Case Study 1: Russia/Ukraine

Review the Policy Perspectives in IR textbook (p. 100). The

information describes efforts of maintaining cooperation between a
powerful neighbor (Russia) and a weaker traditionally aligned state
(Ukraine). The description outlines conditions as they existed in 2010.
Since that time conditions have changed substantially: a new
president, replacement of NATO by a different issue, movement from a
threatening neighbor to invading neighbor . . . all which demonstrates
how rapidly changes can take place, and how significant they can be
on the international scale.
Use the resource links provided to update conditions under each
subheading below. Update the descriptions by indicating what has
happened since 2010 to September 2014 (summarize but include key
specifics, such as names of actors, nations, issues, actions, etc.).

See resources in WorldSPOT_LIGHT

Conflict-Sovereignty and Ukraine, Russia, and Crimera
Background (provide updated information)
Struggling to recover from a deep recession Ukraine accepts $15
million dollar loan from Russia and chooses not to sign Economic
Agreement with European Union.
Ukraine rejects membership agreement with NATO; still responsive
to joining EU.
Russia invades Ukraine and takes possession of the Black Sea
Peninsula with 1000 ground troops and weapons; violating Ukraines
sovereignty and the United Nations International rules of
engagement.
Crimea votes in favor of referendum to declare independence from
Ukraine and return to Russia.
U.S. and EU does not recognize results of Referendum, says that it is
direct violation of Ukraine and International norms.
Domestic Considerations (provide updated information)

Without Russian trade, Ukraine faces a continuing destabilizing

economy; failing currency and diminishing foreign exchange rates.
With Black Sea Peninsula under Russian control, Ukraine is unable to
continue trade and receipt of international goods to sustain her
already weak economic position.

Scenario (provide updated information)

A divided Ukraine could face a civil war between regions bordering

Russia and those in the Eastern region.
Russian invasion of Ukraine and the lack of military assistance from
her neighbors, such a Germany, place other regions within the
interior of Ukraine and bordering nations at risk for further
advancement of Russian troops through out Europe.
As a result of imposing sanctions, U.S could face off with Russian in
an Economic warfare, that could be potentially harmful to US
economy and her position as the lone Superpower left in the world;
positioning China and Russia to take over top spot.

Choose your policy (provide updated questions and decision-factors)

Formulate and enforce economic sanctions that critically affect

Russias ability to export their main commodity of natural gas.
Provide UN military assistance as a peace keeping force in Ukraine
to protect her people and vital natural resources and to deter
further invasion into Ukraines interior and other vulnerable
bordering nations.
Provide economic aid, medical assistance and food subsidy through
neutral agencies such as WTO and the Red Cross.

Core Principles and Theoretical Perspectives (based upon your

engagement with Exercise 2, provide the theoretical bases for
assessing this case study)

An established worldwide recognition of dominance by the US,

including our vast economic and military capabilities, did not deter
Russia from invading the Ukraine; it is time to consider a realist
reciprocal relationship Russia.
Russia believes she has a score to settle with the rest of the NATO
nations and the US in particular and because of the losses sustained
during the cold war era, she is committed to regaining her position
as the most feared superpower in the world. Russia is aiming to
take back by force all that was conceded and lost during that
period.
There is no easy solution to be found within the principles of the
Collective Goods and I truly believe that just one approach will not
satisfy the complexities of this enormous situation; however the
utilization of all 3 approaches, (dominance, reciprocal and identity)
and from both perspectives is what is needed to address this
serious conflict, because if left unattended, it will result in the next
World War.