Erosions, Ruptures, and the Ending of International Orders: Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine in Historical Perspective

Abstract

This article argues that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine marks a distinctive challenge to the liberal international order. The invasion challenges principles of strategic restraint, demonstrates that economic interdependence can lead to violent conflict as well as promote cooperation and peace, and requires novel normative justifications. Initiated by Putin, the war also reveals broader contradictions within the liberal international order that date back to its construction in the aftermath of the Cold War.

Conflict between Russia and Ukraine through the prism of quality peace theory.

“…It could have already seemed that the world has been drifting away from waging warfare and started favoring cooperation, but pragmatism and logics have once again become a victim of faulty, personality-driven decision making of an authoritarian leader. War in Ukraine truly is a serious challenge to liberal international order, which was already been previously undermined to some extent by global pandemic (Mulligan, 2022). Regardless of who is to blame, it is clear that current foreign policy principles and strategies of the western nations when it comes to their relations with an autocratic Russia did not do any favors for anyone.…”

Ukrayna Krizi Bağlamında Putin Rusyası’nın Biyografik Anlatıları ve Rutinleri

“…In mid-February 2014, the Ukrainian parliament gained control and conducted a vote of no confidence against President Yanukovych, prompting his immediate flight from the country (Mulligan, 2022). Subsequently, the Ukrainian Parliament decided to hold an early election by May 2014.…”

Satisfactory, but not enough: Liberalism’s outlooks on the Russian war in Ukraine

“…Putin "may dislike NATO expansion, but he is not genuinely frightened by it" (ibid.). NATO expansion reached its high point more than fifteen years ago: it hardly represents a new threat today (Mulligan 2022).…”

“…"Russian military action poses challenges for the status quo powers […]. International orders risk becoming meaningless if the norms and institutions are not enforced and States can violate them with relative impunity" (Mulligan 2022). Despite dilemmas, cooperation and respect for international law cannot be unilateral.…”