Do Russias Actions in Ukraine Threaten World Order - Annotated Bibliography Example

Academic English Skills A 18.04 Assignment: Annotated bibliography Do Russia’s Actions in Ukraine Threaten World Order? Source Bender, Yu. (2014, April 6). Ukraine: A rude awakening to a new world order. The Financial Times. Retrieved http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/86d07e5c-bb28-11e3-b2b7-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2zARAUTbQ Accessed date: 17.04.2014 When riots stared in Ukraine and its President Viktor Yanukovich fled the country western experts regarded the events as a colourful slideshow that would not affect the US and the EU. But when Russia quickly annexed Crimea, which had been part of Ukraine for more than 20 years, it became clear that the West underestimated Russia. It turned out that the stereotype of Russia as backward country with failing economy and high levels of corruption and crime was no longer true. Russia became a new global power. Its success in seizing part of Ukrainian territory fills it with confidence for further action. This time Russia’s next move will affect the interests of the EU and may provoke unrest in Europe. The state of Ukraine is getting ready for presidential elections while the EU and US politicians are speculating about possible sanctions against Russia. The future of business and political order in Europe largely depends on the outcome of the election in Ukraine. The stakes are very high for all the players. The situation in Ukraine will affect global political influence and economic stability of dollar and Euro in international trade. Usefulness: I chose this source because it outline the events that led to political unrest and economic problems in Ukraine. It thought it would be important to understand what led to the crisis and explain its significance for existing world order. The article helps to understand why events in Ukraine affected the balance of power in the world. What is more, the source lists the candidates in the upcoming presidential election. It would be useful to try to understand how each of them would affect the balance of power in the region. Source 2: Economist Staff (2014, March 22). The post-Soviet world order was far from perfect, but Vladimir Putin’s idea for replacing it is much worse. The Economis. Retrieved from http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21599346-post-soviet-world-order-was-far-perfect-vladimir-putins-idea-replacing-it Accessed date: 16.04.2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin presents his actions in Ukraine to the world community as an attempt to build a new world order based on legitimacy. This approach finds some supporters in world politics where American supremacy is no longer unchallenged, especially after American failed efforts in Iraq and Syria. However, on closer inspection there are more differences than similarities between American and Russian actions in world politics. Firstly, Putin’s actions in Ukraine are likely to create unrest in many places across the world. Russian annexation of Crimea opens a possibility to redraw borders according to the will of the local population and not according to the norms of international law. Thus any strong and powerful country can start intervention to support a minority in a neighboring state. Secondly, Russia’s actions can signal the beginning of a new cycle in world politics. Experts warn that new world order, which is likely to result from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, might be much worse that American domination or even Cold War. New emerging world powers are now looking at Putin’s actions and calculating their own next move in the struggle for world supremacy. In this view only tougher sanctions on Russia can help preserve the respect of international agreements and state borders. Otherwise new powers might start ignoring their international obligations. Usefulness: I picked the source because it was important to understand how Russia’s actions were different from US foreign policy and former USSR expansion. The article shows that not every political power in the world condemns Russia’s actions in Ukraine. In my research I want to consider different views on the problem to realize the implications of dispute for world order. The source helps to understand the dangers of the US and EU inaction in this situation. Besides, it shows what every country can do to preserve the existing world order. Source 3: Hille, K., & Donnan, Sh. (2014, April 16). Russia threatens US with WTO action over Crimea sanctions. The Financial Times. Retrieved from http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/5418ad46-c57c-11e3-97e4-00144feabdc0.html#slide0 Accessed date: 17.04.2014 The role of global economic blocs is changing as the World Trade Organization is likely to become involved in a geopolitical dispute. For the first time in the history of WTO one of its members is going to challenge trade sanctions. The US and EU have imposed trade and travel bans after Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. It turned out that US sanctions affected financial interests of Russian banks and tycoons to such an extent that Russia is ready to file a lawsuit against the US claiming WTO rules were violated. However, the attempt to dispute US sanctions is unlikely to succeed. Firstly, even imposing sanctions the US never failed to adhere to its obligations as a member of WTO. Secondly, Russia’s trade partners filed a complaint to the WTO after the country used trade barriers to pork imports to influence the West in political disputes over Ukraine. As a consequence, Russia’s calls not to be influenced by political motifs when it comes to economy can be seen as double standards in WTO. Usefulness: I chose this article because I wanted to know how Russia would be affected by its actions in Ukraine. Russia is a member of many political and trade associations and its disputes with the US and EU would inevitably influence that partnership. The article makes it easy to understand how economic and political interests are interlinked. It shows that countries are ready to use economic instruments to pursue their aims. The source demonstrates how Russia’s actions in Ukraine affect world economic order. The attempts to separate economic interests from geopolitical goals fail in the modern world. The article helps me to understand that today world trade organization can become powerful instruments of political struggle and help maintain political balance. Source 4: Jenkins, S. (2014, March 5). Ukraine has revealed the new world of western impotence. The Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/05/ukraine-russia-western-impotence Accessed date: 16.04.2014 Russia’s annexation of Crimea brought forward new western rhetoric. World leaders, especially representatives of the US and Great Britain severely criticized Putin’s actions and condemned interference in the internal affairs of the sovereign state of Ukraine. However, Russia tried to prove its point and reminded the world community about Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Libya. As a consequence, Russia’s actions in Crimea started to appear much less perilous for world order than America’s and Britain’s operation in the Middle East. What is more, Russia’s growing economic power made it impossible to impose real sanctions against Putin’s regime. The only restrictions imposed on Russia concern travel bans for some minor officials. It turned out that Ukrainian case demonstrated world leader’s inability to contradict a powerful and rich state. Some experts see the situation as a manifestation of western impotence. Western countries are tied by their own similar past actions and potential economic benefits. In this situation Vladimir Putin can take advantage of the West. Usefulness: I thought it would be a very useful to consider a different viewpoint on events in Ukraine. The source, unlike other articles, does not condemn Russia’s position. On the contrary, it shows how western countries tied their own hand with what can be seen as double standards. It also helps to understand the true nature of sanctions and explains why the sanctions were not and could not be more serious. Source 5: Ortel Ch. (2014, March 22). Why America’s feeble response to Putin Doctrine threatens world order. The Washington Times. Retrieved from http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/mar/24/ortel-why-americas-feeble-response-to-putin-doctri/?page=all Accessed date: 16.04.2014 Russia’s move to extend its domain over neighboring states marks the emergence of the ‘Putin Doctrine’ that is likely to substitute Monroe Doctrine and change the existing world order. Russia’s actions in Ukraine mark the country’s willingness to dominate world political arena. The Putin Doctrine challenges the long-established American influence in the world. What is more, Russia’s actions demonstrate the country’s newly-found economic strength and confidence while the US and western countries are weakened by their state-controlled economic course. Besides, Russia’s action in Ukraine sets example for other countries like China and question the role of dollar in international trade. As a consequence, economic and political balance in the world as we know it is likely to come to its end. Experts believe that weak reaction from the US means that Putin is unlikely to stop with Crimea or Ukraine. Now the US and western countries have nothing left to do but wait cautiously while Russia continues to struggle for world dominance. Usefulness: The article demonstrates why it was possible for Russia to act in Ukraine the way it did. The author writes about economic and political background for Putin’s new philosophy. I was trying to figure out what lay behind Russia’s sudden expansion and the article introduced the concept of Putin Doctrine to explain it. I chose the source because it helps to understand why the US and western countries did not give strong response to Russia’s actions. The article also stresses why this very moment was chosen by Russia to move forward on the world stage. Read More