Educational Testing Services Advanced Placement/Reader Certification

Armatus Sexual Abuse Risk Management Certification 

The military application of artificial intelligence technology in the United States, China, and Russia and the implications for global security

Artificial intelligence and information warfare in major power states: how the US, China, and Russia are using artificial intelligence in their information warfare and influence operations

Twitter Propaganda Operations: Analyzing Sociopolitical Issues in Saudi Arabia

Weaponizing Words: Using Technology to Proliferate Information Warfare

Epidemiological intelligence fusion centers: health security and COVID-19 in the Dominican Republic

Democracy and cyberconflict: how regime type affects state-sponsored cyberattacks

A Hitchhiker’s Guide to “Democracy in America”

The ethno-violence nexus: measuring ethnic group identity in Chechnya

Teaching with Tocqueville: Assessing the Utility of Using ‘Democracy’ in the American Government Classroom to Achieve Student-Learning Outcomes

Defining Our Terms: Bringing Rigour to Ethnic Studies

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, Artificial Intelligence, and Domestic Conflict

Towards a General Theory of Ethnic Conflict: Explaining Identity and Violence in Chechnya

Epidemic intelligence studies: A research agenda for political scientists

Socio-Emotional Computational Analysis of Propaganda Campaigns on Social Media Users in the Middle East

Augusta University is Georgia's health sciences university and a national center for cyber security education. Home to the state’s only public academic medical center, Augusta’s world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. The university is comprised of nine colleges, including one of the nation's oldest medical schools, the Medical College of Georgia; the Hull College of Business; and the state's only dental school, the Dental College of Georgia.

Augusta University

Albert is the director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies and an associate professor of political science at Augusta University. He received his PhD in international relations and American politics from the University of Connecticut in 2009. His research interests include ethnic conflict and terrorism, theology and modern politics, and political science education. His work has been published in journals including Politics, East European Politics, Iran and the Caucasus, and Journal of Political Science Education. He co-founded and directs Augusta University's Model United Nations Program and teaches courses on American politics, security studies and political philosophy, as well as topics of special interest, including zombies and international relations, hip hop and politics, and James Bond and terrorism.

Ethnic Conflict

Terrorism

Political Science

National Security

News and press release archive for Craig Albert

Faculty Directory Profile

How governments use artificial intelligence to enhance their information warfare and influence operations

Why would ISIS-K Attack a Moscow Music Venue?

The TikTok Ban Is Truly An Issue Of National Security

U.S. Army, AU hold workshop on artificial intelligence and its potential threats

United We Stand | Issues that divide us: Race

FLASHPOINT: GLOBAL CRISES - First Hostages Released in Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire Deal

United We Stand | Issues that divide us: Religion

United We Stand | Issues that divide us: Immigration

United We Stand: Issues that divide us – Guns

A look at why Hamas and Israel are at war

X's Misinformation Problem Is Getting Worse

Russia's Social Media Propagandists Turning On The War—We Should Expect A Crackdown

Rise Of The Machine Learning—Deep Fakes Could Threaten Our Democracy

FLFLASHPOINT UKRAINE: The Aftermath Of Prigozhin’s Rebellion

Boston suspects "lone wolf" extremists?

Young Americans prepare to vote

Terror na Catalunha

Many millennials remain undecided as Election Day approaches

President Trump's visit to the Middle East

Local political science experts weigh in on the Presidential debate

Can ISIS ever be defeated?

Richmond, Columbia counties inch toward 100K registered voters ahead of Election Day

Digging deeper: How can we stay safe in the aftermath of violence such as the Orlando shooting?

Augusta University Professor Breaks Down Brussels Attacks

Behind the political headlines

“No need to rush to the gas station”, pipeline shutdown temporary

From Russia to elections: How secure is the United States?

Local expert breaks down dispute in Ukraine

Why Americans should care about the Ukraine-Russia conflict

President Biden advancing sanctions in Russia

Why the West cares about the situation in Russia-Ukraine

Russia attacks Ukraine

Dr. Craig Albert talks Russia/Ukraine

Responding to the Russia attack

The cyber factor in Ukraine

FLASHPOINT UKRAINE: Olena Zelenska asks US Congress for weapons so Ukrainians may return to normalcy

FLASHPOINT UKRAINE: Russia’s “Operational Defeat” in Kharkiv

One on One with Richard Rogers | Russia’s War in Ukraine

At least 11 people were killed in a blast on the st. petersburg metro monday, three state-run russian news agencies said. authorities say the explosion is a terrorist attack.

St. petersburg metro explosion: at least 11 dead in russia blast

A deadly subway explosion in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday morning has been declared a terrorist attack, and we can expect more of these kinds of incidents and threats, according to Augusta University political scientist Dr. Craig Albert.
As a leading scholar in American politics and foreign affairs, Albert’s research focuses on Islamic extremism, Chechnya and the rise of ISIS.
“As more Russians return from Syria fighting for ISIS, and as the Caucasus region remains in strife, especially Chechnya and Dagestan, we can expect more and larger terrorist attacks inside Russia's major cities,” Albert said.
Albert teaches courses on war and terrorism, American politics and political philosophy; he also directs the Model United Nations Program. Albert is a political contributor to The Augusta Chronicle and he’s appeared on national media broadcasts, including a live interview with Megyn Kelly for Fox News Channel on the Boston Marathon bombing. He has also testified before the U.S. Congress on Islamic Extremism.
Albert is available for Skype, email and phone interviews.

Expect more terrorist attacks in Russia, political expert says

A whole slew of federal agencies could grind to a complete halt.

Here's what would happen if the government shuts down this week

President Donald Trump will celebrate 100 days in office Saturday. But one day shy of that milestone, he may see Washington and the rest of America’s government grind to a halt.
But with Republicans controlling Congress, the Senate and the Presidency – a standoff of this nature seems almost impossible.  There is almost guaranteed to be negative consequences publicly and financially – and to follow it through just doesn’t make any political sense.
So why?  Is it President Trump’s demand for a funded wall that he promised to be built along the Mexican border? Are there left-over aspects to the Affordable Care Act that have some members of the GOP divided? Other issues that have the GOP at a boiling point?
Or, is there a way out so each side can make a point but save face in the end?
Politics is seldom simple and almost always confusing.  That’s where the experts from Augusta University can help.
Dr. William Hatcher is the director of the Master of Public Administration program and an associate professor of political science. He is an expert in politics, policy and the relationships between different levels of government. 
Dr. Craig Albert is an assistant professor of political science and an expert in American politics and political philosophy.
Both are excellent speakers, have experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and are available to speak to media regarding this latest development in Washington. Click on Dr. Hatcher or Dr. Albert's icon to arrange an interview.

A Party Divided - Will Infighting Lead to a Government Shutdown in Washington Friday?

Kurdish areas vote on whether they want to break away from iraq, despite baghdad's opposition.

Iraqi kurds in historic independence vote

A historic independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan could lead to civil unrest or war if successful, cautions Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of Political Science at Augusta University. 

The Iraqi Parliament has already ordered troops to gather in the region under the guise of “protecting citizens. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has touted economic sanctions to protest the vote, and will likely use military measures. 

If Kurdistan overwhelmingly votes for independence—an event Albert says is likely—a worst-case scenario could see the beginnings of an Iraqi civil war or a Turkish push into Iraq to put down Iraqi Kurds. 

If the vote is not recognized, Albert said, the region will likely see an increase in Kurdish acts of terror or guerilla warfare.

Click "Contact" to schedule an interview with Dr. Craig Albert or call 1-(706) 504-2724.

Kurdish independence referendum could lead to chaos in region, expert says

Iraq's prime minister haider al-abadi has demanded that the kurdish authorities in the north of the country "cancel" the outcome of this week's

Iraq prime minister demands kurdish authorities 'cancel' independence referendum

Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has demanded Kurdish authorities negate the results of Monday’s historic referendum. The move is the latest attempt by Iraqi officials to prevent Kurdish independence.

Al-Abadi, who earlier this week called the Kurdish vote “unconstitional,” said his government was unwilling to discuss the results of Monday’s referendum with members of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of political science at Augusta University, said a failure to recognize the vote could potentially be catastrophic for the region.

“A worst-case scenario could see the beginnings of an Iraqi civil war, or a push by Turkish forces into the country,” Albert said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has touted economic sanctions to protest the Kurdish vote. Albert said the use of military measures by the Turkish government against Iraqi Kurds was likely.

Click “Contact” to schedule an interview with Dr. Craig Albert, or call 1-(706) 504-2724.

Threats loom in the wake of historic Kurdish vote

A new national security strategy for a new era: less than a year after taking office, president donald j. trump is unveiling a new national security strategy that sets a positive strategic direction for the united states that will restore america’s advantages in the world and build upon our country’s great strengths. the 2017 national …

President donald j. trump announces a national security strategy to advance america's interests | the white house

On Monday, President Donald Trump released his National Security Strategy. 

In a bold delivery that was almost more of a campaign speech than a policy announcement, President Trump was focused on terrorism, dictatorships, cyberterrorism and even referenced immigration as a potential threat to national security.

Trump referred to China and Russia as "rival powers" who "seek to challenge American influence, values and wealth” but seemed more diplomatic than worried.

"We will attempt to build a great partnership with those and other countries, but in a manner that always protects our national interest," Trump said
But what will this mean for the Trump Administration and America moving forward?

Will America’s polices become more assertive? Will the pursuit to eradicate ISIS and terrorist threats expand?

Trump also referenced trade, never leaving out the opportunity to maintain his agenda of keep America’s economy and his efforts to strengthen it on the public’s radar. But what does this have to do with national security?

There are a lot of questions still to be answered.

That’s where the experts from Augusta University can help.

Dr. Craig Albert is an expert on American politics and political philosophy. He was recently appointed director of Augusta University’s new Masters of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies. Dr. Albert has experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and is available to speak to media regarding this latest development in Washington. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

Trade, security and America First – Does Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy make sense?

First takeaways from the trump administration's first national defense strategy. 

With an eye on great power conflict, us defense department releases 2018 national defense strategy

The Department of Defense recently published an unclassified synopsis of the Trump administration’s first National Defense Strategy (NDS).

The document, is missing the usual and sometimes expected Trump-like rhetoric of ‘America First’ and instead focuses on a balanced and cooperative approach among nations.

At Augusta University, our experts have been examining the strategy, they have found that within the NDS the following stood out:

• More money will be spent on military, private military contracting firms and cyber firms. This could benefit the local economy but does show that we’re worried.

• Our military is growing more high-tech with artificial intelligence and robotics. The future of warfare could start to resemble something out of Hollywood. 

• For the last two decades, we were concerned with small-scale wars, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism. Now, we are preparing our military for a Great Power War. In other words, we are preparing for a WWII type engagement, versus Iraq or Afghanistan.

• Trump’s policy is very assertive whereas Obama’s policy was more conciliatory and forgiving in nature. 

• We are clearly focused on reasserting ourselves as the superpower.

But what will this mean for every-day Americans? Will it be a boost to our economy as we invest in our military or will it mean other programs suffer as a result?

Are we on the verge of another cold war?

There are a lot of questions to answer – and that’s where our experts can help.

Dr. Craig Albert is an expert on American politics and political philosophy. He was recently appointed director of Augusta University’s new Masters of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies. Dr. Albert has experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and is available to speak to media regarding Donald Trump’s National Defense Strategy. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


What will Donald Trump’s National Defense Strategy mean for Americans and its citizens?

At a closely watched news conference after a summit meeting, the u.s. leader expressed doubts that represent a remarkable divergence from his own national security apparatus.

Trump, putin and the ‘incredible offer’: live updates

Today, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the presidential palace in Helsinki to discuss the relationship between their respective countries.

Prior to the meeting, Trump cited national security concerns and trade as agenda items. Since the start of the meeting, the two presidents have also discussed the tension between the two countries and accused election meddling. 

At Augusta University, our experts have been following the historic meeting, and made the following observations:

•	Trump is correct in asserting the importance of having Russia as an ally.

•	The US is currently facing Russian cyberaggression, so how Trump addresses this issue has immediate concerns.

•	US posture in Syria is at stake.

•	It is important to keep this meeting in the context of “America First.” Trump will push messages at the summit that fall in line with his national security interests.

What are the implications of this summit for every-day Americans? 

Will this meeting improve the relationship between the United States and Russia?

How will this meeting effect the United States’ relationship with other European allies?

There are a lot of questions to answer – and that’s where our experts can help.

Dr. Craig Albert is an expert on American politics and political philosophy. He was recently appointed director of Augusta University’s new Masters of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies. Dr. Albert has experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and is available to speak to media regarding the Helsinki Summit. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


Helsinki Summit marks first official meeting between Presidents Trump & Putin. Could the US benefit from having Russia as an ally?

White house press secretary sarah huckabee sanders said president trump revoked the former cia director's access to classified information

White house strips security clearance from john brennan

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders began the August 15 press briefing with an announcement: President Donald Trump had revoked former CIA Director John Brennan’s security clearance.

Brennan served under President Barack Obama from 2013-2017. Since the 2016 presidential election, Brennan has been a staunch opponent of Trump and is known for expressing his opinions about the president on social media.
 
Trump explained his decision by citing Brennan’s behavior and commentary on social media and accused him of colluding with Russia and profiting off U.S. secrets. Brennan denied the claims and many critics, including both republicans and democrats, called the decision “unprecedented” and “authoritarian.”
 
Are the critics’ right? 

Dr. Craig Albert, Director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies and associate professor of political science, says the decision is highly unusual. Generally, Albert said, an individual’s security clearance is revoked for security reasons or for conviction of a felony.

“Although President Trump gave reasons for the revocation of Brennan’s clearance, it seems rather clear that the personal distaste between the two played a part in the decision,” he said.

A scholar of political science and political philosophy, Albert said it’s possible that this decision was intended to set a precedent, especially since Trump has discussed revoking security clearances from other former government officials.

“Usually, clearance is revoked for specific crimes, financial hardship, moral turpitude or the clearance just runs out and is not renewed,” Albert said. “This seems to have more to do with personal animosity than any of the typical reasons.”

Dr. Albert has experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and is available to speak to media regarding this issue. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


Why Trump revoking Brennan's security clearance changes the game

They made 14,000 posts and caused a splash in forums for trump supporters.

Reddit just shut down nearly 1,000 russian troll accounts

During the 2016 presidential election, hundreds of fake sources used social media to spread fake news. Many of these posts were traced back to the Internet Research Agency, a Russian troll farm that used social networks to create divides among Americans and influence the election.

This is known as cognitive hacking and is the real scandal of the 2016 election, said Dr. Craig Albert, director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies program and associate professor of political science at Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University.

Fake sources using social media to spread fake news are often able to reach a large audience who may never realize the stories are false, Albert said. In some instances, entire organizations and groups have been created under false pretenses and have had millions of social media followers.

“When so many people see fake news on their newsfeeds, they become a product of their belief in a fake story,” Albert said. “So, a fake story controls their opinions.”

Now, Russia is taking fake news a step farther. The newest trend is creating a false persona to push fake news on U.S. news organizations.

“They will have an expert create a story, and they will create credentials and a website to give credibility to this individual,” Albert said. “When media outlets try to ascertain the credibility of a person they typically visit the individual’s website or look at their resume. It appears legitimate, so the source is validated, and news outlets run the story.”

In many cases, though, these are false stories by individuals with fake credentials. Albert calls this source hacking.

Dr. Albert is an expert on American politics and political philosophy. He has experience with all forms of local and national news organizations and is available to speak to media regarding cognitive and source hacking. Contact us to schedule an interview with Dr. Albert or to learn more about his expertise.


Latest push in fake news is pushing fake experts

President donald trump’s accusation of chinese meddling in upcoming u.s. electio...

Trump's election meddling charge against china marks u.s. pressure...

Going against the findings of his own intelligence community, President Donald Trump has called Russian meddling into the 2016 U.S. presidential election a “hoax.” In a recent turn of events, though, the president accused China of interfering with the midterm elections.

Has President Trump’s rhetoric on the intelligence community and hesitancy to hold Russia accountable influenced countries, such as China, to also try meddling in U.S. elections?

“If people and foreign officials start believing President Trump’s rhetoric, there is a possibility, that we will face issues of doubt and trust concerning U.S. policy and commitments,” said Craig Albert, an expert in U.S.-Russian security affairs, director of the master of arts in intelligence and security studies and associate professor of political science at Katherine Reese Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Augusta University. “Also, President Trump’s rhetoric helps prop up Vladimir Putin as being equal in stature to the leader of the free world and gives Kremlin and Putin greater credibility with Russian citizens and the near abroad.”

Midterm elections are on the horizon, and Putin will continue election meddling regardless of Trump’s actions or rhetoric, Albert said.

“Russia, under Putin’s leadership, will continue to increase its cyber activity against all sectors of the U.S., including and especially into the cognitive hacking of our electoral process,” he said.

Cognitive hacking is when fake sources are used to spread fake news on social media.

The success of Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election is emboldening other actors, like China.

“Non-state actors like ISIS and Al Qaeda feel empowered to engage in both cognitive and source hacking in order to shift American public opinion,” Albert said. “We already believe China and Iran have engaged in similar operations. It won’t be long before ISIS utilizes the same type of intelligence operations because they are low risk, extremely high reward operations.

Albert is available to discuss:
•	How President Trump’s rhetoric affects the U.S. intelligence community
•	How Trump’s apparent support for Russia empowers Putin and the Kremlin to continue meddling into U.S. elections
•	How Russia’s actions are emboldening other non-state actors
•	Why Trump’s denial of Russian meddling into U.S. elections can further damage U.S. relations with its allies

Contact us to schedule an interview with Albert or to learn more about his expertise. 

Bigly: the effect of Trump's rhetoric on national security

“If Ukraine manages to get F-16s in the fight sooner rather than later, and longer-range missiles are given to them as well, this could cause a stalemate and force Russia into negotiation."

can-ukraine-overcome-a-war-of-attrition-against-russia

Can Ukraine overcome a war of attrition against Russia? 


“Putin has doubled-down,” Albert said. “He has increased his forces in the fight, made more aggressive postures to NATO member states and has unleashed his cyber and informational capabilities across the world to take advantage in those realms. Putin continues to pursue pure power politics and is unlikely to back down.”  

how-has-russian-president-vladimir-putins-stance-on-the-russianukraine-war-changed-now-that-we-are-in-year-three-of-the-war

How has Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on the Russian-Ukraine war changed now that we are in year three of the war? 


“There are two ways out of this, however,” said Albert. “The first is that the West, mainly the U.S., does not continue to arm Ukraine. If this becomes the new normal, then Ukraine will not be able to keep up against Russia and will eventually fall through a war of attrition being waged by Russia.” “The second, less likely but far more threatening scenario, is that Russia expands the war to other states in the area or inadvertently hits a NATO-member state with either kinetic or massive cyberattacks. It may draw NATO into the war directly. In this case, Ukraine takes the advantage, but the war expands to something not seen since World War II.” 

how-will-the-russianukraine-war-end

year-three-what-fate-awaits-the-fighting-in-ukraine

Professor of Political Science and Graduate Director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies

As we enter year three of the war between Ukraine and Russia, the death toll continues to rise, and there doesn’t appear to be any end in sight to the war.Craig Albert, PhD, professor of politics and director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University, said it appears victory does not seem likely for either side, and he expects it to form into a “frozen conflict.”“There are two ways out of this, however,” said Albert. “The first is that the West, mainly the United States, does not continue to arm Ukraine. If this becomes the new normal, then Ukraine will not be able to keep up against Russia and will eventually fall through a war of attrition being waged by Russia.”“The second, less likely but far more threatening scenario, is that Russia expands the war to other states in the area or inadvertently hits a NATO-member state with either kinetic or massive cyberattacks. It may draw NATO into the war directly. In this case, Ukraine takes the advantage, but the war expands to something not seen since World War II.”Albert added that the war is becoming a war of attrition, and, if one side maintains morale, weapons and supply-chain logistics and if one side can maintain air superiority, it’s likely to have an advantage.“If Ukraine manages to get F-16s in the fight sooner rather than later, and longer-ranged missiles are given to them as well, this could cause a stalemate and force Russia into negotiation,” Albert said.He noted Ukraine is making significant gains in the air and has managed to shoot down seven sophisticated aircraft recently, forcing Russian air units to be more cautious about their tactics and even move further away from the frontline.“If this continues, Ukraine can exploit this as Russian forces would likely be left without air cover in future battles.”With everything that has happened in the first two years of the war, it has not deterred Russian President Vladimir Putin from ramping up his resolve.“Putin has doubled-down,” Albert said. “He has increased his forces in the fight, made more aggressive postures to NATO member states and has unleashed his cyber and informational capabilities across the world to take advantage in those realms. Putin continues to pursue pure power politics and is unlikely to back down.”Craig Albert, PhD, is director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. He is a leading expert on war, terrorism and American politics. This is an important  international and national issue. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today.

Year three: What fate awaits the fighting in Ukraine?

expert-q-a-what-led-to-the-hamas-attack-on-israel-and-what-role-will-the-united-states-play

The conflict between Israel and Palestine dates back many years, but the recent escalation can be attributed to issues centering around Palestinian rights and access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to Craig Albert, PhD, program director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Pamplin College of Arts Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University.Albert, who is a leading expert on relations in the Middle East and American interests in the region,  also notes that Hamas has been fighting against what it believes is unwarranted and illegal Israeli settlements being extended into Palestinian territory, while Israel has had a serious blockade on the Gaza Strip for over a decade. Hamas views this as state-oppression and thus, when combined, led to this horrific attack.  Q: Now that Israel is declaring war, what should we expect to see in the upcoming days/weeks?A: We should expect more attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as Hezbollah from Lebanon. This means that there is a serious possibility of a two front war for Israel as it strikes towards the Gaza Strip near the sea, and more north into Lebanon. Concerning the State of Israel, look for a massive air bombardment over the next few days until the conditions on the ground are satisfactory, according to Israeli intelligence, to send in massive ground forces. One can expect a full infantry onslaught with all that entails within the Gaza Strip and perhaps other areas as well. We could also seem so strikes against Iran, especially cyber in nature, but perhaps, much more kinetic than we can imagine given the emotions being felt by the Israeli security council. Unfortunately, we can expect massive civilian casualties on both sides as this continues especially when Israel invades with its heavy ground forces.  Q: What role does the U.S. play in all of this?  A: The United States is already sending in a carrier fleet to show support for Israel; but one can imagine a scenario where Israel and Iran get into a serious confrontation, resulting in direct action by the U.S. on the side of Israel. The U.S. is also already supplying munitions and intelligence to the Israelis, and we should expect to see more in this area over the coming weeks and months. Note that the U.S. might have to take drastic actions itself as its war materials are being dramatically reduced because of arming the Ukrainians against Russia, and now, looking to arm heavily Israel. It is quite possible that the U.S. could be pulled into this in a direct way but currently, it just does not have the war material to conduct massive military operations if called to do so. This is quite a dramatic situation for the U.S., and of course for Israel.Looking to know more or connect with Dr. Albert for an interview?Dr. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today. 

Expert Q & A: What led to the Hamas attack on Israel and what role will the United States play?

one-year-later-what-comes-next-for-ukraine

The war between Ukraine and Russia has raged for a year, with both sides gaining and losing ground while casualties mount and no clear prospects for peace seem to emerge.On the anniversary of this invasion, there are still many questions to be asked, and Augusta University Professor Craig Albert, PhD, is ready to provide answers about what's happening and what we can expect next. How surprising is it that the Ukraine-Russian war is still ongoing?“I think for Russia, it’s a huge surprise, and I think maybe for the rest of the world, it’s a bit of a surprise as well. What people often forget is that Ukraine has been fighting and training for 10 years. So Moscow was going on the understanding that the way and the ease in which they went into those parts of Ukraine in 2014, that they would have the same amount of ease this time. They didn’t calculate properly or they misperceived that Ukraine soldiers have been fighting them and rotating in and out of the east for 10 years and had much more experience and were prepared for this.”How does the anniversary play a role in the war?“Everyone knew Putin was going to increase the attacks leading up to the year anniversary. Both sides have been expecting a new counter offensive against each other coming for the spring. What we should note from this is that a couple of times over the past couple of weeks, the Russian death toll has been over 1,000 per day. Think of that as the United States lost something like 5,000 in Iraq, the entire 17-18 years the US was there. So that’s something we need to take into account. They are increasing their attacks but they’re meeting massive resistance and some are calling it a meat grinder, where the Russian side is just throwing troops into it and they are just being mowed down.”While Ukraine has been preparing for some time, was their resolve still unexpected?“I think their resolve is based upon the fact they’re getting so many munitions from the west. I think their resolve and morality would be much worse if they weren’t getting the type of equipment, the type of war material that the west is providing them. If it wasn’t for the west helping them, I think we’d be talking a much different scenario. If Russia is successful in the war and how they define success, and they occupy all of Ukraine, then that’s a likely scenario. If Ukraine continues a war of attrition with Moscow, the war of numbers suggest that Moscow is going to win. You’re looking at Russia ultimately winning just because of the law of numbers."What do you make of President Biden’s visit to Ukraine?“It’s a huge symbolic victory. I did not expect President Biden to visit Ukraine at all. I thought that was gutsy. I think both sides of the aisle thought that was pretty gutsy. That’s a pretty scary situation and presidents generally don’t visit a war-torn country, even when the United States is at war. I think it was a show of strength, a show of unity, maybe even a show of what’s to come with EU ascension or NATO ascension for President Biden to be on the ground in Kiev.”How long do you see this continuing?“It depends on how far Russia is willing to go. Russia isn’t fighting the war if it fought the United States. Russia has the capability to completely bombard and send in massive numbers of untrained soldiers by the hundreds and thousands and just overwhelm Ukraine. I think why they’re not doing that is that they still want to control and have a friendly Ukrainian population once they completely have all the territory of Ukraine. I think that’s Putin’s goal and that’s why he hasn’t done that so far. I think we’re looking at least another year. These types of huge wars, and this is a major, major war, it has the propensity to pull in outside parties. And when you’re talking about NATO being right there, we could be talking about something much bigger if this war doesn’t cease soon.”Albert can explain what could happen next in Ukraine, as there are several possible scenarios and outcomes in the long and short term of this war. And if you’re a journalist looking to know more about what lies ahead as the war between Ukraine and Russia continues and how it may impact the United States, then let us help with your questions and coverage.Albert is director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. He is a leading expert on war, terrorism and American politics. This is an important national and international issue. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today.

One year later, what comes next for Ukraine?

Dr. Craig Albert on Fox News speaking on Chechnya and the Boston Marathon Bombing Suspects

On June 19 Dr. Craig Albert -- a political scientist with Augusta University -- appeared on "The Means Report" with Brad Means to discuss the war against ISIS.

WJBF News Channel 6's Deon Guillory talks with Dr.Craig Albert

Expert Explains Why We Shouldn't Change Plans Due to ISIS Attacks

Dr. Craig Albert, assistant professor of political science at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, explains why Americans should understand ISIS as a threat but not fear it.

Video by Arthur Takahashi and Nick Garrett | JAGWIRE NEWS

How did ISIS affect Black Friday sales? Augusta University Explains (Part 1 of 4)

Dr. Craig Albert, assistant professor of political science at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, explains why people give up their lives and country to join ISIS. He also discusses ISIS theology.

Video by Arthur Takahashi and Nick Garrett | JAGWIRE NEWS

Why do people join ISIS? Augusta University Explains (Part 2 of 4)

Dr. Craig Albert, assistant professor of political science at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, explains that although ISIS is not a state recognized by the international community, it still functions as a state.

Video by Arthur Takahashi and Nick Garrett | JAGWIRE NEWS

Is ISIS a state? Augusta University Explains (Part 3 of 4)

Dr. Craig Albert, assistant professor of political science at Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia, discusses homegrown terrorism and how to defeat ISIS and political Islam.

Video by Arthur Takahashi and Nick Garrett | JAGWIRE NEWS

How do we fight ISIS? Augusta University Explains (Part 4 of 4)

Dr. Craig Albert, assistant professor of political science at Georgia Regents University, weighs in on the 2016 Democratic Primary.

Georgia Regents University (soon to be Augusta University) is one of four public comprehensive research universities in the state with nearly 10,000 students enrolled in its nine colleges and schools. On Sept. 15, 2015, GRU was renamed Augusta University in an effort to strengthen ties with the Augusta community.

Video by Arthur Takahashi | GRU NEWS

Augusta University Explains the 2016 Democratic Primary

Dr. Craig Albert, assistant professor of political science at Georgia Regents University, weighs in on the 2016 Republican Primary.

Video by Arthur Takahashi | GRU NEWS

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