EP32 Ukraine’s Courage & Leadership in the Face of an Invasion with Ambassador William B. Taylor ’69, and Dr. Thomas Sherlock

This episode features an interview between Dr. Thomas Sherlock, Political Science Professor at the United States Military Academy and Ambassador William B. Taylor, Vice President, Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Dr. Thomas Sherlock received his doctorate in political science from Columbia University and teaches courses on comparative politics, democracy and democratization, comparative political institutions, international security, nationalism and populism, and the politics of the post-Soviet region. He has written and contributed to many books and publications, providing insight and expertise on Russia, and frequently conducts field research in the post-Soviet space.  Ambassador William B. Taylor is vice president, Russia and Europe at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He has served as the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, oversaw U.S. assistance and support during the Arab Spring, helped the U.S. government facilitate relationships and reconstruction in parts of the Middle East, coordinated U.S. assistance to the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and worked on the staff of Senator Bill Bradley. Ambassador Taylor is a 1969 graduate of West Point and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He also served as an infantry platoon leader and combat company commander in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and Germany. In this episode of the WPAOG Broadcast Network, Dr. Sherlock and Ambassador Taylor provide perspective and insight on the current war being waged on Ukraine by Russia. The ambassador sheds light on the history of the region, its relationship with Russia, its rapid democratization, and shares his experiences with President Vladimir Zelensky. He talks about how the United States is supporting the Ukrainian people from both sides of America’s political aisle. As well, he details what the conflict means for the country’s people, how it will affect the U.S. and NATO, and what you can do to help support Ukraine as the country fights for its freedom.  ----------------- Episode Timestamps 03:00 History of Ukraine and the Perspective of War from It’s People 08:40 Expectations of the Russian Invasion  13:20 Character of President Vladimir Zalenski 19:40 United States’ Perspective and Interest in the Ukrainian Conflict 24:20 What the Conflict in Ukraine Means for the United States Military and NATO  29:50 Major Obstacles that Ukraine Faces in Entry into NATO and EU 35:20 What Americans can do to Support Ukraine 39:20 Ukrainian’s Reaction to Support of the West ----------------- Links Ambassador Taylor’s Biography  Dr. Sherlock’s Biography West Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better!