S2.E27: Russia Invades Ukraine: Crisis, Disbelief

The Big Issues

Russia has invaded its western neighbour Ukraine, with the Russian President Vladimir Putin vowing to "demilitarize" the country and remove its elected leadership. Though it had been building up to this point for months now, many still doubted the Russian leader would unleash a full scale war, but rather, thought that he was flexing, so to speak, in order to seek concessions from Ukraine. The invasion has sparked a crisis in Europe. Commentators expect refugees, death and carnage unlike anything the continent has seen in this century. In this episode we break down the historical and political dynamic between Russia and Ukraine and explore what lead us to this point. We ask: What are the implications of this conflict for the people on both sides? And for the rest of the world? What consequences will this war have for the liberal international order?

This programme first aired on NewsCo Observer Radio 91.1 FM on February 27th, 2022. The host is Kieron Murdoch. The guest is:

1. Ambassador Aubrey Webson, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN). Until his appointment in 2014, Dr. Webson had a long career with Perkins International, serving as its Director since 2011.
2. Dr. Mark Kirton, a retired lecturer in the field of international relations. He is a former Director of the Institute of International Relations at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and today, joins us from Guyana.
3. Jade-Mark Sonilal, a recent graduate of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where he studied politics and international relations at the undergraduate level. He is an activist, and a commentator on political, social and international issues.
4. J’moul Francis, a researcher and a policy consultant. He is an Antiguan and Barbudan Commonwealth Scholar with professional and academic interests in Public International Law, European Union Law, CARICOM Integration Law, International Humanitarian Law, Constitutional Law, Public Policy, Diplomacy, and International Relations.

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