International Relations | Journals

The IUP Journal of International Relations

National Identity Complexities: Genesis of Russian-Ukraine Conflict

Article Details

Pub. Date	: Oct , 2022
Product Name	: The IUP Journal of International Relations
Product Type	: Article
Product Code	: IJIR011022
Author Name	: Subhash B
Availability	: YES
Subject/Domain	: Arts & Humanities
Download Format	: PDF Format
No. of Pages	: 25

Price

Download

Abstract

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has dealt another blow to the world which was slowly recovering from the impact of Covid-19. Global economies were just beginning to make a turnaround, hoping to recover from supply chain disruptions and boost trade activities. However, the Ukraine crisis dealt a blow to trade activities by creating a food and energy crisis. Moreover, this war has put more pressure on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European economies, especially Germany, which are majorly dependent on Russian supplies of gas and oil. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the genesis of the Russia-Ukraine crisis from the question of national identity complexities in Ukraine's nation-building process. It covers all the major events in the bilateral relations between Russia and Ukraine until invasion and provides an in-depth analysis of what led to this impasse.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

- Mathew 24:7

Introduction

The current Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to a worldwide geopolitical debate. Many scholars have different views and perspectives pertaining to this conflict as to who should be blamed. Is it Russia or Ukraine or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)? However, if looked at from the historical perspective, one can perceive that the current conflict has a strong base in national identity crisis leading to geopolitical flashpoint between Russia and Ukraine. On the other hand, the West led by the United States has only aggravated the conflict.

Ukraine was part of Russia from 1922 to 1991. Post the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991 along with other Soviet Union countries who aspired to be an independent nation. Ukraine had been clamoring for change and wanted to establish a state based on liberal ideology. However, the historical baggage, i.e., the cultural affinity with Russia has had an impact on the nation-building process of Ukraine.