Peace Policy: Solutions to Violent Conflict, December 2023, No.55

This issue of Peace Policy covers various aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including civil resistance, international intervention, environmental consequences, and information warfare. The contributors provide historical context, current examples, and policy suggestions to shed light on the war’s complexities and potential avenues for supporting those affected by the war. Addressing environmental concerns alongside the humanitarian and geopolitical aspects, this issue seeks to understand the nature of civil resistance in Ukraine and its global impact. David Cortright, Processor Emeritus of the Practice at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, discusses the meaning of a just cause for war, the US’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and options to support Russians who resist the war. Felip Daza, Professor at University Sciences Po Paris and member of the International Institute for Nonviolent Action (NOVACT), provides a history of civil resistance in Ukraine, gives modern examples of nonviolent intervention being practiced today, and offers policy recommendations to further strengthen this civil resistance. Richard (Drew) Marcantonio (Ph.D. ‘22), Assistant Teaching Professor of Management & Organization, Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, draws attention to the environmental impact of the Russia-Ukraine war and the resulting monetary costs in environmental remediation and in rebuilding areas destroyed by the conflict. Anna Romandash (MGA ‘22), award-winning journalist from Ukraine and Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the University of Notre Dame, focuses on Russian propaganda and how Ukrainians are able to detract from this information warfare through a powerful digital resistance.