Maxwell School News and Commentary

"Those who think international law can curb mercenarism are unrealistic. Even if we had solid laws (which we do not), who will go into Ukraine and arrest all those mercenaries? Not the UN or NATO. The market for force resists arrest, which is why mercenaries are the second oldest profession. Now they are back, and we must re-learn strategies to fight this unique form of warfare," writes Sean McFate, adjunct professor in Maxwell's Washington programs.

Robert Murrett, professor of practice of public administration and international affairs, says that at the strategic level, the biggest setback for Putin is "the huge casualties that the Russians have taken." 

"If the U.S. had not worked with our allies and provided substantial military, economic and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, we would be facing a wide range of strategic threats in Europe and elsewhere," Robert Murrett, professor of practice of public administration and international affairs, tells Newsweek.

Brian Taylor, professor of political science, tells Newsweek that Zelensky's visit is "well-timed" and intends to signal that U.S. support remains strong, despite the Republican Party soon taking control of the House.

Voters often respond to major news events and how those events are framed in the media, however, the news around abortion and immigration were very different events, Elizabeth Cohen, professor of political science, tells Newsweek.

Polls often reflect an issue people glean as important if it receives mass media coverage, Shana Gadarian, professor of political science, tells Newsweek.

"He doesn't have many good options at this point, especially with the current posture, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine," says retired Vice Admiral Robert Murrett, professor of practice of public administration and international affairs.

"Stunts like busing and chartering flights to remove immigrants from states like Florida and Texas are not planned...for the purpose of relocating immigrants in places where they can get their bearings and begin their new lives. The purpose is to generate dehumanizing headlines and discussions," says Cohen, professor of political science.

"I think it's an act of desperation," says Sean McFate, adjunct professor in the Maxwell-in-Washington program, of Putin's announcement.

Professor Brian Taylor was quoted in the Newsweek article, "Putin Finds Scapegoat in U.S. HIMARS, Builds Case for War With West."