Introduction
Theme: Conflict and Ideology
Topic: Russo-Ukraine conflict in 21st century
Objectives: Advocacy
In February 2014, Russia-backed Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych was toppled by anti-government protests. In April, pro-Russia separatist started to rebel and obtain territory in the eastern part of Ukraine. The rebels was losing in the fight against Ukraine army. In August, in order to aid the rebels, the Russian troops invaded eastern Ukraine and annexed Crimea. A referendum was held in Crimea and the result showed that Crimean overwhelmingly support the Russia’s annexation. But the referendum was deemed illegal by the international community.[1]
Our stance
While Russian politician and media often portray ideological conflict (nationalism and ethnicity) as the main factor of the conflict[2], it is believed that the role of ideology in the conflict is exaggerated. With the consideration of other factors including historical, economic, political and military factors. It is argued that military and political factors play the most significant role in motivating actors to the conflict. Putin annex Crimea was believed to be mainly due to his aim to maintain military influence in the Eastern Europe region and salvage domestic popularity.
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[1] Max Fisher, “Everything you need to know about Ukraine Crisis,” Vox, September 3, 2014. Accessed on November 11, 2014. http://www.vox.com/cards/ukraine-everything-you-need-to-know/what-is-the-ukraine-crisis
[2] Bridget Kendall, “Crimea Crisis: Russia President Putin’s speech annotated,” BBC, March 19, 2014. Accessed on November 11, 2014. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26652058
Theme: Conflict and Ideology
Topic: Russo-Ukraine conflict in 21st century
Objectives: Advocacy
In February 2014, Russia-backed Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych was toppled by anti-government protests. In April, pro-Russia separatist started to rebel and obtain territory in the eastern part of Ukraine. The rebels was losing in the fight against Ukraine army. In August, in order to aid the rebels, the Russian troops invaded eastern Ukraine and annexed Crimea. A referendum was held in Crimea and the result showed that Crimean overwhelmingly support the Russia’s annexation. But the referendum was deemed illegal by the international community.[1]
Our stance
While Russian politician and media often portray ideological conflict (nationalism and ethnicity) as the main factor of the conflict[2], it is believed that the role of ideology in the conflict is exaggerated. With the consideration of other factors including historical, economic, political and military factors. It is argued that military and political factors play the most significant role in motivating actors to the conflict. Putin annex Crimea was believed to be mainly due to his aim to maintain military influence in the Eastern Europe region and salvage domestic popularity.
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[1] Max Fisher, “Everything you need to know about Ukraine Crisis,” Vox, September 3, 2014. Accessed on November 11, 2014. http://www.vox.com/cards/ukraine-everything-you-need-to-know/what-is-the-ukraine-crisis
[2] Bridget Kendall, “Crimea Crisis: Russia President Putin’s speech annotated,” BBC, March 19, 2014. Accessed on November 11, 2014. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26652058