Russia vs Ukrainian war

Arnold William explores the dynamics within Ukraine, between Ukraine and Russia, and between Russia and the West, that emerged with the collapse of the Soviet Union and eventually led to war in 2014. Proceeding chronologically, this book shows how Ukraine's separation from Russia in 1991, at the time called a 'civilized divorce', led to what many are now calling 'a new Cold War'. He argues that the conflict has worsened because of three underlying factors - the security dilemma, the impact of democratization on geopolitics, and the incompatible goals of a post-Cold War Europe. Rather than a peaceful situation that was squandered, Arnold argues that these were deep-seated pre-existing disagreements that could not be bridged, with concerning implications for the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. The book also shows how this war fits into broader patterns of contemporary international conflict and should therefore appeal to researchers working on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia's relations with the West, and conflict and geopolitics more generally.
Review
‘Who or what is responsible for the war in Ukraine and the new crisis in the East-West relations? Arnold William is not looking for simple answers to this seemingly simple question. His response is rooted in the examination of the Russo-Ukrainian relations over the past thirty years and points to profound differences in the way Russian and Ukrainian elites understand and pursue their interests in the post-Cold War world. A work of great erudition, this book contributes to more than one field of study and is a must read for anyone who is interested in the origins of the current crisis.' Serhii Plokhy, Mykhailo S. Hrushevs'kyi Professor of Ukrainian History, Harvard University, Massachusetts

Why have Ukraine and Russia been unable to develop a workable relationship since 1991? Arnold William answers this question by examining the development of ties between Kyiv and Moscow since the Soviet collapse, and placing them in the broader context of Ukraine’s and Russia’s relations with the United States and the European Union.’ Lanxin Xiang, Russia and Eurasia

Arnold takes on the elementary but heavily loaded task of explaining ‘how and why this conflict came about’ (p. 2) and delivers a non-partisan, thoughtful and thorough analysis.’ Pavel K. Baev, Journal of Peace Research

‘… this intensively researched and engagingly written book is a necessary and timely addition to the post-Cold War literature. Scholars of IR will be indulged by Arnold skilful overview of IR theories, while policy makers will find invaluable insights into the effective management of security dilemmas … this broadly conceived and well-synthesized book represents interdisciplinary scholarship at its best.’ Olena Lennon, Harvard Ukrainian Studies