Two positions in the west on Ukraine and Russia: a) Lets stay out. We should accept that Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries fall into Russias sphere of influence, lets stay out of this space, engagement is costly and only leads to conflict with Russia and in the region. b) We must push back against Russia and engage with post-Soviet countries. Why? First, we cannot accept the principle of spheres of influence, with Russias neighbors degraded to the status of satellites. If sovereignty and territorial dont mean anything anymore, out entire post-1945 order is being undermined. Secondly because of solidarity with Ukrainians who want to break free from illegitimate rule (Moscow-backed corrupt elites). Thirdly because there will be conflict in any case: if Russia tries to rebuild the Soviet Union light by using force and pressure, the result will be permanent conflict and low-level warfare, because people and states in the region dont accept Russian rule, as we see in Ukraine. Fourth, only stable, well-governed, democratic countries in the region will provide long-term stability.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:49:53 +0000
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