March 10, 2022

Ukraine: Democracy’s Moment of Truth


Last week Russia launched a premeditated and unprovoked invasion into Ukraine. The resulting crisis has quickly come to embody the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. In the battle for democracy the United States and its allies are relying on a sweeping sanctions regime designed to leave Russia isolated and economically restricted. In the absence of military intervention, what tools do the United States and her allies have in the fight against global democratic retreat? How do international sanctions work? And what are the legal, political, and moral repercussions of labeling Vladimir Putin's actions as "war crimes"?

Opening Remarks:
Russ Feingold, ACS President

Featured Speakers:
Debra Perlin, Director of Policy and Program, American Constitution Society, Moderator
Oona Hathaway, Gerard C. and Bernice Latrobe Smith Professor of International Law and Counselor to the Dean, Yale Law School
Adam Smith, Partner, Gibson, Dunn, & Crutcher LLP