A CONVERSATION WITH MSU’S TKACH

VISION: Dr. Tkach, your work in political science is crucial for understanding international relations. Can you provide specific examples of how your research has impacted public forums or policy decisions?

TKACH: My prior public scholarship, such as pieces in “War on the Rocks” or “Foreign Affairs,” has been cited and commented on by government reports. For instance, citations from the Congressional Research Service show that both members of Congress and their staff, who request information on military strategies used in the Ukraine war, are informed by our research. The U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission’s 2023 Annual Report to Congress directly discusses my work and is widely distributed throughout the U.S. government. While we can’t directly measure the impact on policy decisions, the inclusion of our work in government reports suggests that it is indeed informing policy.

VISION: Speaking of the Ukraine war, how do you see the situation evolving three years after the invasion began? What’s the impact on global players, and what should Americans understand about the current state of the conflict?

TKACH: The ongoing war of attrition following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 continues to shape the global environment. Ukraine’s recent incursion into the Kursk region has shifted the initiative to the Ukrainians, with Ukrainian strikes disrupting Russian infrastructure and drawing forces away from other battle fronts. However, recent statements from Pentagon officials suggest the incursion and occupation of Russian territory will not significantly alter the current operational realities for Ukrainians. This war has provided numerous lessons for militaries and populations worldwide. From a Russian perspective, the aim of prolonging the conflict and diminishing Western support aligns with their attrition strategy. Meanwhile, China is observing the international community’s reaction to a nuclear power invading territory, which serves as a complex learning opportunity. Some analysts suggest China sees the invasion as proof that Europe and the U.S. may not intervene militarily in similar situations, though others caution against drawing direct parallels, particularly regarding a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

VISION: What future research projects or areas of study are you excited about exploring next?

TKACH: Recently, my colleagues and I published a piece on Taiwanese public opinion regarding self-defense and the potential for invasion, highlighting that domestic partisanship plays a significant role in shaping views on China and U.S. involvement. Moving forward, I’m exploring how Russia and the global community produce and trade weapons used in Ukraine. A fascinating aspect of the war is the use of value arms—older or refurbished weapons that both Russia and Ukraine have used effectively. My research focuses on how these value arms are produced, transferred and utilized in contemporary conflicts. This is crucial for understanding modern warfare, as many current hotspots involve the use of these weapons.

VISION: How do you see public forums and media platforms shaping policy based on your research?

TKACH: My research on the Value Arms ecosystem has led to the development of a course at the Defense Security Cooperation University, which manages foreign military sales and direct commercial sales to foreign governments. The course is designed for military professionals and officials, helping them understand how value arms influence international dynamics. This knowledge is crucial for improving U.S. foreign policy. The course begins with a podcast I recorded, outlining the value arms ecosystem and its interaction with the international system.

VISION: Can you please share your thoughts on how you are using your career in academia to positively influence the next generation of leaders?

Editor’s note: This conversation took place in late 2024. Some information about the Ukraine war might have shifted between the conversation and printing of this article.

TKACH: Students are our future leaders. My biggest impact on the next generation is through integrated educational experiences. At MSU, I have had the privilege to teach and collaborate with students who are already influencing U.S. policy through positions on Capitol Hill, three-letter agencies like the FBI, and important think tanks. Ultimately, MSU’s pursuit of teaching excellence allows faculty to experiment with the learning environment to strengthen student development. Current and future leaders face a turbulent international environment. I see one of my primary responsibilities as a faculty member is to ensure students are best positioned to apply their knowledge, insights and experiences to help move the world forward. u