security.
Kramer offered distinct perspectives on what a post-Putin era might mean for Russian policymaking and regional stability. The dialogue also turned toward domestic U.S. foreign policy, weighing the potential ramifications for Western allies, adversaries, and global competitors if Washington were to adopt a pro-Putin stance. The speakers questioned whether such a shift might erode American legitimacy and how international actors, particularly China, might respond to sustained U.S. resolve.
The Des Moines National Security Forum operates as a professional information-sharing and networking initiative designed to keep regional stakeholders informed on critical defense and foreign policy matters. The CGSC Foundation’s Simons Center patterned the West Des Moines program after its established Arter-Rowland National Security Forum in Kansas City, holding periodic guest speaker events throughout the year.
To facilitate the Iowa-based program, local partner Brownells assists with coordination. Brownells Chairman Pete Brownell serves as the vice chair for the Central Region of the U.S. on the CGSC Foundation’s board of trustees. The forum series convenes four times annually for members and invited guests.
In the final segment of their presentation, Kramer and Schmidt explored potential endgames for the hostilities, addressing how the conflict might ultimately reach a diplomatic or strategic resolution. Following the structured dialogue, the floor opened for an audience question-and-answer session.
At the conclusion of the event, Schmidt presented Kramer with a token of appreciation for his participation in the forum series. Documentation and additional photographs from the gathering have been made available through the CGSC Foundation Flickr album.
