When Purpose Calls – Re-Engaging One’s Expertise To Address the Ukraine Invasion …and Beyond

The third event in the Journey Towards Purpose series on ThinkND featured guests George Lopez, Professor Emeritus of Peace Studies at Notre Dame and Tom Schreier, Inspired Leadership Initiative Founding Director. The topic of conversation focused on economic sanctions and peacebuilding, especially as it relates to the recent events surrounding the invasion of Ukraine. Lopez has found himself re-engaged in his field of expertise through the Inspired Leadership Initiative.

Lopez, a retired professor of the University of Notre Dame, has found himself back in his field of research since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His area of expertise touches on economic sanctions. Sanctions are defined as commercial or financial penalties applied by one or more countries against a targeted self-governing state, group, or individual. Economic sanctions are not necessarily imposed because of economic circumstances. They may also be imposed for a variety of political, military, or social issues. Lopez discussed the potential success or failures of sanctions as it relates to Ukraine. 

To Lopez, there are many factors that must be discussed when thinking about the effectiveness of sanctions. Actually, a huge part of Lopez’s research relates to effectiveness. When imposing sanctions, countries must be on board to incur costs to achieve the pursued benefits or changes sought after imposing a sanction on another. There is quite a bit of collaboration necessary for this to work. For example, the United Nations does a great deal of collaboration when thinking about this topic and what would be ideal for its stakeholders. Sanctions can devastate a nation economically, socially, and culturally. The approach Lopez has to peacebuilding after a war is over is to listen to the needs and desires of the devastated country. They must have a say in how they want to be rebuilt, otherwise it may not be long-lasting. The peacebuilding humanitarians cannot be the only one involved in these decisions.

Lopez is proud of what Notre Dame teaches their students who have an interest in humanitarianism and peacebuilding. The Kroc Institute and Mendoza College of Business have partnered together to create opportunities for students to learn the “business” behind global affairs. Notre Dame students have great opportunities to make a difference in these crucial moments and Notre Dame is one of the few universities that communicates directly with alumni and partners in Ukraine and Russia to seek better understanding and eventual peace. 

Visit the event page for more.