The world in which we live is one of many problems, seemingly magnified and
multiplied by modern communication technologies. Since the 20th century blooms of Marxist-
Leninist communism and totalitarianism in the East, communist-based powers have had a history
with global conflicts of this kind. The Russian State has made global headlines in the six months
with its sudden aggression towards border nation Ukraine. These recent actions taken by the
regime present an immediate threat to freedom and the current world order. This conflict waged
by means of manipulation and escalation on Ukraine negatively affects both her people and all
who live westward.
multiplied by modern communication technologies. Since the 20th century blooms of Marxist-
Leninist communism and totalitarianism in the East, communist-based powers have had a history
with global conflicts of this kind. The Russian State has made global headlines in the six months
with its sudden aggression towards border nation Ukraine. These recent actions taken by the
regime present an immediate threat to freedom and the current world order. This conflict waged
by means of manipulation and escalation on Ukraine negatively affects both her people and all
who live westward.
When analyzing a geopolitical controversy of this magnitude it is essential to identify any
biases and assumptions, as well as the warrants for the argument itself. To explore the
implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is arguably rooted in a western perspective, as it
might stem from concern for one’s own wellbeing as an outside, but related, entity; this assumes
that the term “Westerner” is defined as one who lives in a democratic nation west of the conflict
area, European, American, or otherwise. An assumption of some also when observing the
impacts of the conflict is that Russia is the aggressor, supported by the reported insertion of
Russian operatives first into separatist territories of Ukraine, then the emergence of widespread
ground warfare soon thereafter. This narrative is widely endorsed by “free” western nations and
refuted by Russian sources, making it an area of controversy. For there to even be discussion of
this kind requires the assumption that it is a two-sided issue as well, leading many to an “us
versus them” position. Though perhaps a product of popular news media, there have been deep
divisions between the Russian State and much of the West in modern history to warrant its title
of adversary. These are just a few aspects to consider—the complications of the matter warrant
various perspectives.
refuted by Russian sources, making it an area of controversy. For there to even be discussion of
this kind requires the assumption that it is a two-sided issue as well, leading many to an “us
versus them” position. Though perhaps a product of popular news media, there have been deep
divisions between the Russian State and much of the West in modern history to warrant its title
of adversary. These are just a few aspects to consider—the complications of the matter warrant
various perspectives.
Since the birth of this modern Russian state the Kremlin has been implicated in fueling
several major world conflicts such as the string of military involvements in the Middle East
(Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.), in which it aided enemy militant groups. These are characteristic of a
nation that, like others, aims for global dominance economically, militarily, and territorially—
just pursued by unconventional means. Conflict in Ukraine with Russian involvement, though
popular in the world news of 2022, is the sequel to a much older saga. There was a military
incursion in 2014 similar to today’s resulting in Russia’s absorption of the Crimean Peninsula;
this is an area of criticism by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, known for his bold
opposition to Russia’s aggression. Ukraine’s relation to Russia is as easily understood as
described by Jonathan Masters, Deputy Managing Editor for the Council on Foreign Relations:
“Ukraine was a cornerstone of the Soviet Union… it was the second-most-populous and –
powerful of the fifteen Soviet republics, home to much of the union’s agricultural production,
defense industries, and military, including the Black Sea Fleet and some of the nuclear arsenal.
Ukraine was so vital to the union that its decision to sever ties in 1991 proved to be a coup de
grâce for the ailing superpower” (Masters). One may argue that the Soviet Union, former mother
country to Ukraine, has been indisposed for over thirty years, and therefore is not directly
relevant. However, according to experts such as retired Army Colonel Robert B. James, Jr.,
Russian President Putin’s roots in the KGB and heritage to the USSR make the territories’
history relevant (James). James is currently an established member of the International Relations
department at Virginia Military Institute, a professor in several of its fields and current Mary
Moody Northern Chair, with several personal experiences with the Kremlin, both before and
after the fall of the Iron Curtain. While the country’s history with Russia may prove it magnetic
to conflict, the existing division between a Euro-aligned West and a culturally Russian-tied East
has caused internal strife as well (Masters). It could be argued that between its lack of unity and
geographic enormity, Ukraine was more easily accessible to Russian forces prior to ongoing
warfare.
Russian President Putin’s roots in the KGB and heritage to the USSR make the territories’
history relevant (James). James is currently an established member of the International Relations
department at Virginia Military Institute, a professor in several of its fields and current Mary
Moody Northern Chair, with several personal experiences with the Kremlin, both before and
after the fall of the Iron Curtain. While the country’s history with Russia may prove it magnetic
to conflict, the existing division between a Euro-aligned West and a culturally Russian-tied East
has caused internal strife as well (Masters). It could be argued that between its lack of unity and
geographic enormity, Ukraine was more easily accessible to Russian forces prior to ongoing
warfare.
By knowing the history of this region, the impacts of the evolving situation are made
clearer. CNN published a statement made by US President Biden during the conflict’s earlier
stages claiming the ambiguity of Putin’s motives behind the invasion of Ukraine (CNN). Though
there has since been advancement of intel and coverage of the conflict, there is still debate over
many aspects of the Russian government and its leader, including crackdown of protest by the
war by Russian citizens, as well as his own ties to the former Soviet Union and mental
wellbeing. These factors cause prediction of the extent of the conflict to be unknown, so most
discussion over its development are speculation. This aside, it is still crucial to measure its
known and unknown, potential effects.
Most immediately concerning is the “Ukraine Crisis’” impact on the Ukrainian people,
the alleged victims of Russian aggression and atrocities in the region. In comparison with other
modern warzones, such as Afghanistan or Syria, the technological development in Ukraine allow
social and news media more access; this, in addition to other arguable factors, has raised popular
the alleged victims of Russian aggression and atrocities in the region. In comparison with other
modern warzones, such as Afghanistan or Syria, the technological development in Ukraine allow
social and news media more access; this, in addition to other arguable factors, has raised popular
support for Ukraine in the West. Video footage and live reports from on-site news personnel
have proven effective in villainizing the Russian military, evoking sympathy from those outside.
According to The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported civilian
casualties amounted to 902 dead and 1,459 injured as of 20 March, 2022 (Hernandez). This
statistic, three weeks old and only accounting for confirmed totals, is an understatement. Human
rights organizations and disaster relief groups have worked to provide necessary resources, treat
and relocate survivors and refugees, as well as uncover those whose fates remain unknown. The
following are, according to CNBC, some from a list of reputable charities aiding Ukraine in
relief efforts: UNICEF USA, Americares, Mercy Corps, World Hope International, and World
Help (Dickler). This conflict is unlike how we view many modern examples in how it is largely
located in occupied areas, contributing to higher civilian casualties than often reported. Death
count is not the only consequence, however; the nature of the Russian invasion has made for
possible long-lasting familial trauma, emergency displacement, loss of livelihood, and economic
downturn, to name a few. The conflict, with heinous effects to the civilian population, has also
tested Ukrainian military durability. There was much concern voiced by western nations
regarding the scale of Russia’s military power in relation to Ukraine’s defenses; remarkably,
though, it is reported that despite a significant inequality in air power between the warring
nations, Ukrainian army and members of its foreign legion have mounted an effective hold
against their aggressors, making use of landscape familiarity and western-supplied weaponry.
Still, the expenses of the government of Ukraine and Russian brutality prove alarming to the
West. Further involvement on the part of the NATO nations is yet to be seen as tensions continue
to rise.
have proven effective in villainizing the Russian military, evoking sympathy from those outside.
According to The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported civilian
casualties amounted to 902 dead and 1,459 injured as of 20 March, 2022 (Hernandez). This
statistic, three weeks old and only accounting for confirmed totals, is an understatement. Human
rights organizations and disaster relief groups have worked to provide necessary resources, treat
and relocate survivors and refugees, as well as uncover those whose fates remain unknown. The
following are, according to CNBC, some from a list of reputable charities aiding Ukraine in
relief efforts: UNICEF USA, Americares, Mercy Corps, World Hope International, and World
Help (Dickler). This conflict is unlike how we view many modern examples in how it is largely
located in occupied areas, contributing to higher civilian casualties than often reported. Death
count is not the only consequence, however; the nature of the Russian invasion has made for
possible long-lasting familial trauma, emergency displacement, loss of livelihood, and economic
downturn, to name a few. The conflict, with heinous effects to the civilian population, has also
tested Ukrainian military durability. There was much concern voiced by western nations
regarding the scale of Russia’s military power in relation to Ukraine’s defenses; remarkably,
though, it is reported that despite a significant inequality in air power between the warring
nations, Ukrainian army and members of its foreign legion have mounted an effective hold
against their aggressors, making use of landscape familiarity and western-supplied weaponry.
Still, the expenses of the government of Ukraine and Russian brutality prove alarming to the
West. Further involvement on the part of the NATO nations is yet to be seen as tensions continue
to rise.
For many the unpredictable violence of the world as reported in the news has led to
desensitization, thus detaching them from the conflict’s effects. War in Ukraine is not just a
statistic-generating headline, however; the ongoing violence with Russia holds implications for
the West as well. “Prior to the outbreak of the war, most key global macroeconomic variables
were seen as returning to normality over 2022-23 following the COVID-19 pandemic,” claims
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a research group with a
focus on global policy. OECD cites improvements in the market and less restrictive public policy
before the ignition of conflict; at the current rate, the conflict “could, if sustained, reduce global
GDP growth by over 1 percentage point in the first year,” and further a negative trend for many
markets, food and energy among them (OECD). Warfare has historically held consequences on
the economy, and the West is especially no stranger to its effects. Both World Wars drove
technological development and required a hefty workforce, providing opportunities, too, for
more women to work than ever before. For the United States economy, the Second World War
proved to be “the most extraordinary mobilization of an idle economy in the history of the
world… During the war 17 million new civilian jobs were created, industrial productivity
increased by 96 percent” (Goodwin). Though the current conflict in Ukraine has fueled the war
industry, with companies such as Lockheed Martin at a five year high of $468.03 per share
(Shwab), many other areas of the market are suffering. The economy is not the only concern for
those in the West, though. A question perhaps on the minds of Ukrainians, as well as citizens of
neighboring nations, is what NATO nations might do in response to continually escalating
violence. Following an emergency meeting between NATO and G-7 nations in March, the West
imposed further economic sanctions on Russia targeting their gold reserves, allowed for
increased refuge to displaced Ukrainians, as well as “some discussion about the need for NATO
desensitization, thus detaching them from the conflict’s effects. War in Ukraine is not just a
statistic-generating headline, however; the ongoing violence with Russia holds implications for
the West as well. “Prior to the outbreak of the war, most key global macroeconomic variables
were seen as returning to normality over 2022-23 following the COVID-19 pandemic,” claims
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a research group with a
focus on global policy. OECD cites improvements in the market and less restrictive public policy
before the ignition of conflict; at the current rate, the conflict “could, if sustained, reduce global
GDP growth by over 1 percentage point in the first year,” and further a negative trend for many
markets, food and energy among them (OECD). Warfare has historically held consequences on
the economy, and the West is especially no stranger to its effects. Both World Wars drove
technological development and required a hefty workforce, providing opportunities, too, for
more women to work than ever before. For the United States economy, the Second World War
proved to be “the most extraordinary mobilization of an idle economy in the history of the
world… During the war 17 million new civilian jobs were created, industrial productivity
increased by 96 percent” (Goodwin). Though the current conflict in Ukraine has fueled the war
industry, with companies such as Lockheed Martin at a five year high of $468.03 per share
(Shwab), many other areas of the market are suffering. The economy is not the only concern for
those in the West, though. A question perhaps on the minds of Ukrainians, as well as citizens of
neighboring nations, is what NATO nations might do in response to continually escalating
violence. Following an emergency meeting between NATO and G-7 nations in March, the West
imposed further economic sanctions on Russia targeting their gold reserves, allowed for
increased refuge to displaced Ukrainians, as well as “some discussion about the need for NATO
to be ready to deal with the potential use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia,
an official told reporters. The United States is already taking steps to enhance its readiness and
ability to respond to any such incidents, and to work with NATO and a task force it has to deal
with these kinds of attacks” (Keith). These actions have served to address Russian aggression in
the moment, but addressing to the criticism of some, may not be effective enough. As mentioned
previously, the full extent of the Kremlin’s plans for Ukraine is still not recognized; it is
dependent on the degree to which Putin escalates conflict that direct western involvement occurs.
an official told reporters. The United States is already taking steps to enhance its readiness and
ability to respond to any such incidents, and to work with NATO and a task force it has to deal
with these kinds of attacks” (Keith). These actions have served to address Russian aggression in
the moment, but addressing to the criticism of some, may not be effective enough. As mentioned
previously, the full extent of the Kremlin’s plans for Ukraine is still not recognized; it is
dependent on the degree to which Putin escalates conflict that direct western involvement occurs.
The moves made by the Russia of today reflect behavior of the past: power grabs through
expansion and military power, aggressive economic policy, and skewed information to reduce
the negative perception of their actions. This actively developing attack by Russia on its former
satellite Ukraine’s border present threats to free people everywhere, tying together the innocent
lives in country and those who watch from the West. The world watches in wait of the next
headline, the next sanction, the next public statement—many with underlying fears of the next
large scale multinational conflict. These concerns raise questions about the extent to which
countries such as the United States, Britain, and allies should act to better the interests of all, not
just those who live within their borders. In constant development, there may be no “correct”
answer to this issue, now or ever; all one can do is remain informed and perhaps expand the
scope of his or her concern for the fellow man.
expansion and military power, aggressive economic policy, and skewed information to reduce
the negative perception of their actions. This actively developing attack by Russia on its former
satellite Ukraine’s border present threats to free people everywhere, tying together the innocent
lives in country and those who watch from the West. The world watches in wait of the next
headline, the next sanction, the next public statement—many with underlying fears of the next
large scale multinational conflict. These concerns raise questions about the extent to which
countries such as the United States, Britain, and allies should act to better the interests of all, not
just those who live within their borders. In constant development, there may be no “correct”
answer to this issue, now or ever; all one can do is remain informed and perhaps expand the
scope of his or her concern for the fellow man.
Works Cited
“Biden Says No One Knows What Putin Will Do after White House Called Russian Invasion of
Ukraine ‘Imminent’.” CNN, Cable News Network, 25 Jan. 2022,
https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/25/politics/white-houseukraine-russia/index.html. 9 Feb.
2022.
“About OECD ILibrary.” OECD ILibrary, https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/oecd/about.
Dickler, Jessica. “Here’s a List of the Top-Rated Charities to Help the Ukraine Relief Effort.”
CNBC, CNBC, 9 Mar. 2022, https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/09/heres-a-list-of-top-rated-
charities-to-help-the-ukraine-relief-effort.html.
Goodwin, Doris. “The Way We Won: America’s Economic Breakthrough during World War II.”
The American Prospect, 19 Dec. 2001, https://prospect.org/health/way-won-america-s-
economic-breakthrough-world-war-ii/.
Hernandez, Joe. “More than 900 Civilians Have Died in Ukraine. the True Number Is Likely
Much Higher.” NPR, NPR, 20 Mar. 2022,
https://www.npr.org/2022/03/20/1087781833/ukraine-deaths-casualties.