8- Ukraine

Question 1

according to maershmeir, what’s nato’s role in the conflict btw russia and ukraine?

Answer 1

maershmeir thinks that nato expansion to eastern Europe has been counterproductive & has undermined stability in the region.
although nato is well-intentioned, how Russia perceives its actions also matters.

Question 2

evidence that supports “Russia did have imperialistic tendencies”

Answer 2

russia also took action when Yanukovich who was pro-Russia wanted better economic relations with the EU

Question 3

risk acceptance is…

Answer 3

the willingness to accept higher risks in the pursuit of military objectives.

Question 4

what drives russia’s risk acceptance? (3)

Answer 4

1. desire to assert its great power status.
2. a belief in the effectiveness of military force.
3. a perception of threats from NATO.

Question 5

How did the west fail to deter russia?

Answer 5

western countries relied too heavily on economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure, but they neglected military deterrence measures.

Question 6

what 2 words characterize german policy towards russia

Answer 6

1. inertia
2. reactiveness

Question 7

inertia is…

Answer 7

the tendency to stick to old policies even if they’re not working.

Question 8

reactiveness is…

Answer 8

waiting for a development to happen before taking action, instead of being proactive.

Question 9

why is germany inertia & reactiveness?

Answer 9

1. german politics is consensus-driven so its difficult to change things
2. germany has economic interest in having stable economic relations with russia.

Question 10

Why is the Ukraine Crisis Is the West’s Fault according to Maershmeir?

Answer 10

The West’s expansion of NATO was based on the liberal delusion that Russia was no longer a threat to Europe, and had accepted the liberal world order ⇒ this delusion ignored Russia’s historical grievances & strategic interests

Question 11

what’s maershmeirs reccomendation to NATO?

Answer 11

the West needs to recognize Russia’s legitimate security concerns and work towards a more cooperative relationship with Russia.

Question 12

explain the russia ukraine conflict usign realism

Answer 12

• The West’s attempt to expand NATO/ EU was seen by Russia as a direct threat to its security interests.
• Russia feared that the West was trying to encircle it and undermine its influence in its traditional sphere of influence.

Question 13

what does the west get wrong about putin? (4) !!!!

Answer 13

1. They thought Putin was a reformer who would lead Russia towards democracy.
2. They underestimated Putin’s popularity among Russians.
3. They have been dismissive of Russia’s concerns and interests- viewing it as a rival.
4. They overlooked authoritarian tendencies in other states, but have been highly critical of Putin.