On March 15, the WSCRC hosted a conversation with two University of Washington faculty members on the crisis in Ukraine, Dr. David Bachman and Mr. Scott Montgomery. The discussion was moderated by WSCRC executive member Nelson Dong, who is an expert on sanctions and export controls.
The two panelists shared their views on the current tragic situation in Ukraine through the lens of the China-Russian relationship and evolving global security, energy and economic concerns. Their remarks were frank, at times poignant, and highly enlightening from a broader historical context. Professor Bachman noted that Chinese leaders had not expected the extent of Russia’s apparent lack of preparedness for the invasion and the rapidity in which the Western alliance mobilized to provide assistance and implement an unprecedented level of sanctions. The speakers highlighted the possible areas of friction in the Chinese-Russian relationship. It was only in early February that both sides celebrated a Sino-Russian relationship with “no limits.” Putin is now testing that relationship by requesting Chinese assistance. The Sino-Russian relationship was viewed as one means of undermining U.S. alliances in the Western Pacific. However, that relationship may now risk pushing China into isolation. Major geopolitical energy shifts were also discussed in the wake of western solidarity to impose Russian energy import bans. Questions of energy security were debated in light of energy transition dynamics potentially leading to faster adoption of non-carbon energy alternatives and shifting market outlets for Russian energy products.
Click here to rewatch the discussion.