Oxford Students Discuss Ukraine Russia Crisis | Oxford Union

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On the 24th of February 2022, the Russian Federation launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, starting the largest interstate conflict in Europe since the Second World War. This aggressive action is the latest and most extreme decision taken by President Putin towards former Soviet states; it follows the invasion of Georgia in 2008, the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, and ever-increasing interference in the politics of Belarus, Kazakhstan and other CSTO members. The conflict has developed steadily with Ukraine putting up a stout defence and holding Kyiv and other major cities against all expectations but the end is far from within sight. How will the crisis develop? It is clear that this event will come to define the next decade; the effect it has already had on the thinking of individuals across the world is more than apparent. It is also clear that this is an issue that has resonated with the Oxford Community and with our members. We thus feel that we have a duty to facilitate a discussion on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, the build-up to it, its geopolitical significance, and what we in the United Kingdom should be doing to help.

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[iann]

I feel so comforted to know that there are lots of rich, unaffected 20 year old Oxford students discussing this war with all the wisdom of my 10 year old son.

[ZZZ-mtwn]

Can’t believe this is the level of Oxford students…if they are the future of the democracy world, we’re already lost.

[wli]

i m far more impressed by the comments here than the guest speakers in the video.

[nkosanamtetwa]

This is embarrassing that Oxford which is a highly respected University in the world can present such a one sided "debate" more of a discussion really.

[PINQINQ]

How to be an oxford student: learn something then act like you know everything. 💯

[dokabellana]

If these students become leaders in the future the world is in danger.

[nazeerahmedsonday]

Is this supposed to be a debate for pro war or anti war? Or a justification for war. This is incredibly like watching watching CNN

[shortsdeliveries]

oh my gosh... these kids are so unprepared to think and reflect about the subject, i am impressed

[kofilhkhan]

“Capitalism is a system in which the central institutions of society are, in principle, under autocratic control. Thus, a corporation or an industry is, if we were to think of it in political terms, fascist, that is, it has tight control at the top and strict obedience has to be established at every level. [...] Just as I'm opposed to political fascism, I am opposed to economic fascism. I think that until the major institutions of society are under the popular control of participants and communities, it's pointless to talk about democracy.”
Noam Chomsky

[manmeetkumarsingh]

It is very unfortunate that none of them mentioned about NATO agressive expansion. They were only blaiming russia. None of them talked about how US and NATO used ukraine to serve their purposes.
They are too proud to self-analysis.

[riccardo]

This discussions shows how Oxford and other top universities now serve as training for servants of power. If you repeat the conventional doctrine that powerful people want, you'll move upwards careerwise. The Union had much better debates a decade ago.

[diogeneslantern]

There is no one in earth who knows more than a 2nd-final year college student.

[secs]

I thought someone will bring up NATO's expansion, I guess even the speakers are scared of peer pressure.

[busy]

It’s scare me very much how our next generation is been taught and their mindset, god help humanity

[ennuiennui]

I am surprised by lack of depth in these debates, war talk and pressuring Russia is the attitude that led to this crisis. Doubling down will only lead to WW3… Role of the West in all of this is conveniently omitted. Much more bloody and unjustified US wars did not bother these gentlemen as much it seems. Is it because “our wars” are inherently just? And then the West is surprised to see all this opposition to its actions…

[hastingsquare]

If this is the standard and understanding of geo politics and economics of the students at Oxford, then I am assured that the future of the likes of India and China is bright. These speakers have no clue what impacts geo politics of the day. Let’s build alternate pipeline? Overnight? Let’s put boots on the ground? An average 10 grade student in India is smarter than any of these speakers. Did they even think it over? Not for immigrants, UK is done for.

[DanceAddictsLondon]

I went to Oxford, watched many talks, debates at the union. This was not up to scratch. Sorry. It's a shame. I can't really say that the future is in good hands now can I?

[gbrown]

Lord help us. I think these people live in a bubble. No wars for 75 wars he said. Lol. Tell that to Palestine, Syria, Libya and Iraq. They’d make great politicians. 😂

[digitalnomad]

In an era of easily accessible information afforded by the internet, these students are surprisingly, if not shockingly, ill-informed. The discussion transpired was decidedly one-sided. Had no one bothered to read up on the Cuban missile crisis in the 60s? What would make anyone think that the Russians would stand Nato stationing missiles in Ukraine, should the latter become a member like other former soviet states, when the US risked WWIII with the Soviets to prevent them from planting missiles in Cuba?

[zubeera.rather]

One of the worst experiences of my life was listening to this discussion. Oxford Union has lost it