Spotlight on Ukraine • The Tragedy of Ukraine

What are the origins of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine? What are Russia’s strategic objectives, and why did the Minsk Accords fail? Based on his experience and observations as a Fulbright Scholar in Odessa, Dr. Nicolai Petro will address these and other questions in relation to the deep domestic roots of the conflict, now in its fourth year. 

Nicolai N. Petro is Professor of Political Science and Silvia-Chandley Professor of Peace Studies and Nonviolence at the University of Rhode Island. His research examines the role of religious, historical, and cultural narratives in democratic development. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine from 2013–14, and is the editor of Ukraine in Crisis (Routledge, 2017). His work has been featured in The American Interest, Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The National Interest. 

This talk is part of the CSEEES Spotlight on Ukraine series. Light lunch will be provided to participants. RSVP required.