WashU Experts

In the wake of the slap heard ‘round the world — actor Will Smith’s blow to comedian Chris Rock’s left cheek — scholars in the business of entertainment in the Olin Business School say the situation is shot through with reputational risk.

With the war in Ukraine only seeming to ramp up, instead of down, and Vladimir Putin’s aggression against those who defend the Ukrainian people increases, Liberty Vittert, a data science expert at Olin Business School, said it’s only a matter of time until the U.S. faces a cyber attack. But that begs the question: What constitutes an act of war against the United States?

Although not every violation of the law of war amounts to a ‘war crime,” the facts emerging from the conflict thus far are deeply troubling, says international criminal law expert Leila Sadat.

International business experts John Horn and Patrick Moreton offer their perspectives on the developing situation with China, including challenges facing the country and what impact their actions could have on the Chinese and global economies.

Analyzing more than 200 years of conflicts, David Carter in Arts & Sciences finds revisionist states — like Russia — have made territorial claims when the great powers that dominate the international system are embroiled in crisis.

Interdisciplinary Washington University research finds patients may be OK with artificial intelligence playing a role in medical diagnostics.

Research shows investing in programs such as Head Start can help families exit poverty and speed economic growth, according to Washington University sociologist Caitlyn Collins.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently declared that their nations’ friendship had “no limits.” But that partnership has been sorely tested by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, argues Washington University’s Zhao Ma.

The unprecedented scale and unanimity of the sanctions imposed on Russia have crippled its economy and represent a new form of economic warfare, according to Mark P. Taylor, dean of Olin Business School at Washington University.

James Wertsch, an expert on Russia and international affairs, analyzes Vladimir Putin’s motivation in attacking Ukraine. He says that Putin sees Russia’s mission as aiming to triumph over democracy and encourage the rise of Christian fascism everywhere.