The fact that Russia is entangled in an increasingly far-reaching crisis with Ukraine mere weeks after hosting the peace-promoting Olympic games is as ironic as it is worrisome. The conflict, which stems from the multiethnic demographic of the Crimean peninsula, began in late February in the wake of a Ukrainian revolution which deposed President Viktor Yanukovych. While Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his belief that Yanukovych was illegally overthrown, Russia has been exerting increasing force over the region in his place, generally taking control of the Crimean Peninsula. The unrest culminated in a poll on the 16th asking Crimeans whether they supported joining Russia as a nation, to which some 95% voted yes.

Despite what seems to be a clear solution, the United States and the European Union are none too pleased with the results. Arguing that the poll was illegal to begin with as it clearly violates the Ukrainian constitution, other global powers speculate that votes were heavily influenced by threats and violence on Russia’s part. President Obama has in turn stated that the international community will not recognize this poll and has committed to punishing Russia for its actions.

While a conflict centered all the way in eastern Europe seems vastly far away from US interests, Americans should be concerned or, at the very least, aware of developments in the Crimean peninsula. With both the US and Russia each having taken firm positions in the clash, a crisis such as this one could doom the quarreling countries to shaky relations reminiscent of the post-Cold War era.

From behind a computer screen or the pages of a newspaper, disputes across oceans can often seem too geographically distant to be of serious concern to Americans. Even when we do accept that a world issue could legitimately affect American lives, it is simply easier to turn a blind eye to the recurring dismal headlines and focus on Justin Bieber’s jail sentence or a list of the top five vacation spots on a budget. Taking comfort in pop culture or news that is closer to home, too many Americans are woefully unaware of issues in the world such as this one.

For a country especially rooted in the value of independence, we of all people should be taking particular interest in a conflict which calls into question this very principle. This is not to mention the similar battles occurring all over the planet: from revolts in Venezuela to ongoing unrest in the Middle East, the world is constantly abuzz with activity which has the potential to hit home regardless of geographic distance. So next time you are scrolling through headlines fraught with celebrity updates and airy pop culture features, take a moment to face your fears and read that unsettling foreign affairs article instead of pretending you never saw it. The first step toward fixing the world’s problems is simply being aware that they are happening, and with people around the world suffering the effects of revolution and unrest, the very least we can do is seek understanding of their struggles.