Mearsheimer- ‘Why the Ukraine Crisis is the West’s Fault

Question 1

Traditionally, the study of International Relations has been dominated by two major theoretical movements: that of realism and that of liberalism. How does Mearsheimer define both movements and which movement does he belong to?

Answer 1

-Realism

–> importance of military power in state interactions

Question 2

Who does Mearsheimer think is to blame for the Ukraine crisis that erupted in 2014 with the Russian annexation of Crimea? And what does liberalism as a theoretical movement have to do with this?

Answer 2

-The outbreak of war is to do with the West, in fact they are to blame –> how they have been responding to Russia
-Fear
-National sovereignty of Russia was/ is under threat from the west
-response to security concerns and their own national sovereignty.

-US + European allies caused it
–> NATO enlargement, EU expansion, democracy promotion adding fuel to the fire.

In Mearsheimer’s view, liberalism as a theoretical movement played a significant role in the crisis. He argues that the liberal worldview, which dominated the discourse about European security, led to the misguided belief that Europe could be kept whole and free based on liberal principles such as the rule of law, economic interdependence, and democracy. This liberal perspective led to the promotion of democracy in Eastern European countries and the push for NATO expansion, which ultimately provoked Russia and contributed to the Ukraine crisis.

Question 3

What is liberalism in IR?

Answer 3

HN: Good, altruistic, optimistic
motives; Mutual assistance, collaboration,
economic interests and social
welfare
actors: States and individual agents
Individuals, Institutions
View on IS: Overall cooperative, peaceful
Focus: War and establishment of peace

Question 4

What is realism in IR?

Answer 4

HN: Self-interested, selfish or evil
motives: Power, national security, self-interest
actors: States
views on IS: Anarchic, prone to conflict
focus: War and the importance of national
security

Question 5

How does the author view the international
system following the end of the Cold War?

Answer 5

• as unstable and competitive.

—> great power competition, especially with the rise of nations like China.

-criticises the US’s liberal hegemony

he author portrays a fragmented and contentious international system, characterized by a clash between realist and liberal ideas about international politics..