The world is at a turning point. As Russian soldiers march into the rebel territories of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine, the world holds its breath, wondering what the Kremlin might do next. Over the last month, Moscow has been at odds with the US and the west over the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. For Russia, Ukraine joining it is a huge threat.
The NATO commitment clause, otherwise known as casus foederis, commits each member state to consider an armed attack against itself if one of its members is attacked. Ukraine bound by the clause is a no-go for President Putin.
Thus, the invasion by Russia is a means to stop Ukraine from joining the ancient treaty. In short, it is a way to prevent the west from encroaching on Russia’s backyard and enabling Putin to seize control of Ukraine before it is too late.
Scholars of International relations have watched as the Ukraine and Russia backed rebel groups in Donetsk and Luhansk have exchanged blows. Many have argued that soon, with provocation from the west, Russia may invade Ukraine. That time has seemingly come.
In this issue of DDIntel, we dive into the Russian Ukraine crisis, analyzing why a potential war is imminent, the impact the crises could have on markets and why humanity got obsessed with conflict in the first place.