Fantasy, Messianism, and (Neo)Realism’s Limits in Explaining Russia-Ukraine War
This analytical article from E-International Relations examines the theoretical limitations of traditional International Relations frameworks, specifically Neorealism, in adequately explaining the causes and dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war. The author argues that Russia's invasion was not merely a strategic calculation but a performance of great power fantasy, with Ukraine serving as the object of this ideological projection. The text highlights how messianic narratives and increasingly centralized decision-making processes within the Russian leadership contributed significantly to the escalation into total war in 2022. By focusing on these psychological and ideological drivers, the analysis suggests that standard realist explanations fail to capture the full complexity of the conflict. The piece underscores the role of internal political structures and leader psychology in shaping foreign policy outcomes, challenging conventional views that prioritize material power balances alone. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of why diplomatic off-ramps were ignored and how domestic authoritarian consolidation influenced military aggression, providing a critical lens for scholars and policymakers analyzing the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
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Fantasy, Messianism, and (Neo)Realism’s Limits in Explaining Russia-Ukraine War
This analytical article from E-International Relations examines the theoretical limitations of traditional International Relations frameworks, specifically Neorealism, in adequately explaining the causes and dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war. The author argues that Russia's invasion was not merely a strategic calculation but a performance of great power fantasy, with Ukraine serving as the object of this ideological projection. The text highlights how messianic narratives and increasingly centralized decision-making processes within the Russian leadership contributed significantly to the escalation into total war in 2022. By focusing on these psychological and ideological drivers, the analysis suggests that standard realist explanations fail to capture the full complexity of the conflict. The piece underscores the role of internal political structures and leader psychology in shaping foreign policy outcomes, challenging conventional views that prioritize material power balances alone. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of why diplomatic off-ramps were ignored and how domestic authoritarian consolidation influenced military aggression, providing a critical lens for scholars and policymakers analyzing the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
E-International Relations