THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE THROUGH THE LENS OF CONSTRUCTIVISM

Abstract

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has considerably reshaped the global security landscape, exposing and presenting significant defense strategy challenges. The wider analysis of the invasion has been presented from the perspective of realism and liberalism, as the two dominant theories of international relations, for other theories which may be critical in understanding the issue at hand, have been overlooked. For instance, constructivism offers a unique perspective by emphasizing the role of identity, historical narratives and social structures in shaping state behavior. Drawing on Alexander Wendt’s theoretical framework, this study explores how Russia perceives Ukraine as an inseparable part of its historical and cultural identity and how such perception has influenced its foreign policy. Additionally, the study delves into how Ukraine’s post 2014 identity shift and alignment with Western institutions have challenged Russia’s self construed image of a dominant power. Findings suggest that constructivism provides valuable insights into the roots of the invasion, the importance of individuals, highlighting motives behind Russia’s decision making processes, and their impact on European and global security.