Name: Felicity

Surname: Silawula
Group no.16
Group tutor. Dineo Kgatle
POL 131
19 May 2023

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The contrast of the liberist and realist theory in terms of power
dynamics playing out in the Ukraine-Russia war

1.Introduction

International Relations (IR) is the study of the interactions between sovereign states which refers
to how countries interact, cooperate, and compete (McGlinchey, 2017). International Relations
theory can be divided into various theories namely realism and liberalism, each offering a
different perspective and interpretation of international events. The Ukraine War can be analyzed
through various International Relations theories, including realism and liberalism to uncover the
power dynamics applied (Kavanagh, 2022). Realism argues that states act primarily on the basis
of their own interests and in this case, Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatist
rebels can be seen as advancing its national interests. However, liberalism emphasizes
cooperation and interdependence and emphasizes efforts such as sanctions, diplomacy, and peace
talks supported by the international community. In this essay, I will compare these explanations
and motivate why Realism provides a better understanding of the war.

2. Assumption of Realism and Liberalism

 Realism assumes that states, in an anarchic world in which there is no supreme government to
decide on disagreements and protect the weak, the people must take steps to ensure their own
survival (Andrew, 2022).With all states under pressure to act in this way, realists argue, the
international realm is therefore always and necessarily a field of conflict and competition.
However, liberals share an optimistic view of IR, believing that the world order can be improved,
with peace and progress gradually replacing war. According to (Gailbraith, 1934) power is the
ability of an individual to influence the actions, beliefs, or behaviors of others. In international
relations there are different types of powers namely relational power, hard power and soft power.
Soft power is the ability to achieve desired outcomes in international relations by using
persuasion, attraction, and cooperation to achieve those results soft power was applied in the
Ukraine-Russia war through diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions. Western countries, led
by the United States, Canada and European nations, have supported Ukraine politically,
economically and militarily, helping to curb Russian aggression. The West has also used its
media firepower to shape international opinion and condemn Russian actions. In addition, the
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deployment of peacekeeping troops and international aid helped create goodwill towards
Ukraine. However, soft power has not stopped Russia's territorial gains and military intervention
as the Kremlin continues to exert its influence in the region. Relational power is how powerful a
country is compared to other countries. Relational power played a significant role in the
Ukrainian-Russian war. As the dominant power in the region, Russia used its economic, political
and military influence to exert pressure on Ukraine (Raphael, Gentile, & Gian, 2022). This
included the annexation of Crimea, support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, and Ukraine's
energy dependence on Russia. On the other hand, Ukraine relied on the support of its Western
allies, especially the United States and the European Union, to counter Russian aggression.
Therefore, the conflict demonstrated the importance of relational power in international relations,
especially in complex regional disputes. Hard power refers to the authority and ability of a
government to control and regulate the behavior of its citizens, as well as to make and enforce
laws and policies that affect the country. It is measured by looking at capabilities, such as
military weapons or GDP (Kavanagh, 2022). Russia used hard power in the form of military
intervention and annexation of Crimea in 2014. Russia also supported separatist rebels in eastern
Ukraine with weapons and troops. In response, Ukraine escalated its military defenses by
strengthening its armed forces and requesting military assistance from the United States and
other allies (Latham, 2022). It involves the use of force, coercion, and the threat of punishment to
achieve specific goals. In terms of the Ukraine-Russia event all three of the powers were merged
and applied by both realist and liberalist (Kavanagh, 2022).  Liberalism apply soft power
assumes that cooperation and mutual benefit are possible in international relations however
realism apply hard power they assume that power is ultimately the most important aspect of
international relations, with states striving to increase their relative power and gain an advantage
over others (McGlinchey & Gold, 2017)

3.Ukraine-Russia War

The Ukrainian war began in February 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, a peninsula in the
Black Sea that was previously part of Ukraine (Latham, 2022) The conflict escalated when pro-
Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine declared independence and began fighting against
Ukrainian government forces. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement
of civilians. The reasons for the conflict are deeply rooted in historic border disputes, political

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power struggles, and economic alliances between Ukraine and Russia. The revolution in Ukraine
in 2014 that ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych further heightened these tensions.
In response to what it saw as a threat to its interests in the region, Russia annexed Crimea and
provided military support to separatists in eastern Ukraine. Others point to longstanding tensions
between ethnic Ukrainians and Russians in the region, as well as economic issues such as
disputes over gas prices and access to natural resources. The conflict has been characterized by
acts of violence, human rights abuses, and geopolitical tensions. Despite ongoing diplomatic
efforts to resolve the crisis, a lasting peace agreement has yet to be reached. Beginning with the
annexation of Ukrainian territory Crimea by Russian forces, the war gradually intensified.
Subsequently, pro-Russian rebels received backing, and violent confrontations arose between
them and Ukrainian government forces. Needless to say, the conflict caused the loss of thousands
of lives as well as the exodus of civilians. The chief participants in the war are Ukraine, Russia,
and the pro-Russian separatist groups found in eastern Ukraine. Notably, multiple other entities
such as NATO, the European Union, and the United States got entangled in the conflict. Russia
has been hit with sanctions from several international actors due to its backing of separatists in
eastern Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. (Latham, 2022)

4.Power dynamics of the war through realism and liberism theoretical lenses

The power dynamics of war can be viewed through both a realistic and liberal theoretical lens
though the two perspectives have very different approaches. Realism is a theory which sees the
International System as anarchic and States as self-serving actors trying to maximize their power
(Harnick, 2023). In this perspective, war is seen as an instrument of acquiring power and safety
actions by states that could deem aggressive are seen as legitimate and necessary. Realism
focuses on the power struggle between states, with a view that each state will act in its self-
interest to try to maximize its own power and security. From a Realist perspective, the power
dynamics of the war would be viewed as a competition between states to gain and maintain
power and control over resources. On the other hand, liberal theory views the power dynamics
of the war as the opportunity for cooperation, mutual benefit, and progress. Liberal theory
emphasizes the possibility of achieving cooperation and stability through international
institutions, diplomacy, and shared norms. Liberals view the international system in a
cooperative way. They focus on the importance of cooperation and international organizations

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and think states can cooperate to build a safer and peaceful world (Harnick, 2023). They
emphasize the importance of collective security, international trade and diplomacy in creating a
peaceful environment. They also see war as a last resort and think that states should only use
force in self-defense or to save innocent lives. War is seen as a failure of diplomacy and any use
of force as a violation of international law. On the other hand, liberal theory views the power
dynamics of the war as the opportunity for cooperation, mutual benefit, and progress. Liberal
theory emphasizes the possibility of achieving cooperation and stability through international
institutions, diplomacy, and shared norms.

5.Conclusion

After analyzing the power dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine War, I believe the most helpful
theoretical lens is the Realist theory. Realists argue that nation-states are rational actors who act
primarily to maximize their own security and survival, rather than idealists who are motivated by
lofty ideals and morality (Harnick, 2023). This explains why nations involved in war acted in
ways that favored their own interests, often at the expense of others, and why diplomatic efforts
failed to prevent conflict. It focuses on states' pursuit of power and survival, which is evident in
Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. the war can be seen
as a struggle for power and influence between Russia and Ukraine, with other global powers
such as the US and the EU playing a role in the balance of power (Latham, 2022). Realism also
emphasizes the importance of military capabilities in conflict resolution and the balance of
power. Additionally, realism accounts for the role of international actors such as NATO and the
United States in shaping the conflict. Taken together, realism provides a comprehensive
framework for understanding the motivations and actions of the parties involved in the Russia-
Ukraine War. Realism. This explains why nations involved in war acted in ways that favored
their own interests, often at the expense of others, and why diplomatic efforts failed to prevent
conflict.

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References
Andrew, L. (2022). How Ukraine war vindicates realism. The Hill, 1-5.

Gailbraith. (1934). sources of power. In Gailbraith, Gailbraith theories of power (pp. 1-16).

Harnick, A. (2023). Is international law powerless against Russian aggression in. The Conversation, 1-7.

Kavanagh, J. (2022). Commentary, 1-4.

Latham, A. (2022). How the Ukraine war vindicates realism. opinion contributor, 1-2.

McGlinchey. (2017). International Relations Theory. In S. MCGLINCHEY, R. WALTERS, & D. GOLD,

International Relations Theory (pp. 1-18). England: e-international relations.

McGlinchey, & Gold, D. (2017). International relations. In M. Stephen, International relations (pp. 42-58).
England: E-International Relations.

Raphael, Gentile, & Gian. (2022). What’s the Harm inTalking to Russia? foreign policy, 1-3.

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