It may seem trivial to state that the west helped cause, rather than did cause, the crisis in Ukraine but from a theoretical point of view, this distinction is essential.
The Ukrainian crisis represents a dangerous and unpredictable situation generated by several actors. Attributing blame, as Mearsheimer does, does not promote dialogue.
Because Russia cares too much and Europe cares too little for Ukraine, a state’s sovereignty is shattered, its people divided, and its future is now uncertain.
Van Herpen expertly details the complicated legacy that empire has on the modern Russian state – and offers an important background to on-going events in Ukraine.
Pushing Russia into isolation will raise insecurities in Eastern Europe and will possibly resurrect the Cold War. Therefore the crisis must be resolved via negotiation.
The main criticism on relations with Ukraine must fall on U.S. and Western foreign policy or, more precisely, the lack of one.
Godzimirski’s edited collection is a timely analysis of Russia’s energy policies that will aid our understanding of the recent past and future of this volatile region.
Serrano emphasises the importance of domestic politics in shaping policy decisions at the EU level, an influence that has not always been empirically justified.
In order to restore security of small states, it should be made clear that geopolitical thinking and behind-the-back deal-making is not a norm in international relations.
President Obama may be naïve, and Putin may be a tough guy who knows both the West’s weaknesses, but Putin has made a serious mistake in seizing the Crimea.
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