Events & Appearances
Join Dr. Tom Rainey as he takes his insights, experiences, and passion for storytelling on the road. Don’t miss your chance to meet the author, hear him speak, and be part of an engaging experience. Below are some of his upcoming appearances and past events.
Upcoming Events & Appearances
March 2026
Putin’s War and Climate Change: A Petrostate’s Ecological Dilemmas
Join us for an engaging Olympia World Affairs Council Speaker Series program with Dr. Tom Rainey, Professor Emeritus at The Evergreen State College, as he examines the intersection of Russia’s fossil-fuel economy, environmental degradation, and geopolitical ambition. As the world confronts accelerating climate change, Putin’s reliance on oil and gas exports both fuels conflict and deepens ecological vulnerabilities. He will explore how the war in Ukraine, global sanctions, and the energy transition reveal the contradictions and dilemmas facing a petrostate in a warming world.
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With his signature blend of insight and storytelling, Rainey connects past and present to help audiences better understand the challenges and opportunities these international dynamics pose for our future.
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Thursday, March 19 at 6:30pm
SPSCC Lacey Campus | 4220 Sixth Ave SE Lacey, WA 98503
Past Events & Appearances
July 2025
Podcast Feature | Your Community Podcast
Tom recently joined Dick Pust on KXXO Radio's Your Community Podcast to talk about the making of his book Crackers in Paradise and his creative process. He also reflects on his experiences leading students in Russia and his thoughts on the Russia–Ukraine war.
Listen Here: The Restless Historian