WASHINGTON (May 14, 2024)-- United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is on a surprise visit in Ukraine to show support in the country’s war against Russia. This is the first visit from a U.S. official after a $61 billion aid package was passed by Congress in April.
GW Experts are available to discuss the significance of this visit providing context, analysis and thought leadership on the matter. If you wish to speak with an expert from GW, please contact Media Relations Specialist Shannon Mitchell at [email protected].
International Affairs
Robert Orttung, a research professor of international affairs, is an expert on comparative politics, Russia, Ukraine, energy security, federalism, and democracy. He can discuss Russian politics, Russian-Ukrainian relations and all issues related to urban politics in Eurasia. He can also speak to Vladimir Putin’s legacy and governance as well as the future of Russia more broadly.
Colin Cleary, Professorial Lecturer of U.S. Foreign Policy at GW. Cleary is an expert on Ukraine-Russia dynamics, Europe Energy Security and NATO. Professor Cleary can speak on the great power conflict and national security, NATO’s expansion–especially as it relates to Ukraine, and arms control. In addition to his expertise, Clearly has lived in work in Kyiv, Moscow, Poland, Romania, Spain and Ireland.
Michael Purcell is an adjunct professor teaching Russia & International Security, along with Security Policy Studies. He is an expert in international security, NATO, Russia, and Ukraine with further specialization in Eurasia. His background in international affairs and military strategy gives him the ability to speak on the latest war developments in Ukraine.
International Security
Alexander Downes, professor of political science and international affairs, is co-director of the Institute for Security and Conflict Studies at GW. Downes's book Targeting Civilians in War was published by Cornell University Press in 2008 and won the Joseph Lepgold Prize awarded by Georgetown University for the best book in international relations published in that year. Downes has written on a variety of subjects in international security, including civilian victimization, foreign-imposed regime change, military effectiveness, democracy, coercion, alliances, and solutions to civil wars.
Ukraine & Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Henry Hale, professor of political science and international affairs, director of the Elliott School's Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies. He has spent extensive time conducting field research in post-Soviet Eurasia and is currently working on identity politics and political system change, with a special focus now on public opinion dynamics in Russia and Ukraine. His work has won two prizes from the American Political Science Association and includes the books The Zelensky Effect and Patronal Politics.
Russia & Vladimir Putin
David Szakonyi, associate professor of political science, is an expert on Russian politics. His research focuses on corruption, clientelism, and political economy in Russia, Western Europe, and the United States. His book -- Politics for Profit: Business, Elections, and Policymaking in Russia examines why business people run for elected political office worldwide, how their firms perform as a result, and whether individuals with private sector experience make different policy decisions. Other research looks at the effectiveness of anti-corruption campaigns, employers mobilizing their voters to turnout during elections, and nepotism under authoritarian rule.
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