Russia and Ukraine: the Multi-method Approach to Understand an Interstate Conflict

Denis Lomov* and Boris Barkanov, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505

Field (Broad Category): Political Science-International Relations (Oral-Human Engagement) 

Student’s Major: International Relations 

This research aims to investigate the reasons and context of the escalating Russian-Ukrainian military conflict. I argue that this case is a unique example of conflict in the sense that both realism/neorealism and neoliberalism International Relations' frameworks can be applied. I use the multi-method approach to examine how basic concepts of two main International Relations schools allow us to look at the conflict from several angles. Within the scope of this study, several theories have been used such as asymmetric interdependence, “zero-sum” strategy (security-seeking states), and democratic peace. In response to the theoretical arguments of two schools, I explain within this case that theories do not challenge the arguments of each other, rather facilitate the emergence of insights and new causal linkages for the military conflict theory itself. I first review how the least dependent state (Russia) appealed to the economic and energy coercion to exploit more dependent state’s (Ukraine) vulnerabilities to secure regional stability. Then I examine how Russia reacted after the failure to maintain the status quo. Here the “zero- sum” strategy seeks to explain the expectations of both sides of the conflict. It demonstrates that both sides made assumptions about each other’s goals, resources, and potential, which gradually affected the escalation of the conflict. I seek to provide clarification of the parties' main concerns. I conclude that countries with the early stages of transitions from authoritarian regimes to democracies seek to hide involvement in military conflict, likewise, they try to camouflage the fakeness of democratic instrumentalities. 

Funding: P rogram/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: Other
POLS 495