Talking About Ukraine Outside of a Russian Lens

Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, leaving behind a trail of genocide and war crimes that are still ongoing. Despite having an identity forged through decades of independence, international media coverage of Russia’s invasion still focuses its discussions on Ukraine primarily via its connection to Russia. Unintentionally, the media’s framing of Ukraine aids Russia in its efforts to weaken the country on the international stage.

Many western experts who appear on national television to discuss Ukraine have much of their training in Russia and have not spent time studying Ukraine as its own state. In this presentation Starr draws upon his 15 years of living and working in Ukraine to offer his unique take on the country’s what is happening in Ukraine, including its path to democracy, foreign policy, national security concerns and why Russia is committing genocide in the country. 

Audiences will also learn:

• How Ukraine rebuilt its military after the 2014 Russian invasion and the role civil society played in it
• A Brief history of Ukrainian democracy pre-USSR
• What Ukraine’s national security issues are and why Putin’s so-called fears of NATO had nothing to do with his invasion decision
• How the invasion of Ukraine is impacting global politics, especially in former USSR colonies

Eastern European Right Wing Extremists and its Consequences on Domestic Policy

Historically modern American political leaders have primarily warned against the dangers of facism abroad. Prior to the 2016 Presidential election of Donald Trump phrases such as “saving democracy” and “authoritarianism” were primarily used when discussing developing nations in Africa, Asia, and South/Central America. These terms have been the rallying cry of populist candidates seeking to mobilize constituents into voting booths. 

In recent years a surge in alliances has emerged between members of the Republican Party, conservative media outlets and far right/extremists political groups in Europe. These accords are strengthening white nationalist leaders on both sides of the Atlantic and sets the stage for the development of a white ethnostate consortium. In this presentation Starr addresses the connection between hate groups at home and abroad.

Audiences will also learn:

• Why some right-wing U.S. media corporations are forming European alliances centered around white supremacist ideology
• The importance of covering the rise in popularity of populist leaders in the U.S. with the same enthusiasm and internal critique as applied to foreign governments
• Why the U.S. Republican Party has chosen authoritarianism as its signature political strategy

The Push for Nuclear Arms Non-Proliferation During Putin’s Second Invasion of Ukraine

Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine with the belief the invasion would be over within a week. Facing increasing embarrassment over its military performance Russia is threatening to turn the tide through the use of nuclear weapons. 

Amidst speculation of serious health problems there is concern Putin will follow through on his threats if Kyiv doesn’t surrender. In this presentation Terrell explains why Putin’s threat of nuclear weapons doesn’t just impact Ukraine and why citizens should push for the global abolition of nukes. 

Audiences will also learn:

• The history of post World War II Nuclear non-proliferation by the USSR/Russian Federation 
• The case for cutting nuclear stockpiles (even as Russian President Vladimir Putin threatens nuclear attacks)
• Why nuclear weapons policy isn’t just a foreign policy issue