Former UN Official Matthew Hodes Offers Insight Into Ukranian Invasion W&J Experiences Delays In Student

Nickolas Bartel

Red & Black contributor

Washington & Jefferson College celebrated its annual International Week which kicked off on Apr. 11 with Matthew Hodes, a U.S. Court of Appeals Mediator for the 11th Circuit. He met with several classes over the week and presented a keynote address focusing on his time specializing in conflict resolution in the United Nations. Hodes played a significant role in high-profile mediations such as in Sarajevo, Bosnia during the Bosnian war from 1992-1995. During his visit at W&J, he spent considerable time answering questions from students on topics ranging from the conflict today in Ukraine, media ethics in conflict zones and the impact of climate change on international conflict.

Students asked Hodes about the impact of the veto power on the decline of the United Nations. The veto power allows any permanent Security Council member like the United States, China or Russia to single-handedly stop any proposal made. He responded that he has noticed that regional organizations have been filling in where the United Nations is unable to and that the effectiveness of the United Nations has declined to a similar state as seen in the 1960s.

When asked his opinion on the potential for mediation between Ukraine and Russia, Hodes responded that he did not believe that, currently, mediation would be effective there until there is a “mutually hurting stalemate,” when both sides believe that they cannot win. At his keynote, he said that the types of weapons that Ukraine requests provide insight into their view of the war’s status. Requesting equipment like tanks, which have greater capabilities to take territory rather than just hold off attacks with anti-tank missiles, would suggest they are preparing to go on the offensive. He notes these issues play into systems theory, where the changing relationship of one group can impact another. Hodes pointed out that this theory is not exclusive to just those studying international relations. He continued that everyone plays a role in developing “the agenda of peace building,” saying that “there is not a[n] [academic] major in this room that doesn’t have the ability to contribute to the kind of work we’re talking about.” Hodes added that biologists can better explain “how those patterns of behavior exist in nature and apply that in a combat environment” or how psychologists will be able to help better explain “why Putin has decided to invade Ukraine.” In addition to working at the United Nations for over a decade, Hodes has had a diverse background from serving in the 82nd Airborne to becoming an attorney and public defender to advising former President Carter at the Carter Center. He noted that these opportunities often built on one another. With career opportunities for students available through faculty, Center for Professional Pathways and building on their own past experiences, these resources are ripe to be utilized. As global tension rises, the change can start local as young people like those at W&J set the standard of respecting everyone in our daily lives and promoting effective communication to promote a more peaceful future.

Courtesy Nickolas Bartel April 11th, 2022 - Matthew Hodes speaks during International week at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA.