Ukraine: Understanding the “largest full-scale invasion of another country since WWII”

February 25, 2022

As the world attempts to comprehend the ramifications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Towson University political science professor Joseph Clark is providing clarity.

“This is the largest full-scale invasion of another country since WWII,” Clark told reporter Kim Dacey of WBAL-TV 11 on Feb. 24.

Clark specializes in organizational learning, military doctrine and operations, and strategy and has used that knowledge in a series of interviews with media, including Baltimore’s WBAL and WMAR 2.

Before the invasion, Clark spoke with Dacey on Feb. 22, saying it was a “perilous moment for the United States and for Europe.”

Clark explained to WBAL why President Joseph Biden ordered severe economic sanctions on Russia and sent 7,000 troops to Germany.

“We need to do everything we can at this stage to avoid a military confrontation between the United States and Russia for a host of reasons. Now, we can only control half of that equation. If Russia moves against a NATO member, we must respond and that would bring us into direct conflict," Clark said.

Clark explained to WMAR why the United States is watching the situation so closely. He said every American is impacted by what’s happening.

"A conflict thousands of miles away, it will affect us, it will affect the price at the pump, it will affect the value of your retirement portfolio. It may very well you affect whether you can access your child's records at school," he said.

On Friday, TU President Kim Schatzel sent a message to the university community regarding the conflict.

“What we’ve seen unfold in the images of violence that have emerged in recent days from Ukraine is deeply troubling to me, our university community and our nation,” Schatzel said. “We are all thinking of those who have loved ones in the region and are afraid for their safety as this crisis unfolds. I know we stand together in expressing our support and compassion for our colleagues and classmates who are affected.”

She added that TU’s Military & Veterans Center has begun outreach to the veterans and service members among our community and that academic and student affairs staff members are reaching out to students who are from the region impacted. Support staff, including the TU Counseling Center, are available and ready to support anyone in need. 

Said Schatzel, “Every day, but especially when fear, hatred and violence impact our community, Tigers stand together to support each other with caring and compassion. Please reach out for the support we offer.”

Media interested in speaking with TU faculty experts can contact Matt Palmer at mpalmer AT_TOWSON .