Ukraine Foundation
Inspiring Change, Driving Impact
Dr. Bart S. Fisher is a distinguished lawyer widely acknowledged as one of the pioneers of International Trade and Investment Law, a recognized authority in U.S. foreign policy, a seasoned investment banker with a strategic focus on emerging markets, and a dedicated philanthropist.
Dr. Fisher currently practices law in Washington, D.C., as the Managing Partner of the Law Office of Bart S. Fisher, where he provides legal counsel in international trade, economic sanctions, and cross-border investment to high-profile clients. From 1972 through 1994, he practiced at Patton Boggs LLP, becoming a partner in January 1978. He later served as a partner at Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin & Kahn from 1994 to 1995, and held Of Counsel positions at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur (1996–2001), Bryan Cave LLP (2002), and Dorsey & Whitney LLP (2003–2004). Dr. Fisher has held an AV Preeminent rating for 40 years for the “Highest Possible Peer Review Rating for Legal Ability and Ethical Standards” from Martindale-Hubbell.
In addition to his legal practice, Dr. Fisher is an accomplished academic. He serves as a Professorial Lecturer in American Foreign Policy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and teaches International Trade and Economic Negotiation at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He has also taught International Trade and Investment at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, George Mason University, and the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. He serves on the Board of the Osgood Center for International Studies.
Over the years, Dr. Fisher has represented the governments of the People’s Republic of China, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Israel, Myanmar, Panama, the Philippines, Sudan, and Suriname before the U.S. Government on various international matters. His work has included trade policy, foreign direct investment, economic sanctions, and export control issues.
Since 1980, Dr. Fisher has played a pivotal role in the commercial relationship between the United States, China, and India. His extensive legal practice in China has encompassed international trade, foreign investment, intellectual property law, and criminal enforcement actions. He has served as Senior Advisor to CITIC Group, one of China’s largest state-owned conglomerates; as Legal Counsel to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) of the People’s Republic of China from 1999 to 2000; and as Chairman of China Direct Trading Corporation (CHDT.OB) from 2000 through 2003.
Dr. Fisher also maintains active roles in the private sector. He is Chairman of Blue Lotus Group, LLC, a software development company based in India; Vice President of Business Development at Southwest Energy Group, LLC, a natural gas marketer headquartered in Houston, Texas; Chairman of IFC Global Management, Inc., a leading mixed martial arts organization; and Managing Director of J.J. & B., a boutique investment bank. He is also the co-founder of the International Biofuels Association, which promotes sustainable energy solutions globally.
A prominent figure in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Fisher is Chairman of the Give Life Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors of the Foundation for America’s Blood Centers. He is the founder and former President of the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, established in 1983. He served on the Board of the National Marrow Donor Program from 1988 through 2000 and on the Board of the Marrow Foundation from 1992 through 2008. He is the founding President of the CREST Foundation. He has been named an International Ambassador of Humanity by Friends for Good Health, honored as a Change Maker for Social Good by the International Justice Alliance in 2024, presented with the Beacon of Hope Award, and placed on the International Book of Honour on November 15, 2024, at the House of Commons (British Parliament). He was nominated in 2019 and 2020 for the Nobel Peace Prize for establishing bone marrow transplant registries around the world.
Dr. Fisher is the author of four books and numerous articles on international trade and investment. His textbook, International Trade and Investment: Regulating International Business, is widely used as a standard casebook in many U.S. law schools.
He holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School (1972); an M.A. (1967) and Ph.D. (1970) from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. and Bologna, Italy; and a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis (1963), where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He was also awarded a Brookings Institution Fellowship in 1968.
Dr. Fisher is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in American Law, and Who’s Who in America.
Washington: Check out the latest media appearances of Ukraine Foundation’s International Advisory Board Member John Pennell
John Pennell on Russia’s Actions in Ukraine and Syria in The Cognitive Crucible by the Information Professionals Association – September 16, 2025
In the episode, Dr. John Pennell explores how Russia’s use of irregular warfare and information operations has evolved across Ukraine and Syria from 2014 to 2022, arguing that Russia has increasingly blended kinetic, cyber, influence, and hybrid tactics to shape outcomes. He discusses how the information environment has become a key domain in contemporary conflict, emphasizes the growing role of non-state actors (like criminal syndicates) in amplifying Russia’s messaging, and calls for better public literacy about information threats, more research into how adversaries adapt their strategies, and more integration between scholars, policymakers and practitioners in responding to this more complex character of war.
John Pennell on “Did Syria Prepare Russia for Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine?” in At the Boundary by the Global and National Security Institute of the University of South Florida – August 11, 2025
In the “Did Syria Prepare Russia for Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine?” episode of At the Boundary, Dr. John Pennell discusses how Russia leveraged its 2015 intervention in Syria as a proving ground for techniques later applied in Ukraine. He argues that operations in Syria allowed Moscow to test tools like drones, electronic warfare, information campaigns, and proxy forces under real combat conditions. Dr. John Pennell traces how Russia adapted those hybrid warfare methods—initially developed in the Syrian context—to the conflict in Ukraine, especially in its early phases (Crimea, Donbas), emphasizing plausible deniability, disinformation, and local proxies. He also highlights the importance of understanding this operational lineage for NATO, the U.S., and partners as they seek to counter Russia’s evolving toolkit.
Lviv: Ukraine Foundation’s Vice President for Cultural Diplomacy Alex Luna Leads the National Anthem Before the Final of the 2025 Ukrainian Football Cup.
Our entire teams at Ukraine Foundation were filled with immense pride to watch our Director of Cultural Affairs, Alex Luna, delivering a powerful a cappella performance of “Ukraine’s Glory Has Not Perished,” the national anthem, leading the entire Arena Lviv stadium at full capacity in unison on the opening of the Final of the 2025 Ukrainian Football Cup on May 24.
FAQs
What is the focus of Ukraine Foundation’s work?
Ukraine Foundation is an independent, mission-driven research and impact organization dedicated to advancing peace, resilience, and innovation in Ukraine. Our work combines rigorous policy research with practical initiatives that strengthen Ukraine’s international partnerships, support innovation and technology, and promote cultural resilience amid the ongoing war.
How does the Foundation turn research into impact?
We believe research should lead to real-world change. Our policy programs —Ukraine in Europe, China in Ukraine, and Ukraine in the Global South— produce insights that shape international dialogue and policy. At the same time, our impact initiatives foster cooperation between governments, businesses, academia, and civil society, ensuring that ideas translate into action for Ukraine’s security, prosperity, and influence.
How can individuals and organizations engage with the Foundation?
Engagement is central to our mission. Partners, experts, and supporters can collaborate through joint research projects, public events, and strategic initiatives in innovation and culture. We also welcome contributions to our programs that amplify Ukraine’s voice globally and strengthen its resilience at home.
How can I support Ukraine Foundation?
You can support our mission by contributing financially, partnering on research or impact projects, or amplifying our work through your professional networks. Every contribution -whether funding, expertise, or visibility- helps us strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and global partnerships.
Does Ukraine Foundation accept volunteers or research fellows?
Yes. We welcome dedicated professionals, researchers, and students who want to contribute to our policy and impact agenda. Opportunities range from short-term projects and fellowships to longer-term engagement with our programs and initiatives.
How can organizations collaborate with the Foundation?
We actively partner with think tanks, universities, governments, businesses, and NGOs to co-develop research, host events, and implement projects that drive meaningful change. Organizations interested in collaboration can reach out to us directly to explore tailored partnerships.