Joseph Lemoine
Professor Farrell
Intro. to International Politics
10-9-2014
Memorandum: Realism, Constructivism, and Russian Aggression
Overview: In recent months, Russia has invaded Ukraine and annexed the Crimean Peninsula. There are a variety of reasons as to why Russia took such bold actions in Ukraine, but the situation can best be interpreted through use the use of realism and constructivism. Although each of these theories will lead to different explanations and policy changes, it is important to analyze both when viewing the Russian behavior in Ukraine.
Analysis - Realism: The theory of realism centers on certain assumptions regarding the international system, the interaction between states, and their various priorities and …show more content…
As we know, Russia has nuclear capability, enormous military strength, and was a global superpower until the fall of the U.S.S.R. in 1991. While it is no longer a superpower, it is what John Mearsheimer describes as a “great power” in his article The Tragedy of Great Powers where he postulates that great powers have the ability to be aggressive due to their offensive military capabilities. Russia has clearly shown aggressive and even imperialistic intentions with its annexation of Crimea, an area which has not been under Russian rule since communists controlled the …show more content…
Instead of focusing on power and materialistic gains, constructivist Russia emphasizes the importance of intangible concepts such as norms, ideas, and perceptions; all which are influenced by society as a whole. Also key to constructivism is the notion that states have many ideas and their perceptions of one another are fluid and can change with time. We see this in the relationship between Russia and Ukraine which until recently upheld a treaty that had guaranteed the protection of Ukrainian territorial and political sovereignty. Russia’s change of heart regarding this treaty is evident by their annexation of Crimea and determination to bring about the fall of a democratic government. This abrupt change in policy may be the result of changing perceptions within the Russian government about the safety of the
Professor Farrell
Intro. to International Politics
10-9-2014
Memorandum: Realism, Constructivism, and Russian Aggression
Overview: In recent months, Russia has invaded Ukraine and annexed the Crimean Peninsula. There are a variety of reasons as to why Russia took such bold actions in Ukraine, but the situation can best be interpreted through use the use of realism and constructivism. Although each of these theories will lead to different explanations and policy changes, it is important to analyze both when viewing the Russian behavior in Ukraine.
Analysis - Realism: The theory of realism centers on certain assumptions regarding the international system, the interaction between states, and their various priorities and …show more content…
As we know, Russia has nuclear capability, enormous military strength, and was a global superpower until the fall of the U.S.S.R. in 1991. While it is no longer a superpower, it is what John Mearsheimer describes as a “great power” in his article The Tragedy of Great Powers where he postulates that great powers have the ability to be aggressive due to their offensive military capabilities. Russia has clearly shown aggressive and even imperialistic intentions with its annexation of Crimea, an area which has not been under Russian rule since communists controlled the …show more content…
Instead of focusing on power and materialistic gains, constructivist Russia emphasizes the importance of intangible concepts such as norms, ideas, and perceptions; all which are influenced by society as a whole. Also key to constructivism is the notion that states have many ideas and their perceptions of one another are fluid and can change with time. We see this in the relationship between Russia and Ukraine which until recently upheld a treaty that had guaranteed the protection of Ukrainian territorial and political sovereignty. Russia’s change of heart regarding this treaty is evident by their annexation of Crimea and determination to bring about the fall of a democratic government. This abrupt change in policy may be the result of changing perceptions within the Russian government about the safety of the