wk 6 Foreign Relations: Russia-Ukraine Dynamics and Implications

Resurgent Russia

Russia's renewed assertiveness in global politics.

Ukraine War

Conflict initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Putin's View on Ukraine

Claims Ukraine is not an independent state.

Territorial Conquest

Invasion aimed at integrating and controlling territories.

Sovereignty

Nation's right to self-govern and make choices.

Putin's Sovereignty Concept

Equates sovereignty with national strength and autonomy.

Quid Pro Quo

Mutual benefit expectation in international relations.

Munich Speech 2007

Putin criticizes US unipolarity and military dominance.

2008 Invasion of Georgia

Russia's military action to prevent NATO expansion.

2014 Annexation of Crimea

Russia's takeover of Crimea escalating tensions with the West.

Military Buildup

Russia's increased military presence near NATO borders.

Nuclear Arsenal

Investment in tactical nuclear weapons technology.

Cyber Hacking

Covert operations to disrupt foreign elections and systems.

Misinformation Campaigns

Spreading false information to influence public opinion.

Economic Decline

Long-term stagnation affecting Russia's global power status.

Western Influence

Expansion of NATO and partnerships threatening Russia.

Putin's Regime

Authoritarian governance opposing Western democratic values.

Self-Determination

Principle seen as a constraint on Russian expansion.

US Liberal Order

Post-WWII framework promoting democracy and sovereignty.

Barry Posen

Analyst discussing US foreign policy and military force.

Timothy Snyder

Historian analyzing Ukraine's historical context.

Great Power Status

Russia's aspiration to equal US and China.

US-Russia Relations

Complex dynamics shaped by historical misunderstandings.

Traditional Values

Putin's narrative promoting Christianity and masculinity.

Populist Funding

Support for far-right movements in Europe.

European Security Order

Framework challenged by Russia's aggressive policies.

Long-term Strategy

Russia's commitment to revising regional power dynamics.

Russian Aggression

Historical pattern of expansionist behavior by Russia.

Soviet Prestige

Desire to reclaim influence from the Soviet era.

Putin's Fear

Concern over democratization threatening regime stability.

Sphere of Influence

Area where a nation exerts cultural or political control.

NATO Expansion

NATO's growth perceived as a threat by Russia.

2008 NATO Summit

Discussion on admitting Georgia and Ukraine to NATO.

2010 Ukrainian Election

Pro-Russian leader elected, favoring ties with Moscow.

2012 EU-Ukraine Deal

Proposed economic reforms to align Ukraine with EU.

2013 Anti-Government Protests

Protests leading to the ousting of pro-Russian government.

2014 Crimea Annexation

Russia's takeover of Crimea, citing ethnic Russian majority.

2022 Invasion of Ukraine

Full-scale military action by Russia against Ukraine.

Realist Theory

Focus on power dynamics and national interests.

Liberal Theory

Emphasizes cooperation and democratic values in relations.

War of Attrition

Strategy to exhaust enemy resources over time.

Norms Against Conquest

International principles opposing territorial expansion.

Taiwan Nexus

Potential for China to invade Taiwan following Russia's actions.

Xi Jinping's Assertiveness

Increased Chinese military and political assertiveness globally.

Global Financial Crisis 2008-09

Economic downturn impacting global perceptions of US power.

Liberal Optimists

Belief in trade fostering peaceful US-China relations.

Realist Pessimists

View inevitable competition between US and China.

China's Economic Growth

Proxy for national power and military expansion.

Maritime Dominance

China's goal to control South China Sea trade routes.

Fishing Militia

China's strategy using fishing fleets to assert claims.

Island Building

Constructing military bases on artificial islands.

Regime Legitimization

China's demand for recognition of its governance.

Territorial Claims

China's insistence on sovereignty over disputed areas.

Economic Development

China's push for respect of its developmental goals.

Regional Co-Management

China's desire for equal status with the US in Asia.

Weak Deterrence

Ineffective measures to prevent aggressive actions.

Weak Coalition

Insufficient unity among nations against aggression.

Long-Term Commitment

Sustained engagement required to counterbalance threats.