Russia and the 2016 US Election: Cyberwar and Prospects for Future Conflict

Panel members: Scott Gehlbach, Professor of Political Science

Yoshiko M. Herrera, Professor of Political Science

Robert Kaiser, Professor of Geography

Ron Machoian, Senior Lecturer, International Studies

Moderator: Ted Gerber, CREECA Director and Professor of Sociology

In January, the US intelligence community concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered a campaign to influence the 2016 US presidential election in Donald Trump's favor. Russia has also widely been blamed for last year’s cyber-attacks against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party. What were Russia's motivations for interfering in the election? Do its actions represent a significant threat for the US or just a distraction from more fundamental issues? Is this a new form of “cyberwarfare,” and what are the prospects for future conflict? The Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) and the Wisconsin Union Directorate's Society & Politics Committee invite you to hear a panel of UW experts discuss these and related issues.

The event is free and open to the public.