Political science lecturer Dr. Michael Slobodchikoff, an expert in Russian foreign policy, examines the complicated relationship between Russia, Ukraine and Crimea, and how Russia's interest in protecting a vital Black Sea naval base is behind its occupation of the region. Dr. Slobodchikoff predicts that a democratic election on the issue of secession from Ukraine may be the only way to end the crisis.
About Dr. Slobobchikoff:
Michael O. Slobodchikoff has published several peer-reviewed articles and recently wrote a book entitled "Strategic Cooperation: Overcoming the Barriers of Global Anarchy (2013)." He is currently writing another book entitled "Regional Security: Order, Stability, and Predictability in the Post-Soviet Space." He is a Lecturer of Political Science at Troy University. He specializes in relations between Russia and the former Soviet states, international conflict and peace, and comparative politics. He is a regular contributor to Russia Direct, and has often served as an analyst on Russian relations with Ukraine for BBC World News.
