What Can Guatemala Learn From the War in Ukraine?

New Media  | 29 de marzo de 2022  | Vistas: 48

In this conference, Jennifer Brick, director of the Center for Governance and Markets at the University of Pittsburgh, talks about the implications for the world of the war in Ukraine and what can Guatemala learn about the situation.

Jennifer begins the conference by mentioning that it is sad to talk about the lessons of this war in Ukraine, but in preparing the talk she came across a more important lesson: Why have the people of Ukraine built such a strong resistance against the Russian invasion?

I think those lessons are deep in the heart, from all that you do here." – Jennifer Brick 

Jennifer is not an activist, but she talks about her experience in Ukraine, a country she first visited in 1992, just a few months after the collapse of the Soviet Union. She explains its history, highlighting a significant event in 2006—a revolution against the government, which resonated deeply with people, particularly the memorable figure of Viktor Yeshenka. In 2014, Ukraine witnessed yet another election, sparking a profound sense of disillusionment with the country's leadership. This sentiment culminated in the "Euromaidan" revolution, prompting Ukrainians to reflect on their individual identities and advocate for decentralized local governance.

These decentralization reforms gave people much more space to play a role and to have a voice in their own society." – Jennifer Brick

After giving many historical facts, Jennifer mentions that after being at UFM, the students inspired her to learn more about the local government, and tells a story about how she learned about Tocqueville, among others.

Finally Jennifer explains how Russia has prospered under Putin and has regained its strength. She also mentions that Russian people are not agreeing with that war because of the strong ties between the two countries and believes that people are concerned. She hopes that Russia understands that it cannot dominate Ukraine.