Ukrainians’ use of tunnels in war has a long history around the world

+ Moldova's role in Ukraine war; burying the dead makes us human US Edition - Today's top story: Going underground: Ukraine's subterranean fighters highlight the benefit -- and long history -- of tunnels in warfare [View in browser]( US Edition | 28 April 2022 [The Conversation]( The Conversation’s coverage of the war in Ukraine has probed many aspects of the conflict, from the more obvious stories about refugees and weapons to the less obvious – but no less important – role that religion plays in the conflict. This week, though, we published the kind of story that showcases our ability to call on researchers who study fascinating subjects and ask them to apply their expertise to illuminate current events. That story was commissioned by editor Matt Williams, who works in New York but was born and raised in the U.K. Here’s his description of how it came about: Bethnal Green tube station in London used to serve as my gateway to other parts of the city. But for Eastenders living through the Blitz in World War II, it was more than that: It was an underground refuge, albeit one tinged with tragedy. So I knew tunnels were important in conflict, but I had no idea of[the long history of using the underground as both a defensive and offensive tool](. Fortunately, military historian Paul J. Springer did. His piece takes readers through a fascinating journey from Assyrian sappers digging under Egyptian fortifications, through the wars of the 20th century, and on to Ukraine. Fighters there are using sprawling networks of tunnels under cities, including in the long-besieged Mariupol, and the Russians are confronted with a maze of catacombs that is only partially mapped. Naomi Schalit Senior Editor, Politics + Society Ukrainian fighters entering a tunnel. Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images [Going underground: Ukraine’s subterranean fighters highlight the benefit – and long history – of tunnels in warfare]( Paul J. Springer, Air University Ukrainian fighters are utilizing a maze of tunnels in Mariupol and other key cities. The use of the underground in conflict has a rich history. A Ukrainian family crosses into Slovakia on Feb. 25, 2022. PETER LAZAR/AFP via Getty Images [Even once female Ukrainian refugees reach safety, they face new burdens as single heads of household]( Dilek Cindoglu, Georgetown University Female Ukrainian refugees are suddenly tasked with shouldering both home and work responsibilities. Policy measures are needed to respond to women’s unique situations during this war. Ukraine destroyed a railway, shown on April 2, 2022, to prevent passage from Transnistria to Ukraine. Andrea Mancini/NurPhoto via Getty Images [4 things to know about Moldova and Transnistria – and why Russia’s war may spread beyond Ukraine to reach them soon]( Tatsiana Kulakevich, University of South Florida Military tensions and political concern are heating up in Transnistria, a breakaway state of Moldova that borders Ukraine. An Eastern European expert answers four key questions about this region. - [How burying the dead keeps the living human]( Dimitris Xygalatas, University of Connecticut Ukrainian families’ anguish at not being able to bury their loved ones underscores a deep human need, an anthropologist writes. - [Despite $400 boost, Pell Grants fall far short of original goal to make college more affordable for low- and middle-income students]( Donald E. Heller, University of San Francisco The Pell Grant would have to be doubled in order for its purchasing power to be anywhere near what it used to be, a scholar observes. - [As Ukraine war deepens great-power divisions, a revitalized non-aligned movement could emerge]( John Ciorciari, University of Michigan Not all nations have joined in a united front against Russia’s invasion. The conflict and talk of a new Cold War could reignite the nonaligned movement. - [Elon Musk and the oligarchs of the ‘Second Gilded Age’ can not only sway the public – they can exploit their data, too]( Nolan Higdon, California State University, East Bay Media ownership has consolidated around a handful of billionaires – and that might not be great for democracy. - [Revisiting Will Smith’s slap and what it means to protect a loved one]( Neil Roberts, Williams College By slapping Chris Rock during an internationally televised awards ceremony, Will Smith demonstrated that chivalry is not dead. But was that the protection Jada Pinckett Smith wanted or needed? - [Harriet Tubman led military raids during the Civil War as well as her better-known slave rescues]( Kate Clifford Larson, Brandeis University Harriet Tubman has long been known as a conductor on the Underground Railroad leading enslaved Black people to freedom. Less known is her role as a Union spy during the Civil War. - [Rising authoritarianism and worsening climate change share a fossil-fueled secret]( Eve Darian-Smith, University of California, Irvine A new book lays out the connections between industries and politicians that are both stalling action on climate change and diminishing democracy. Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our other weekly emails: [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Weekly Highlights]( [The Conversation]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]( 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 [Forward to a friend]( • [Unsubscribe](