Instant Issues: How Poland and Ukraine Anchor Europe's Defense

Thu Feb 12 2026 at 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm UTC-05:00

1350 Main St | Springfield

The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts
Publisher/HostThe World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts
Instant Issues: How Poland and Ukraine Anchor Europe's Defense
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Fitchburg State Professor of Political Science & International Relations Josh Spero to speak on Poland & Ukraine's role in Europe's defense
About this Event

The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts will present an Instant Issues lunchtime discussion featuring Joshua B. Spero, Ph.D, Special Assistant to the President & Professor of Political Science / International Relations at Fitchburg State University, on How Poland and Ukraine Anchor Europe's Defense. The program will take place on Thursday, February 12 from noon to 1 pm at 1350 Main Street, 9th Floor Gallery, in downtown Springfield.

Dr. Josh Spero focuses on international security, particularly European and Eurasian security, and government decision-making. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Spero served as senior civilian strategic planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s J-5 Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate in the Europe-NATO Division (1994–2000); national security analyst at the Institute for National Strategic Studies (1990–94); and Deputy Assistant for Europe and the USSR at the Office of the Secretary of Defense (1988–90). From 1988-1994, he also served as the U.S. Army’s Ft. Leavenworth, KS based Soviet Army/Foreign Military Studies Office Liaison Officer in Washington, DC. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and Atlantic Council. On March 12, 2003, the fourth anniversary of NATO membership for the Republic of Poland, Dr. Spero received the Knight Cross of the Order of Merit from Poland’s President.

For those who purchase a meal, box lunches with a choice of sandwich--turkey, tuna, roast beef, vegetarian--will be available (first come, first served). Lunches also include deli salad, a cookie, chips, and soda or water. (Attendees may bring their own lunch or choose not to eat.)

Registration deadline for a lunch provided is Monday, February 9th

The Instant Issues series is generously sponsored by Wilbraham & Monson Academy & Sir Speedy

Media Sponsor: The Republican

Special thanks to NAI Plotkin


The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts is a nonpartisan educational organization dedicated to fostering civil discourse on international events and foreign policy. Our speakers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Affairs Council or our affiliates.


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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1350 Main St, 1350 Main Street, Springfield, United States

Tickets

USD 0.00 to USD 30.00

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