Five UF experts answered questions Wednesday night at a panel discussion concerning Russia's recent conflict with Georgia and its potential U.S. implications.
The discussion, labeled "Russia, Georgia and the West: A New Cold War?" attracted about 150 students and faculty members to the Ocora room in Pugh Hall.
The experts in European relations talked about the possibility of a new Cold War and its effects on the U.S. presidential election.
In early August, Russia launched an attack against bordering country Georgia in response to Georgia attacking South Ossetia, a small territory that sits within Georgia's boundaries and wants to break away from Georgia, according to The New York Times.
Paul D'Anieri, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean, said the conflict does not signal another Cold War because it is confined to that area.
Russia's tone in foreign policy, however, favors anything that will prevent the U.S. from becoming more powerful, which may resemble the Cold War.
The Russia-Georgia issue could have an impact on the upcoming presidential elections, said Stephen Craig, professor and chairman of the political science department.
The crisis could produce a "rally effect," a spurt of approval ratings for a political figure, Craig said.
Similar results have occurred during the Cuban missile crisis, Operation Desert Storm and Sept. 11, according to graphs Craig presented to the audience.
If the conflict has an effect on voters' decisions, he said, it may be in favor of the Republican party.
Discussions like the one on Wednesday night help make students more aware of international issues, said Katie Kafer, a UF freshman.
If students aren't told directly, she said, they won't know about issues such as the Russia-Georgia conflict.
