Why Ukraine Is 'Unique' Among Post-Soviet Countries

Ross Reynolds talks with associate professor Scott Radnitz about the growing tension in Ukraine and why there has been a rise in violence. Radnitz explains how the situation in Ukraine differs from the other post-Soviet countries.

“There have been these tensions in countries that are run by corrupt governments: where their foreign policy is indeterminate. But Ukraine is a special case because it’s split about 50-50 down the middle, which is not the case in other Soviet countries, and it’s much more important to the international community," Radnitz said. "I think everything is really culminating now in these events and what happens in Ukraine is really going to be very important to the future of Eastern Europe."

Radnitz is an associate professor in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and director of Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies at the University of Washington.