Celebrating academic excellence! Today, we gathered to honor the latest publications by Professors Oleksa Drachewych and Cody Groat. Thank you to our speakers for two insightful talks and an engaging Q&A session. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion!

It's a great day for a book celebration! Congratulations to Oleksa Drachewych and Cody Groat on their new publications. cup.columbia.edu/book/replayi... www.mqup.ca/Books/A/Alwa...

History professor Oleksa Drachewych joins CBC Afternoon Drive to preview his new book, “Replaying the Second World War,” which explores parallels between Soviet techniques used in World War II and those used by Russia today. Listen here: www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

Again, for those in the back, Putin can claim what he wants re: peace in Ukraine. Actions speak louder than words and nothing has meaningfully changed until he shows he is serious.

Go Habs Go!

While discussing the Russian dehumanization of Ukrainians, I also detail the atrocities committed by Russian forces and their parallels to the past, how WW2 is tied to Russia's War in Ukraine. But I also deal with issues of complicity of ordinary Russians and what that means too.

The Department of History invites you to attend the following event: Book Celebration featuring Professors Cody Groat and Oleksa Drachewych - May 20, 2026 - 2:00pm - Conron Hall, UC 3110 @odrachewych.bsky.social westernsocialscience.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...

A massive Russian attack on residential areas and civilian infrastructure in Odesa last night: 10 people injured, including two children. Residential buildings, a hotel, warehouses, and vehicles were damaged. 📹: Russian drone strikes on apartment buildings in Odesa

And of course Russian news sources are lapping up Tr*mp's comments re: US support for Ukraine.

While discussing the Russian dehumanization of Ukrainians, I also detail the atrocities committed by Russian forces and their parallels to the past, how WW2 is tied to Russia's War in Ukraine. But I also deal with issues of complicity of ordinary Russians and what that means too.

My newest book is now available in North America! You can order below or at any other booksellers. cup.columbia.edu/book/replayi... @columbiaup.bsky.social

Thanks to CBC London's Afternoon Drive with Matt Allen for having me on to discuss my recently published book, Replaying the Second World War, the day before I launch the book with the Ukrainian community locally. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

My newest book is now available in North America! You can order below or at any other booksellers. cup.columbia.edu/book/replayi... @columbiaup.bsky.social

Hungary election live: Viktor Orbán concedes defeat in Hungarian election after 16 years in power

Finally some good news in world affairs

Tapping this sign again...

Of course a Russian rep (Dmitriev on X) would be gleefully highlighting this. Then again hard to say NATO is the big bad when the adults in the room don't just follow the whims of the Trump administration. www.wsj.com/world/europe...

So I watched game footage of the odious Russian propagandistic Ukrainian Warfare: Gostomel Heroes game on Steam. Right from start, it claims the "SMO" did not ever explicitly aim to oust the Zelenskyy government and that Ukraine only held on to Hostomel because of CIA Intel.

So I watched game footage of the odious Russian propagandistic Ukrainian Warfare: Gostomel Heroes game on Steam. Right from start, it claims the "SMO" did not ever explicitly aim to oust the Zelenskyy government and that Ukraine only held on to Hostomel because of CIA Intel.

Bigger issue is perceived permission to commit war crimes. Plenty of research to highlight how the permission, tacit or explicit, to commit atrocities can play a role in soldiers committing such atrocities. Leadership is incredibly important here. This doesn't supplanted the choice though.

I do this from time to time, an incomplete selection of books to understand Russia's War in Ukraine including also my new book Replaying the Second World War. I only hope my book is considered as positively as other great books on the subject.

In this book, I cover a variety of topics from the instrumentalization of denazification and "Desatanization" to sexual violence, targeting civilians, population transfers and weaeponization of food all to try to explain why war crimes have been so extensive in Russia's War against Ukraine.

Look what arrived today! Replaying the Second World War, my newest book, is now available through ibidem Press, and distributed by Columbia University Press. #russia #ukraine #russiaswarinukraine #newbook

Just a reminder that the issue of peace in Ukraine is not a matter of whether Ukraine wants peace or not. The issue is that Russia wishes Ukraine to capitulate to its demands and this, in turn, also condemns those living under Russian occupation. This is not about territory. It is about control.

In my newest book, I try to discuss these issues drawing on research from Soviet and Nazi examples. So-called totalitarian regimes don't need all to agree; they need more to elect not to resist or protest. The veneer of permanence, as I call it, is desired and powerful to coerce others.

Just stating that NATO was to defend Europe and is a defensive alliance. No reason to stress that....

In my newest book, I try to discuss these issues drawing on research from Soviet and Nazi examples. So-called totalitarian regimes don't need all to agree; they need more to elect not to resist or protest. The veneer of permanence, as I call it, is desired and powerful to coerce others.

Out now in Europe with ibidem and to come out on April 14 in North America at @columbiaup.bsky.social

Out now in Europe with ibidem and to come out on April 14 in North America at @columbiaup.bsky.social

My latest book, currently available in Europe, and out in North America in mid-April: Replaying the Second World War: Soviet Parallels and Inspirations for Russian Atrocities in the Russo-Ukrainian War, 2014-25 www.ibidem.eu/en/Topics/So...

Just a reminder that the issue of peace in Ukraine is not a matter of whether Ukraine wants peace or not. The issue is that Russia wishes Ukraine to capitulate to its demands and this, in turn, also condemns those living under Russian occupation. This is not about territory. It is about control.

My latest book, currently available in Europe, and out in North America in mid-April: Replaying the Second World War: Soviet Parallels and Inspirations for Russian Atrocities in the Russo-Ukrainian War, 2014-25 www.ibidem.eu/en/Topics/So...

FRESH OFF THE PRESS Soviet Parallels and Inspirations for Russian Atrocities in the Russo-Ukrainian War, 2014–25 By Oleksa Drachewych www.ibidem.eu/en/Topics/So... @ibidem11

Along with other themes, I consider connections between Soviet policies and Russian policies on the abduction of children, use of penal detachments, and how we should consider bystanderism in Russian society.

Along with other themes, I consider connections between Soviet policies and Russian policies on the abduction of children, use of penal detachments, and how we should consider bystanderism in Russian society.

Russian officials have added my boss, Ivan Kolpakov, to the national wanted list. It's just the latest police attack on Meduza. Last year, cofounder Galina Timchenko was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison for her work at Meduza. zona.media/news/2026/03...

Day ??? of looking on in horror after I agreed to write a chapter on Trump's foreign policy with Russia in his second presidency and its impact on the Transatlantic alliance with Europe.

⚡️Russian strike on Ukraine hydropower plant spills oil into Dniester River, threatening Moldova's water supply.

I hope that if there's one thing that this Iran conflict and the explosion of online misinformation about it has laid bare for most people is the significance of content verification and fact-checking in the digital age. AI cannot replace human verification, at least not just yet.

Dmitri Trenin has posted a new op-ed, highlighting how negotiators the US uses in Ukraine and Iran are the same and how Russia can only trust itself and can't trust the US. He's long held ideas of Chinese-Russian alliance. His hawkishness has continued. profile.ru/abroad/kak-t...

In this book, I cover a variety of topics from the instrumentalization of denazification and "Desatanization" to sexual violence, targeting civilians, population transfers and weaeponization of food all to try to explain why war crimes have been so extensive in Russia's War against Ukraine.

Between Putin and Trump, the rules-based international order may be destroyed, enter the Hubris-based international order. The masculinity and IR analysis to come out of these last few years will be fire.

The Department of History invites you to our forthcoming event, “Anti-Western Narratives and the Crisis of Global Order(s),” taking place on March 27 and 28, 2026 in LWH 2270C. Placing scholars from Western University in conversation with scholars from across Canada and the United States.

⚡ The U.S. has eased some oil sanctions on Russia imposed over its invasion of Ukraine as nations scramble to boost supply and bring down prices.

Yes - this was actually said. I don't even think I need to offer any analysis here....

Trump says US Navy sank Iran's warship off the coast of Sri Lanka because "it's more fun" to sink ships than capture them.

Look what arrived today! Replaying the Second World War, my newest book, is now available through ibidem Press, and distributed by Columbia University Press. #russia #ukraine #russiaswarinukraine #newbook

Arguably the most important thing I may write in my career. After several years, the book finally is out. If any are interested in book talks, please feel free to reach out. Also, to academic friends, I'd appreciate you asking your university libraries to order a copy!

Arguably the most important thing I may write in my career. After several years, the book finally is out. If any are interested in book talks, please feel free to reach out. Also, to academic friends, I'd appreciate you asking your university libraries to order a copy!