Nicolai N. Petro is professor of political science at the University of Rhode Island. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was an Echols Scholar and member of the Jefferson Society. In addition to authoring eight books on Russian politics, he has served as special assistant for policy in the US State Department, and as advisor to the mayor of the Russian city of Novgorod the Great. In addition to commenting in the International Herald Tribune, Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor, and Asia Times, he writes an occasional blog devoted to Russia at OpEdNews.com.
On September 26, 2008, Petro addressed the Jefferson Society on the topic: Dr. Strangelove in the Caucasus; Or, How Saak Goes his War Game On. Visit Mr. Petro’s website for a detailed timeline of the recent crisis in the Caucasus.