The rationale behind the Russian invasion of Ukraine: all-or-nothing?

OÄŸuz A. Turhan ()
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OÄŸuz A. Turhan: Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation

Eastern Journal of European Studies, 2023, vol. 14(2), 200-220

Abstract: Why did the Russian leader take this course of action despite the risk of a severe armed conflict, which could potentially escalate to nuclear warfare and the prospect of an extreme sanction regime? This article discusses the question through Neoclassical realist lens, utilizing a case-centric, explaining-outcome variant of process-tracing analysis. The objective of the study is to establish a minimally sufficient explanation for the outcome in question. Within this framework, I identify three intervening variables: the foreign policy executive's (FPE) perception of the relative distribution of power; the political culture; and the FPE's extractive capacity. Findings indicate that three factors have played a crucial role in the process leading up to the war: first, the perception of the NATO enlargement as not only a threat to Russia's security, but also as a challenge to its great power status; second, the incompatibility of modern nation-building practices and narratives in Ukraine, coupled with a contrasting interpretation of the concept of sovereignty; third, a diminishing window of opportunity', viewed as a strategy within the context of preventive war.

Keywords: Russia; Ukraine; Neoclassical realism; invasion; NATO (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jes:journl:y:2023:v:14:p:200-220

DOI: 10.47743/ejes-2023-0209

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