Featured Post from Cedarville University

Three Year Anniversary of Ukraine War

Feb 21, 2025

2 min

Three years ago, this Monday, Russian troops invaded Ukraine expecting a a quick victory. This invasion has incited Europe's largest conflict since WWII, taking tens of thousands of lives, destruction of countless cities, and the isolation of Russia. Despite this, Putin appears closer to taking a fifth of Ukraine's territory and preventing it's membership. President Trump broke the three year long policy of isolating Russia by working with Putin to work together to end the war. President Trump's explicit support for Russia's demand against Ukraine's NATO membership reveals a shift in U.S. policy. How will President's Trump's relationship with Putin shift U.S. policy?

Despite majority of the West and Ukraine seeing Russia's invasion as an unprovoked act of aggression, Putin continues to insists it's necessity for Russia's security and protection of citizens in Ukraine. In 2023 Russia momentum with offensives across a 1,000kilometer front, securing necessary territorial gains. How does the progression of Russia's invasion effect it's image for American citizens?

In response to the invasion, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demanded Russia's retreat as a condition to talk. President Zelensky emphasizes Ukrainians need for support from the West; while stressing Ukraine goal to join NATO. How will the shift of support affect Ukraine mission to join NATO?
Putin refuses a truce, hoping to weaken the Ukrainian government through a contentious election. Ukraine argues elections are not possible during war times. Putin refuses to accept international peacekeeping forces, remain confident in Russia ability to achieve its goal without negotiation with Ukraine. How will Putin's refusal to find a truce affect Russia and Ukraine's role in the war?

Dr. Duerr is an expert on this subject and is available to speak to media regarding this ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing the war between Israel and Hamas – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

Or schedule an interview by contacting Mark Weinstein at mweinstein@cedarville.edu

Connect with:

Glen Duerr, Ph.D.

Professor of International Studies

Dr. Deurr's research interests include nationalism and secession, comparative politics, and international relations theory

International TerrorismDomestic TerrorismInternational RelationsBrexit

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Sep 25, 2026

2 min

Indiana’s Player-Prop Decision Raises Stakes for College Athletics

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Sep 28, 2026

1 min

Congress Buys Time: Shutdown Fight Pushed to December

When will Congress stop kicking the budget proverbial can down the road with a continuing resolution and begin addressing the issue of leading with a balanced budget? Having a balanced budget, and spending within our means should be expected of our legislators--but for decades, this has not been the case. Lawmakers from both political parties are guitly of not addressing the issue that has created several 11th-hour deals regarding the budget. While this strategy helps keep some legislators in power, it's providing no benefit to the American people. Congress has now opted to not work on this issue until December--if it even does it then. However, the deadline buys our political leaders time to get past the midterm elections, campaign for each other, and hope the American public doesn't notice. And, in doing so, we'll experience another government shutdown in December.

Sep 18, 2026

2 min

From the Pump to the Bond Market: Why Rising Oil Prices Matter for Borrowing Costs

From the Pump to the Bond Market: Why Rising Oil Prices Matter for Borrowing Costs Rising oil prices are often felt first at the gas pump, but their effects can quickly extend to the broader economy. As higher costs for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel work their way through transportation, manufacturing and food production, investors are increasingly concerned that inflation could remain elevated longer than expected. That concern is helping push Treasury yields higher. When investors expect inflation to erode the future value of fixed-income returns, they typically demand higher yields on government bonds. The result can be a ripple effect across the economy: mortgage rates, auto loans, credit-card rates and business borrowing costs may all remain high or move higher. This is an important second stage of the oil-price story. The first concern is the direct impact on consumers and businesses as energy costs rise. The next concern is whether those higher costs become embedded in the economy, causing inflation expectations to increase and making it more difficult for the Federal Reserve to ease interest rates. For policymakers, the dilemma is clear. Raising or maintaining higher interest rates can help slow inflation, but it also makes borrowing more expensive for families, businesses and the federal government. If high energy prices persist, the Federal Reserve may face added pressure to prioritize inflation control even as consumers and employers feel the effects of tighter financial conditions. The issue is also global. Oil markets respond quickly to geopolitical instability and supply disruptions, while Treasury yields influence borrowing and investment decisions far beyond the United States. Together, high energy prices and rising yields can become a powerful test of economic resilience—affecting household budgets today and financial decisions for months to come.