The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Putin's Path to War

SPECIAL EDITION EPISODE 2: The world continues to watch as the Russian invasion of Ukraine disturbingly continues. In this timely, special edition of EJBTalks, Stuart Shapiro talks with Bloustein doctoral candidate Sergei Kostiaev. A native of Russia, Sergei discusses his previous academic research and study comparing political cultures of Soviet and Nazi elites, and what led to his study of Russian lobbying in the United States. He gives Stuart and the listening audience a firsthand account of how life in Russia changed under Putin--eliminating critical media,  eliminating opposition, and eliminating any other centers of power that could oppose him. The two discuss what is currently happening including Putin's miscalculation regarding the united response from the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Japan to impose heavy sanctions that have decimated the Russian economy. Sergei also provides some of the other options Western policymakers may have to further weaken Russia, and ends the discussion with ways individuals can help the Ukrainian people.