Russia-Ukraine War: A Constructivist Analysis

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyze the Russia-Ukraine war through the lens of social constructivism. By highlighting the conflicting identities, norms, and interests among actors involved in the conflict, the undertaken study argues that political issue was constructed into a security issue by Russian strategic managers. Based on this core argument this article discusses two key areas: the role of conflicting identities between actors in aggravating the conflict and inter perception of Russian strategic managers. Apropos to this view the paper focuses on Russian strategic culture to elucidate Russia's strategic managers attachment to the caused the conflict in the first place. To demonstrate this, a qualitative method is employed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the conflict. The study concludes that fissures between Ukraine and Russia are deep rooted in history and in their collective identities that have transcended into a total war and can only be resolved if all players subscribe to an objective security approach.