Russia/Ukraine | Graphic by Grace Merkle | The Wright State Guardian
Wright State University (WSU) professors address student fears of U.S. military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and growing concerns about the economic impact of the U.S. oil embargo.
Background on the conflict
On Feb. 24, Russia invaded its domestic neighbor Ukraine, starting a war and larger ideological conflict with western nations.
Created in 1949, post-WWII, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed by western nations to provide security and aid to one another should another conflict arise. Ukraine is not yet a part of the organization, but in recent years has expressed its desire to join and is surrounded by countries that are a part of this alliance.
WSU political science professor Dr. Vaughn Shannan explained in a public forum that these ties to NATO along with humanitarian concerns are some of the reasons why western nations, including the U.S., have shown strong support for Ukraine.
The U.S. has provided monetary aid to NATO, continued assisting Ukraine and put sanctions on Russian goods including banning oil imports from the country.
The conflict has caused many, including WSU students, to have concerns over the future of the U.S.
Student concerns
Military involvement
Students like Bethany Stull still have concerns over possible U.S. military involvement
“I was concerned it was going to turn into a big world war three,” Stull said.
She went on to explain how modern weapons, including nuclear weapons, which both the U.S. and Russia possess, cause her concerns.
While it is unlikely that the U.S. would become involved in this way due to these nuclear entanglements, there are still some concerns regarding Russia’s intentions.
“Militarily, this shouldn’t involve us because NATO has made it clear it would not get involved directly,” WSU political science professor Dr. Liam Anderson explained. “If everyone behaves rationally, we’re not going to be at war with Russia. But war makes people irrational so who the hell knows.”
Economic concerns
Stull also expressed concerns regarding the oil embargo and rising gas prices as she is a commuter student.
Since the announcement of the ban on Russian oil, gas prices have swiftly increased due to the expected restriction on the oil market.
At one of the closest gas stations near WSU’s main campus, the Meijer station, prices rose to $4.07 for a regular gallon of gas.
About 88% of the university’s student population are commuter students.
The ban was intended to harm Russia’s economy, however, as WSU economics professor Jerome Cox explains, the economic impact of the ban will not only affect Russia’s economy and people but people in the U.S. as well.
“I think the sanctions will have a really big economic impact,” Cox said. “The people who need to buy gasoline or go to work will feel the economic impact.”
Reflecting on the conflict
As the conflict continues so does uncertainty and worry for both the countries directly involved and the supporting nations.
Due to this, Anderson encourages WSU community members to educate themselves about the situation, think critically and be mindful of the U.S.’s unique position and perspective in the conflict.
Read a personal account of the war from a native ukraniun and WSU alumnus here.
