This study highlights the challenges and risks posed by the Russian-Ukraine war from the perspective of the prolonged absence of peaceful negotiations. The war has in diverse ways created divisions among states, thereby posing a challenge for both ally nations, traitors and enemies alike. The world has barely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, which in particular has already landed the economies of many states into recession, causing an increased inflation rate and relatedly high cost of living. Forced migration caused by wars in the Middle East has consistently influenced migrant flows towards northern Africa and the EU; additionally, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine introduces yet another significant number of migrant flows towards the EU. Energy supplies in many countries have been severely impacted; the rising cost of crude oil has subsequently affected the cost of transportation and industrial production, such as agricultural inputs like fertilisers. Additionally, it is feared that at some point, if the war should unduly progress, superpowers possessing nuclear weapons may employ their use to exert their dominance or superiority, to deter, or to compel ‘enemies’ to surrender. Given the scale of challenges the war presents, this study tries to make meaning of the failure in attempts at a peaceful resolution both from the perspectives of institutionalism and the realist conception of state interest.
The relevance of mediation using the case of the Minsk agreement reflects some traits of the non-binding weaknesses that usually plague the outcomes of mediation. Therefore, it is important to emphasise that in the absence of any binding legal framework or arbitrary principles, outcomes from mediations will remain quite fragile and, thus, subject to possible non-compliance by aggrieved disputants. This poses as the main setback in the efforts to mediation process.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1.0 Introduction
- 2.0 The relevance of mediation in modern diplomacy; the case of the Minsk agreement
- 2.1 The Russian dominance in the Minsk agreements
- 2.2 Failure of negotiations in the current Russia-Ukraine war
- 3.0 The Realism of state interest versus Institutionalism
- 4.0 An imminent nuclear threat
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study analyzes the challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on the lack of peace negotiations and its global implications. It examines the failure of peace efforts through the lenses of realism and institutionalism, using the Minsk agreements as a case study. The study also addresses the looming threat of nuclear escalation.
- Failure of peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war
- The role of realism and institutionalism in understanding the conflict
- The implications of the war on global stability and security
- The threat of nuclear escalation
- The impact of the war on global challenges such as food insecurity and energy supply
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1.0 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by outlining the multifaceted challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine war. It emphasizes the heightened global concern regarding the potential use of nuclear weapons due to the persistent absence of peace negotiations. The chapter highlights the failure of peace talks in the current conflict, contrasting it with the Minsk agreements, which, while imperfect, offered a path to de-escalation in the 2014 Donbas conflict. The chapter underscores the global governance challenges presented by the war, particularly regarding the existing principles governing peace and international security, and cites the UN Charter's emphasis on peaceful conflict resolution. The chapter concludes by noting the lack of collective pressure on both warring parties to engage in dialogue and the irony of resources being channeled towards destruction instead of peaceful solutions. It touches upon the historical lack of success in international security cooperation, particularly highlighting the indifference of both Russian and Ukrainian leaderships to peaceful dialogue.
2.0 The relevance of mediation in modern diplomacy; the case of the Minsk agreement: This chapter delves into the role of mediation in modern diplomacy, using the Minsk agreements as a prime example. It analyzes the agreements' strengths and weaknesses, particularly the Russian influence and the ultimate failure of these agreements to prevent the current escalation. The chapter examines the dynamics of the negotiations, the reasons for their ultimate failure and the non-binding nature of their outcomes. By highlighting the shortcomings of the Minsk process, this chapter sets the stage for a deeper examination of the broader obstacles to peaceful conflict resolution in the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.
3.0 The Realism of state interest versus Institutionalism: This chapter explores the conflict through the lenses of realism and institutionalism, two major schools of thought in international relations theory. It contrasts the realist emphasis on state self-interest with the institutionalist focus on international cooperation and norms. The chapter analyzes how these theoretical perspectives can help explain the actions of the involved parties, the failure of diplomatic efforts, and the overall dynamics of the conflict. It likely weighs the relative strengths and limitations of both approaches in interpreting the conflict's complexities.
4.0 An imminent nuclear threat: This chapter focuses on the alarming threat of nuclear escalation, examining the potential consequences of such a scenario. It discusses the motivations that might drive the use of nuclear weapons and the precarious security environment created by the ongoing war. The chapter likely analyzes various possible scenarios and the potential response of the international community, highlighting the extreme gravity of the situation and the urgent need for de-escalation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Russia-Ukraine War, peace negotiations, Minsk agreements, realism, institutionalism, nuclear threat, international security, global governance, food insecurity, energy crisis, conflict resolution, mediation, diplomacy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of this study?
This study analyzes the challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on the lack of peace negotiations and its global implications. It examines the failure of peace efforts through the lenses of realism and institutionalism, using the Minsk agreements as a case study, and also addresses the looming threat of nuclear escalation.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The key themes include the failure of peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war, the role of realism and institutionalism in understanding the conflict, the implications of the war on global stability and security, the threat of nuclear escalation, and the impact of the war on global challenges such as food insecurity and energy supply.
What does Chapter 1.0 (Introduction) discuss?
The introduction sets the stage by outlining the multifaceted challenges of the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing the concern over potential nuclear weapon use due to absent peace negotiations. It contrasts the current conflict's failed peace talks with the Minsk agreements. It also highlights global governance challenges and the lack of collective pressure for dialogue, touching on historical failures in international security cooperation.
What is the focus of Chapter 2.0 (The relevance of mediation in modern diplomacy; the case of the Minsk agreement)?
This chapter examines the role of mediation in modern diplomacy, using the Minsk agreements as an example. It analyzes the agreements' strengths and weaknesses, especially Russian influence, and their ultimate failure to prevent the current escalation. It explores negotiation dynamics and obstacles to peaceful conflict resolution.
How does Chapter 3.0 (The Realism of state interest versus Institutionalism) approach the conflict?
This chapter explores the conflict through the perspectives of realism and institutionalism. It contrasts the realist focus on state self-interest with the institutionalist emphasis on international cooperation and norms. It analyzes how these perspectives explain the actions of involved parties and the failure of diplomatic efforts.
What is the main topic of Chapter 4.0 (An imminent nuclear threat)?
This chapter focuses on the alarming threat of nuclear escalation, examining its potential consequences. It discusses motivations for using nuclear weapons and the precarious security environment created by the war. It analyzes potential scenarios and the international community's possible responses, highlighting the urgency of de-escalation.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
The keywords include Russia-Ukraine War, peace negotiations, Minsk agreements, realism, institutionalism, nuclear threat, international security, global governance, food insecurity, energy crisis, conflict resolution, mediation, and diplomacy.
- Quote paper
- Moses Appiah (Author), 2022, Russia-Ukraine War. The Prospects of Peaceful Resolution Amidst Global Challenges and Imminent Risk of Nuclear War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1555637
