GW Experts Available to Discuss Russia-Ukraine Crisis


April 5, 2022

George Washington University has experts available to discuss various aspects of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the sanctions imposed on Russia, the humanitarian crisis, and more.

To schedule an interview, please contact GW Media Relations at [email protected] or 202-994-6460.

Scheherazade Rehman is a professor of international business and international affairs. She has advised a number of institutions including USAID, the U.S. State Department, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. She can discuss the sanctions imposed on Russia, how the European Union is responding to the crisis and larger global risk factors.

Robert Orttung, a research professor of international affairs and assistant director of the GW Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies, is an expert on comparative politics. He can discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in detail. He can also discuss humanitarian aspects of the crisis, including the dynamics of displacement in Ukraine and how other European countries are responding.

Rebekah Tromble is an associate professor of media and public affairs and director of the GW Institute for Data, Democracy, and Politics. Her research focuses on political communication, particularly political discourse on social media, as well as the spread and impact of online misinformation. She can speak about Russian online disinformation campaigns.

Henry Hale is a professor of political science and international affairs. His research focuses on the domestic politics of post-Soviet countries, including Russia and Ukraine. He can discuss Russia's unique political dynamics and how they play into the country's relationship with Ukraine and the U.S.

Sean Aday is an associate professor of media and public affairs. His work focuses on the intersection of the press, politics and public opinion, especially in relation to war and foreign policy, public diplomacy and the role of digital media in democracy movements and countering violent extremism. He can discuss war reporting and the role of the media in war. 

Erwan Lagadec, an associate research professor of international affairs, is an expert on NATO and the European Union. He can discuss NATO’s relations with both Russia and Ukraine and how that plays into the conflict.

Marlene Laruelle is director of the GW Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies. She is an expert on the rise of populist and illiberal movements in post-Soviet Eurasia and can discuss Russia's ideological landscape and its relations abroad.

Laura A. Dickinson is the Oswald Symister Colclough Research Professor of Law and Professor of Law at The George Washington University Law School. Her work focuses on national security, human rights and the law of armed conflict. She can discuss why Russia’s invasion is a violation of international law that threatens to destabilize the post-WW II international order.

David Szakonyi, an assistant professor of political science, is an expert on Russian politics, corruption, authoritarianism and money in politics, both in Russia and the U.S. His recent book “Politics for Profit: Business, Elections, and Policymaking in Russia” examines why business people run for elected political office worldwide.

Alexander Downes is an associate professor of political science and international affairs. His expertise includes foreign-imposed regime change, international security and civilian victimization in war. He is the author of the recently published “Catastrophic Success: Why Foreign-Imposed Regime Change Goes Wrong.”

Yonatan Lupu, an associate professor of political science, is an expert on international conflict. His research interests include human rights, political violence and international law.

-GW-