The standoff between the U.S. and Russia is continuing. While it might feel far away, there are scenarios where it could impact people in Michigan.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has the potential to spill over into NATO countries and become catastrophic, said CMU international relations professor David Jesuit.
“My greatest fear is what begins is a cyberwar and has consequences that would be harmful to people in Michigan," he said. "Banking goes down, internet–we’re so reliant on that technology that utilities could be disrupted.”
However, the scenario is unlikely, Jesuit said. Diplomacy is still an option.
"With the stakes being so high, after the saber-rattling there might be a solution that pushes the crisis down the road," he said.
Since many countries and news outlets can have different perspectives on the conflict, Jesuit said people interested in what's happening should seek out a variety of sources. The BBC, local Russian news, and other European outlets would give a fuller view of what's happening, he said.