Encountering Evil and Taking a Stand

On this episode of the Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we have a conversation with Roman Sheremeta, a distinguished behavioral economist and professor at Case Western Reserve University. Roman shares his personal experiences and insights on the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the devastating impact of the conflict. The discussion covers the global implications of the war, the importance of standing against aggression, and the role of strength in maintaining peace. Christopher and Roman also address broader geopolitical issues, including the US government's response and the need for strong leadership and unity. You’re listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let’s go. Roman Sheremeta on the Devastating Impact of War on Ukraine Roman Sheremeta recounts the harrowing impact of the war on Ukraine, highlighting the destruction of infrastructure and the psychological toll on the population. He shares his personal experiences of visiting a children's hospital in Ukraine, where the war's impact on the hospital and its patients is heart-wrenching. Roman also discusses the challenges faced by his family and friends in Ukraine and his efforts to raise funds to support his alma mater, which has also been affected by the conflict. Despite the devastating circumstances, Roman emphasizes the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people. He describes the daily challenges faced by Ukrainians, including the constant threat of air raids and the psychological burden of living in a war zone. He also shares the emotional toll of losing friends and family members in the conflict. Roman Sheremeta on the Global Implications of the War Roman highlights the global implications of the war, emphasizing the need for strength and unity in the face of tyranny. He warns of the potential for further aggression if the international community does not take a stand against the war. “This is not just a Ukrainian war; this is something that concerns the whole of humanity. If we don’t stop this evil now, it will only be emboldened, leading to real trouble.” – Roman Sheremeta Christopher and Roman discuss the role of strength in maintaining peace and deterring aggression, drawing on historical examples and behavioral economics principles. The Importance of Standing Up Against Aggression Both Christopher and Roman share personal experiences of standing up against aggression. Christopher recounts defending two older women from harassment, while Roman shares a story of intervening to stop a thief. These experiences highlight the importance of strength in deterring aggression and the challenges of doing so within the current legal and societal framework. The conversation then touches on the complexities of democracy and international relations. Roman provides insights into the motivations behind the war and debunks false narratives about the situation. Both Christopher and Roman express frustration with the lack of consistent support for countries facing aggression and call for a more principled approach to international conflicts. To hear more from Roman Sheremeta and how the global community can help end the war, download and listen to this episode. Bio Roman Sheremeta is a renowned economist specializing in experimental and behavioral economics. He earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Economics at Case Western Reserve University. Sheremeta's research primarily focuses on conflict resolution, competitive behavior, and decision-making processes, gaining him international recognition and numerous academic accolades. In addition to his academic roles, Sheremeta is a frequent contributor to leading economic journals and conferences. His innovative experiments and studies have significantly advanced the unde...