The School of Politics and Public Policy, and the Slavic and East European Studies Program at West Virginia University will host a forum examining the West’s ongoing conflict with Russia, from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, in room B51 of White Hall on the Downtown Campus.

“Ukraine Burning: Crisis in Europe,” which is free and open to the public, is an opportunity to discuss a crisis that has been arguably the worst between Russia and the West since the Cold War. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has led to the deaths of more than 3,000 people.

“It’s been a difficult issue for the public to figure out. It’s a complicated issue, and what we hope to do is provide some answers that can help the public at large and the students here at the University place this issue in context and understand better some of the causes and potential consequences,” said Erik Herron, a professor in the political science department and one of the discussion panelists.

Other panelists include Boris Barkonov, political science professor; and Lisa DiBartolomeo, Armand E. and Mary W. Singer Professor in the Humanities and coordinator of Russian Studies, and Slavic and East European Studies.

“(The conflict in Ukraine) is a very long-standing and very complex problem, and it will take a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds and disciplines to try to arrive at anything resembling an understanding,” DiBartolomeo said.

Wednesday’s forum is just one in a series of events being hosted by the new School of Politics and Public Policy at WVU. The school, which in August integrated departments and programs in political science, public administration, international studies and leadership studies under one administrative area, aims to enhance academic initiatives and strengthen public policy research.

“The (goal) is to put the different units together to better inform the whole set of parts of WVU that are interested in public policy? that are interested in politics? that are interested in leadership training? to make sure everything that is sort of connected in those fields tied to politics and policy, is better connected,” said Scott Crichlow, the school’s director.

“(We want to ensure) that we’re having better discussions and we’re able to rely on one another’s resources in the most efficient way that allows for the most growth.”
For more information about the forum, contact Erik Herron at esherron@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

ma/09/22/14

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