Russia-Ukraine Conflict
New Cold War
-Russia is far weaker than USSR, economy dependent of oil -Most of Europe is pro-Western, many ex-Soviet are NATO, EU or both -Neither policy options, confrontational or conciliatory by US have produced a relationship -West is using economic sanctions to punish Russia, costs limiting action -Russia is content with frozen conflict as it keeps West on guard-costs are increasing
Why Russia wants Crimea
1. History, 1954 Crimea given to Ukrainian Republic; fixing historical wrong 2. Spheres of influence, states around you should be friends; Crimea was way of letting Ukraine know what they are doing wrong (trying to going EU/West) 3. Coethics, Russia has duty to defend compatriots
Why was there war, Russia perspective
1. Russia was concerned about uprising, wanted to avoid similar one in Russia 2. Strong nationalism, Russian display of power 3. Russian imperialist ambitions, belief in being leaders in world politics 4. Putin, wanted to demonstrate that he's a great leader
Why was there war, external perspective
1. West provoked Russia (Mearsheimer), NATO has expanded too far; projection of NATO strengthen threatened Russia causing it to act in self-defense 2. Western weakness caused war, weak Obama administration, lack of confrontation by US
Questions about conflict
1. Why was there war 2. Why did Russia want Crimea 3. New Cold War
Connection to spiral model
if the US increases support will Russia also increase aid, escalation of conflict
Current issue
should US increase its support to Ukraine
