Why did the conflict in Ukraine start? A realist and social-constructivist approach

Onati, Ioan-Alexandru

4. term

European Studies, Master

2016

2016-07-28

70 pages

International relations become a more and more important domain within our everyday life. Also in the academic world and professional life, there is an ongoing debate if the actions of one actor or another are based on one or more of the theories that describe the field. This paper tries to share some insight in the complicated web that entangles actors, be there states or other types. The background provided in the first part of this paper has the purpose to bring into light the changes that took place in the Ukrainian society, at the governing level and the decisional level. The facts are presented in detail, from a political science point of view, because the author wished to point out the undeniable changed that took place in the recent history of the Ukrainian state, but nonetheless also in the mentality of the people of Ukraine. The election results presented serve as proof of the change mentioned above. From a theoretical point of view, every theory has the means to explain the timeline of events. From a realist point of view, Russia is searching to accumulate more power and assert authority in the world, trying to rebuild its own former glory. Its pursuit in doing so, as realists would argue, is being counterbalanced by the Western world by preventing it from following its own agenda. From a constructivist point of view, the Western world is pursuing to introduce and maintain its authority in terms of values. The clash of the identities is permanent, when two sets of values collide in the international system. All in all, Ukrainian society is divided, that is a fact that no theory will change, and until that fact stands, there will be no solution to the crisis that emerged.  

Ukraine ; Realism ; Constructivism ; Conflict ; Foreign Policy ; Causes ; Developments ; Offensive Realism

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