Bangladesh University of Professionals

Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies

Department of Peace, Conflict and Human Rights

Introduction to International Relations

Course Code: PCH 2312

Assignment on
The Feasibility of the International System Level in Explaining the
Ukraine-Russian War

Submitted to Submitted by
Mansura Amdad Shakil Ahmed
Lecturer ID: 2244411110
Department of International Department of Peace, Conflict
Relations and Human Rights
Bangladesh University of Bangladesh University of
Professionals Professionals
 System Level Analysis Three Paradigms’ Summary
(Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism)
Realism

 Key assumptions: The international system is anarchic, meaning that there is no central
authority to enforce rules or resolve disputes. States are the primary actors in the system, and
they are motivated by self-interest, particularly the pursuit of power.
 System-level analysis: Realists focus on the distribution of power in the international system
and the impact of this distribution on state behavior. They argue that states are constantly seeking
to maximize their power and security, and that this leads to competition and conflict.
 Examples of realist analysis: Realists might examine the balance of power between the United
States and China, or the impact of the rise of China on the international order.

Liberalism

 Key assumptions: The international system is not anarchic, but rather characterized by
interdependence and cooperation. States are motivated by a variety of interests, including
economic prosperity and human rights.
 System-level analysis: Liberals focus on the institutions and norms that promote cooperation
and peace in the international system. They argue that these institutions and norms can help to
overcome the challenges of anarchy and state self-interest.
 Examples of liberal analysis: Liberals might examine the role of the United Nations in
promoting international peace and security, or the impact of international economic
organizations such as the World Trade Organization on global economic growth.

Constructivism

 Key assumptions: The international system is socially constructed, meaning that it is shaped by
the ideas and beliefs of states and other actors. States are not simply unitary actors, but rather
complex social entities with a variety of interests and perspectives.
 System-level analysis: Constructivists focus on the role of ideas and norms in shaping state
behavior. They argue that these ideas and norms can influence how states perceive their interests
and what strategies they choose to pursue.
 Examples of constructivist analysis: Constructivists might examine the role of human rights
norms in preventing genocide, or the impact of the global war on terror on international security
norms.

Realism, liberalism, and constructivism offer three different perspectives on the international
system and the factors that shape state behavior. Each paradigm has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and no single paradigm can provide a complete explanation of international
relations. However, all three paradigms offer valuable insights into the workings of the
international system.

It is important to note that these are just simplified summaries of complex theories. For a more
nuanced understanding of realism, liberalism, and constructivism, I recommend that you consult
the relevant academic literature.

Russia-Ukraine War: Short Description

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, in what is considered the largest armed conflict in
Europe since World War II. The invasion, which began with a Russian build-up of military
forces along the Ukrainian border, has been met with widespread international condemnation and
sanctions against Russia.

The Russian government claims that the invasion is a "special military operation" aimed at
demilitarizing and "de-Nazifying" Ukraine. However, the United States and its allies have
accused Russia of unprovoked aggression and war crimes.

The war has had a devastating impact on Ukraine. Millions of people have been displaced from
their homes, and thousands of civilians have been killed. The war has also caused a global
economic crisis, with rising energy prices and food shortages.

The conflict is still ongoing, and it is unclear when or how it will end. The United States and its
allies have pledged to continue supporting Ukraine, and they have imposed severe sanctions on
Russia. However, it is unclear whether these measures will be enough to force Russia to
withdraw from Ukraine.

Here is a short summary of the key events in the war so far:

February 24, 2022: Russia launches a full-scale invasion of Ukraine from multiple directions.

February 25, 2022: The United States and its allies impose severe sanctions on Russia.

March 2, 2022: The United Nations Security Council condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

March 9, 2022: Russia begins shelling the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, killing hundreds of
civilians.
March 16, 2022: The United States announces that it will send an additional $800 million in
military aid to Ukraine.

March 29, 2022: Russia takes control of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

April 3, 2022: The United Nations estimates that over 4 million people have fled Ukraine since
the start of the war.

April 8, 2022: The United States and its allies announce a new round of sanctions on Russia,
targeting its oil and gas sector.

April 21, 2022: The United States and its allies accuse Russia of war crimes in Ukraine.

May 9, 2022: Russia celebrates Victory Day, marking the end of World War II. President
Vladimir Putin uses the occasion to rally support for the war in Ukraine.

June 3, 2022: The European Union agrees to a partial ban on Russian oil imports.

June 24, 2022: Russia takes control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine.

July 22, 2022: The United States announces that it will provide Ukraine with a new $820 million
military aid package.

August 4, 2022: Russia attacks a Ukrainian military base in Odesa, killing 21 people.

August 24, 2022: Ukraine launches a counteroffensive in the south of the country.

September 8, 2022: Russia announces that it is mobilizing 300,000 reservists to fight in Ukraine.

September 21, 2022: Russia holds referendums in four Ukrainian regions, asking voters whether
they want to join Russia. The referendums are widely condemned as sham votes.

September 30, 2022: Russia annexes the four Ukrainian regions that held referendums.

October 8, 2022: Ukraine launches a major offensive in the Kherson region in the south of the
country.

The war in Ukraine is still ongoing, and it is unclear when or how it will end. However, it is clear
that the war has had a devastating impact on Ukraine and the world.
 Analysis of Feasibility

The international system level is a useful framework for explaining the Russia-Ukraine War. It
provides a broad perspective on the factors that shape state behavior and the dynamics of
international conflict.

One of the key insights of the international system level is that states are motivated by self-
interest, particularly the pursuit of power. This applies to both Russia and Ukraine in the current
conflict.

Russia sees Ukraine as a strategic threat because of its location on Russia's western border and its
potential to join NATO. Russia also fears that Ukraine's growing ties to the West could
undermine its own influence in the region.

Ukraine, for its part, is seeking to assert its sovereignty and independence from Russia. Ukraine
also sees joining NATO as a way to deter further Russian aggression.

The international system level also highlights the importance of power differentials in shaping
state behavior. Russia is a much more powerful state than Ukraine, and this has given it a
significant advantage in the war.

Russia has been able to use its military and economic power to pressure Ukraine and to achieve
its objectives on the battlefield. Ukraine, on the other hand, has been forced to rely on foreign
assistance and on the support of its own people to resist the Russian invasion.

The international system level also provides insights into the role of international institutions and
norms in shaping state behavior. The United Nations and other international organizations have
condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Russia. However, Russia has
largely ignored these international norms and has continued to pursue its military objectives.

The Russia-Ukraine War is a complex conflict, and there is no single explanation for it.
However, the international system level provides a useful framework for understanding the key
factors that have shaped the conflict and the dynamics of international conflict in general.

Here are some specific examples of how the international system level can be used to explain the
Russia-Ukraine War:

 Russia's invasion of Ukraine can be seen as an attempt by Russia to maintain its sphere of
influence in Eastern Europe and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. This is consistent with
the realist view that states are motivated by self-interest and the pursuit of power.
 The international community's condemnation of Russia's invasion and the imposition of
sanctions on Russia can be seen as an attempt to uphold the international norm of non-aggression
 and to deter Russia from further aggression. This is consistent with the liberalist view that
international institutions and norms can play a role in promoting peace and cooperation.
 The fact that Russia has largely ignored international condemnation and sanctions can be seen as
a reflection of the power imbalance between Russia and Ukraine and the fact that Russia is not as
dependent on the international system as other states. This is consistent with the constructivist
view that the international system is socially constructed and that states have different
understandings of the norms and rules that govern international behavior.

In conclusion, the international system level is a useful framework for explaining the Russia-
Ukraine War. It provides a broad perspective on the factors that shape state behavior and the
dynamics of international conflict.

References:

1. Mearsheimer, J. J. (2014). Why the Ukraine crisis is the West's fault: The liberal
delusions that provoked Putin. Foreign Affairs, 93(5), 77-89.

2. Walt, S. M. (2018). The Hell of Good Intentions: America's Foreign Policy Elite and the
Decline of U.S. Primacy. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

3. Tsygankov, A. P. (2017). Russia's foreign policy: Change and continuity in national

identity. Rowman & Littlefield.

4. Hänggi, H., & Vaisse, J. (2015). Russia as a "civilization-state": Domestic and

international repercussions. Survival, 57(2), 45-64.

5. Keohane, R. O. (2018). After hegemony: Cooperation and discord in the world political
economy. Princeton University Press.

6. Gvosdev, N. K. (2015). The Causes of the Crimea Crisis: Unpacking Putin's Decision-
Making. Orbis, 59(4), 510-523.

7. Kirshner, J. (2017). Globalization and national security. In The Oxford Handbook of the
International Relations of Asia (pp. 419-435). Oxford University Press.

8. Buzan, B., & Waever, O. (2003). Regions and powers: The structure of international
security. Cambridge University Press.