As tensions rise, expert in international security and ethics of conflict, assistant professor of political science at Cal State Fullerton David Traven, offers his expertise on the ongoing crisis involving Russia and Ukraine.
“I do think the Biden administration was too late in recognizing the threat and ruling out U.S. forces,” he continued. “When facing a set of massive forces, openly saying we aren’t going to be involved could be seen by Russia as a green light to go in.”
Tavern added, “I think the bigger issues behind the war concern the gravity of the situation, this is a significant threat to international peace and security. Russia put us on ‘high alert’ because they have nuclear options. Biden said he wouldn’t engage—probably to try to deescalate. But this is a fast-moving target and our approach may need to be revised.”
Political Science Professor Alexei Schevchenko also weighed in on what may have led up to the crisis.
To give historical context, Shevchenko described how Russia believes they were deceived by western countries. “Their complaint is that the security architecture developed in 1990 did not incorporate Russian interests and that the U.S. reneged on its promises not to expand NATO.” said Schevchenko.
Read more on Tavern’s and Schevchenko’s perspectives on the Russia/Ukraine crisis here.
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