Knox College hosted members of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) on Wednesday, February 15, as they joined together with members from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for their Foreign Policy in Practice Series.

The event, titled “Russia’s War in Ukraine at One Year: Local, Regional, & Global Impact and Prospects,” was held on-site for the Knox and Monmouth College communities. It was also streamed virtually so that faculty, staff, and students across other ACM campuses could participate.

Michael Nelson, associate professor and co-chair of political science and director of the center for civic and social change at Monmouth College, moderated the discussion. He introduced the topic of the conversation: the impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine. 

Nelson welcomed the talk’s panelists Elizabeth Shackelford, a senior fellow in U.S. foreign policy with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former U.S. Foreign Service officer with the U.S. State Department, and Katie Stewart, assistant professor of political science at Knox College.

Shackelford's portion of the discussion centered around reactions to the war from around the world. She spoke about the ways the Western world came together unified in their denouncement of Russia’s aggression as well as their support for Ukraine with weapons and funding. Shackelford outlined the economic impacts this war has had on small and large countries alike, and how, for some, the choice to remain neutral was a strategic decision. 

Stewart’s side of the talk focused on the Russian image of unity and how Russian President Vladimir Putin has kept the country united through messaging of national ancestry and faith. She discussed the Russians’ ongoing support of Putin and the growing dissent of Ukrainians who have started to create stronger independent national identities. 

Following the main discussion, the talk was opened up to the audience for a Q&A session. The panelists fielded questions about Russian public opinion on the war and the concept of right and wrong from an American perspective. 

The event saw high levels of participation. Both Knox and Monmouth faculty and students were present in the audience and stayed after the panel to chat with everyone involved. 

“I’m really happy with the turnout,” Stewart said. “It’s been great for Knox to be able to partner with other ACM schools and to have Elizabeth Shackelford come in as well. It was a fascinating night of discussion.”

“This is my fourth opportunity to attend talks at ACM schools and I am always impressed with the students and faculty,” Shackelford said. “I treasure the opportunity to spend time with the community. This is where more U.S. government officials should be in order to urge more Americans to pay more attention to what’s happening in the world.”