Realism and Crimea.
Bitterness lingers in Moscow over the drawing of borders post-1991 and this is particularly controversial when it comes to the conflict over Crimea.
Ukraine’s
historical conflicts between Europe and Russia have left the country divided
culturally and politically resulting in a major identity crisis. While western-Ukraine
is occupied by those speaking mostly native Ukrainian and aligning themselves
more towards Europe, eastern-Ukraine is dominated by those who share a cultural
heritage with Russia.
Recently, tensions continue to escalate between
Ukraine and Russia over Crimea as Moscow warns that it will do anything
possible to protect the interests of Russia and Russians within Ukraine
and Crimea.
The International Relations theory of Realism provides an accurate explanation of the fundamental principles behind the conflict between Ukraine and Russia over Crimea. This approach to international relations recognises that all national affairs are in conformity with the states own self interest.
The strategic importance of Crimea to
Russia lies much deeper than the issue of perceived borders. The port of
Sevastopol is also essential to Russia's naval power. The naval base is
fundamental as it is the main method of expanding force through the Mediterranean and beyond. In short, Russia’s main interest in Crimea is in
relation to their naval base in Sevastopol, without this, Russia’s global
military power would be virtually non-existent.
Russia
along with the West and Europe has always had conflicting interest in the
post-Soviet region. The main concern for Ukraine is that after Crimea, Russia
may turn towards Estonia or other eastern parts of Ukraine with a large Russian
speaking population. Although the West and Europe may appear to step in to
defend Ukraine as an ally, it is obvious that their ulterior motives serve in
their own self interest as they want to prevent Russia from expanding their
geographical sphere to include the Ukraine in fear of a repeat of the Soviet
Union and the Cold War.
Crisis deepens in Ukraine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpJWFvKRoK8
The theory of Realism identifies the importance of three key components to each state including Statism, Survival and Self-help. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine over Crimea we must consider these components in relation to the Crimea conflict.
Statism under Realism places great
importance on power and recognizes that conflicts in the sphere of
international relations can only be resolved in war or violence. The acquiring
of as much power as possible is seen to be the main objective for each state
and this could explain the method behind Vladimir Putin’s actions. Putin
realizes that Russia holds greater power in comparison to the Ukraine and
therefore acts upon them without restriction.
 |
| A demonstrator holds a sign with his mouth while taking part in a
protest against Russian troops in Ukraine, outside of the Russian
embassy in Ottawa March 4, 2014. REUTERS |
Machiavelli, whose writings are commonly
used in Realism, states that international relations are not concerned by
issues of morality. It may hold relative importance between nations of equal
power but in terms of superior Russian power over the inferior power of
Ukraine, moral objections are irrelevant. This is seen through Putin’s blatant
disregard for Ukraine’s concerns.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and their
military actions in Crimea reinforce their willingness and preparation to use
their armed forces to achieve their political aims. The question then is how
much Ukraine and the West is willing to tolerate from Russia before the
conflict results in war.
 |
| Armed servicemen wait in Russian army vehicles in Crimea. |
The principle of self-help relates to trust and also recognises the states responsibility for providing national security. Crimea’s invasion by Russia ended Europe and the West’s delusional partnership with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. A loyal partnership with Russian is likely only when Putin believes it is in his nation’s best interest.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine
over Crimea is one that is understood more clearly under the approach of Realism.
It demonstrates that not only do states act in their own self-interest with
their main objection being the acquiring of power, but also that their national
security is paramount above all else and should be pursed at all costs.
Russia’s invasion and threats of military action strengthens the Realist notion
of conflicts only being resolved through warfare.
References:
Christopher Spencer. Ukraine Crisis: The
Theories Involved. Liberty Voice. March 5, 2014. http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/ukraine-crisis-the-theories-involved/
Russia in Crimea: When States Act Out Of
Insecurity. The Diplomat. March 15, 2014. http://thediplomat.com/2014/03/russia-in-crimea-when-states-act-out-of-insecurity/
Time for Realism and Common Sense on
Ukraine. The Nation. March 6, 2014. http://www.thenation.com/article/178655/time-realism-and-common-sense-ukraine
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