Stephen F. Cohen, PhD. and professor emeritus of history, Russian studies and politics at New York University and Princeton University, will give a lecture entitled “The Ukrainian Crisis: Why a New Cold War?” on Feb. 5.
The lecture, which will take place at 5 p.m. in the Aloysius P. Kelley S.J., Center, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies Program (RECAS) at Fairfield.
In his lecture, Cohen will be discussing what many consider as a controversial perspective on the Ukrainian crisis and the role of U.S. relations in the conflict with Russia. He will be addressing his view that the conflict in the Ukraine is not entirely Russia’s fault, and that both the U.S. and Russia deserve equal blame for the crisis.
Cohen hopes that through his lecture, those students that attend will be able to “hear a point of view that they have not yet heard,” saying that many people living in the U.S. don’t get the opportunity to hear Dr. Cohen’s side of the argument.
In addition, Cohen will be discussing why he feels that the Ukrainian crisis is a more serious issue than the U.S.’s long-lasting conflict with the Middle East, and may well be the worst international crisis to date. He will also explain why he feels that the Ukrainian crisis could potentially lead to another Cold War between the U.S. and Russia.
For Cohen, it’s important that college students become well-informed of the U.S.’s conflict with Ukraine because it is the major crisis that our generation will be inheriting. According to Cohen, our generation will be responsible for finding a solution to the crisis.
After Cohen’s lecture, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. The goal of this question and answer portion of the event is to be able to stimulate a civil debate and discussion on the controversial issue of what should be done about the Ukrainian conflict.
RECAS gives students the opportunity to explore Russian and East European studies. Many schools do not offer a Russian studies major, Cohen said, but RECAS gives students at Fairfield the chance to acquire a Russian studies or politics minor.
Cohen’s lecture is free to the public.
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