Maintaining world order in the geopolitical arena is much like a chess game. Each player makes moves, some anticipated, some not. The ability to predict and outperform your opponent is the name of the game, but the chess of life unfortunately does not work the same. History is littered with military conflicts, culminating with the slaying of innocent people, blurred lines of political rhetoric, and the need for a winner or loser. Compromise can save the day, but the male ego can lead either side to become unwilling to give in for the greater good. Today, I am here to discuss the Russo-Ukraine War and the perspectives each side brings to the table.
Chaos ensues when conflicting ideologies clash amongst nations. It has been 12+ years since Russian forces illegally annexed Crimea, essentially fanning the flame for what would become a long-lasting conflict between Ukraine and Russia when full-fledged war broke out in 2022. What we have is a three-headed clash between Russia, Ukraine, and the West. In the eyes of the Russians, Ukraine is historically, culturally, and strategically connected to Russia and should not become an anti-Russian military platform. From the perspective of Ukraine, it sees itself as a sovereign nation that has the right to determine its own alliances and political future. Lastly, we have the West. From the Western perspective, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot legitimately be taken over by a larger, neighboring power.
Each scenario provides the rationale for a nation’s or region’s ideology, yet together they are incompatible. Russia wishes to see multinational cooperation where the world is not controlled exclusively by Western political thought. The Kremlin simply sees Western help toward Ukraine as a chance to weaken Russia on a global scale. Russian foreign policy doctrine describes the U.S. and its allies as pursuing policies to constrain Russia’s sovereignty, economic development, technological capabilities, and role as an independent global power.
Such rhetoric leads to differing perceptions on the war as a whole. For example, the West could say, “We are helping Ukraine defend itself,” while Russia may deduce from the same action that, “The West is trying to use Ukraine to weaken Russia.”
When it comes to foreign wars and geopolitics, one must follow the money and the economics of the situation at hand. Ukraine is rich in minerals, coal, and agriculture. Because of this, control of such assets through a Russian-supported regime in Ukraine may be viewed as favorable to the Kremlin. Ukraine has also historically maintained significant economic ties with Russia, particularly through energy and natural gas. Under leaders such as Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine maintained closer economic and political relations with Moscow. However, political upheaval, economic disagreements, and competing visions for Ukraine’s future have only fanned the flames further between the two nations.
The United States and Europe see the conflict through the lens of sovereignty, international law, European security, and the precedent that Russia’s actions could establish for the rest of the world. From the first scenario listed, the West sees Ukraine as a sovereign nation with the right to determine its own political and military alliances. Therefore, the West rejects the idea that Russia has a legitimate sphere of influence over the foreign policy of neighboring sovereign nations.
Secondly, the West sees the invasion as a threat to world order. If Russia can invade and successfully acquire territory, who is to say it won’t encourage another powerful country to do the same? Although the West does not wish to see Russia destroyed, the West has its own strategic interests, which include maintaining European stability, protecting NATO credibility, preventing further territorial expansion, protecting trade routes and economic interests, maintaining relationships with European allies, preserving the post-World War II international security framework, and demonstrating that military aggression carries significant costs.
So what about Ukraine?
The United Nations Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against another state’s territorial integrity or political independence is brought into the equation. From the perspective of the Ukrainian people, they are fighting a war against an aggressor who has invaded their nation. Ukraine has the right to decide its fate and who it aligns itself with. Therefore, Ukraine rejects Russian authority or a “sphere of influence” over Ukrainian life and foreign policy. Just because of our geographic location next to Russia doesn’t necessarily eliminate our sovereignty. Western support, according to the Ukrainians, is essential for protection against Russian aggression. Such efforts to gain support from the West aren’t necessarily an offensive move, but a consequence of feeling threatened.
The war in Ukraine has implications that affect the world as a whole. The major actors remain unwilling or unable to reconcile their competing demands. What precedent does it set if Ukraine gives in to Russian-occupied territory? It could show other world leaders and nations that armed conflict can lead to land conquest without meaningful repercussions from the international community as a whole.
Are Russian concerns about America’s and Europe’s sphere of influence in Ukraine validated? What are the implications of world pacts outside of NATO on the world scale? Do you think a nation should be able to control its own future without being invaded by a local powerhouse such as Russia?
The questions are endless, but let’s hope the war is not
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