Reborn Russian Imperialism: An Argument for the Western Liberalist Intervention in Ukraine

Abstract

The recent political unrest in central Europe has arisen due to an apparent domestic conflict of political will. However, foreign interference by the Great Powers is fuelling the exacerbation of this civil dissatisfaction into a potential proxy war. Ukraine serves as a physical buffer between the democratic liberalism of the West and the expansionistic goals of Russia, but is populated by a nation that predominantly seeks closer integration with the West. There is war in Ukraine, but it is between the majority pro-Western population and the pro-Russian government. The Ukrainian government has responded to pro-Western demonstrations with brutality, and therefore, every democratic nation has the responsibility to protect Ukrainian civilians from a government unwilling to do so. However, the manner by which Western democracies must respond remains unclear. The potential actions by the democratic West will be presented and critically evaluated. Constructivism will be used to explain the potential motivations behind Russian foreign policy initiatives and decisions. Through the perspectives of strategic advantage, economics, and human rights, we argue herewith that a liberalist approach by the Western powers is best suited to quell the rising conflict, manage detriments to human security, and preserve the integrity of the international political system.