The department of political science sponsored a teach-in event to inform students and community members of the recent unrest in Ukraine.
Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer, associate professor and chair of the political science department, moderated the panel which met in the Byrd Center for Legislative Studies auditorium. Standing room only was available and those attending were forced to spill out into the hallway.
Anders Henriksson, professor and chair of the department of history, was the first to speak and he provided an overview of the history of Ukraine. He explained that the country is often thought of as having an east portion and a west portion. The east is much more closely aligned with Russia while the west is more independently minded. The west favors the Ukrainian language while the east typically speaks Russian.
Henriksson went on to argue that the western portion of the country sees Russia as “oppressive” for a number of reasons including an artificial famine in that region in the 1980s.
Joe Robbins, assistant professor of political science, touched on the planning of the Ukraine teach-in, saying the idea was interesting to the department, but they thought the mess might be cleared up before the panel could be organized. Of course the unrest continues and Robbins said plans for the panel moved forward. “Russia[’s] misbehavior kept it [the idea of the panel] going.”
Robbins explained that Ukraine has a weak party system which aids in breeding political instability. Political divisions remain deep, as substantiated by Henriksson’s comments.
Another large factor, according to Robbins, is the larger-than-life figure of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine had expressed an interest in joining the European Union (EU), a move Putin didn’t like. In fact, Robbins believes Putin still harbors an interest in a reformed Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), a move which would likely require the annexation of former Soviet territories.
Robbins summed up his commentary by stating the entire string of events “poses a number of questions for the EU to consider.”
Aart Holtslag, assistant professor of political science, provided an international context for the trouble in Ukraine. Some of his comments mirrored those made by Robbins relating to Russia.
Holtslag argued strong concern still remains on the part of Russia toward the United States and was caused by leftover “Cold War tensions.” These tensions have caused Russia to search for ways to broaden its international power, namely by involving itself in the affairs of other states like Georgia and Ukraine. Russia also hopes to counterbalance some of the power of the EU, which Holtslag believes Putin sees as “pure western imaginations of world order.”
Holtslag concluded his remarks by arguing that the outcome of the unrest in Ukraine is “more important for the EU than the U.S.”
After the remarks by the professors, the floor was opened to those in attendance to pose questions. Students, former professors, and community members each took turns asking questions of the panel, which was forced to conclude promptly at 4:30 for another event.
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