Explanations for the Ukrainian Conflict (Fomin)
Mearsheimer’s Argument
Western strategy to expand NATO has triggered Putin’s red-line; Ukraine is a “de-facto member of NATO”
Timeline of the Ukrainian Crisis (Mearsheimer)
Kotkin’s Argument
The Ukraine Crisis is predictable Russian behavior (autocracy, militarism, imperialism, suspicion); NATO has actually helped West be in a better position
War was a miscalculation (Kotkin)
Bad information pipeline due to autocracy; “силовеки” cautious of Western involvement
Beauchamp’s Argument
1) Putin believes Ukraine is rightfully part of Russia separated by historical accident
2) Ukraine’s illegitimate pro-West, anti-Russian stance is unacceptable (views Ukraine as oppressing Russian speakers; fearful of U.S.-backed regime change)
Gelman Argument
Russia invaded Ukraine due to poor autocratic decision-making errors (“pockets of efficiency (not caring about long-term costs; placement of loyal & incompetent advisors)
Marten Argument
Putin is rational even w/ the information shortage, but miscalculations are increasingly likely w/ more Western involvement
Rationality Requirements (Marten)
1) Rational actor has a set of goals that they act on
2) The actor’s goals are more or less consistently prioritized
3) The actor searches for information before taking action
Putin’s Goals (Marten)
1) Stay in control of Russia for as long as possible
2) Go down in history for making Russia great again
Causes of Information Shortage (Marten)
1) Messengers fear personal consequences of delivering uncomfortable truths
2) Putin has personally isolated himself & ignores facts he doesn’t want to believe
3) Russian leadership itself is very old & unlikely to be inventive
Why Russia is a large player in international affairs
Largest country by landmass, #1 war participator, epicenter of 20th cen. death
Security Dilemma
Anarchy, self-help & uncertain motivations –> mutual insecurity
O-D balance
More or less costly to attack vs. defend (offensive/defensive advantage); Russia = offensive advantage
O-D distinguishability
Degree to which defense can be differentiated (low vs. high distinguishability); Russia = low distinguishability
Grand Themes in Russian FP
Expansion Autocracy Prestige/Great Power status Backwardness Ambiguity of identity
Poe Timeline
Poe Argument (The Russian Moment)
Distinct, different civilization to neighboring countries; stood up to empires due to…
1) Autocracy
2) Closed economy
3) Geography (inaccessible by sea)
4) Competition w/ West & threat of Europe
Timeline of Revolution–>WWII
Soviet post-war aims
1) Making sure Germany & Japan are kept down
2) Securing buffer zone in E. Europe (“defensively-motivated revisionist”
3) Attempting to cooperate w/ war allies (needed legitimacy & aid)
Cold War Triggers
1) Atomic power imbalance
2) Marshall Plan & NATO
3) U.S. refuses to back pro-Soviet govts; need for buffer zone
End of WWII thoughts (Pechatnov)
Soviet post-war aims in E. Europe (Pechatnov)
Negative shift in U.S.-Soviet realtions (Pechatnov)