“Borderland”: What Shaped the EU, China, and USA’s Responses to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, and What Makes Ukraine Unique
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Date
2023
Authors
Scott, Sean
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
One of the etymological roots of Ukraine, Ukraina, is often interpreted as “borderland,” a diverse place at the center of competing understandings of identity and nationhood. This conception of Ukraine as a borderland works well as a metaphor for its position within international relations; a space where strong competing interests and reactions are clashing beyond the battlefield. However, despite this utility in one field, it neglects Ukraine’s history and relationship with Russia and the facets of Ukraine that both make it unique and the subject of Russia’s invasion. This thesis will cover both of these two important topics; First, it will cover what sets Ukraine apart from the rest of Eastern Europe in terms of both Russia’s history with the country and Eastern European foreign policy generally. Second, this thesis will cover how the three central theories of international relations, realism, liberalism, and constructivism, explain the varied reactions to the conflict, particularly the EU, China, and United States. Finally, I outline my perspective on which theory “best” applies broadly across the international reaction to the conflict, and what that means for the future.
Description
66 pages
Keywords
Ukraine, Russia, Russian Invasion of Ukraine, International Relations, International Politics