The Annexation of Crimea by Russian Federation

In this paper, The Annexation of Crimea by Russian Federation will be analyzed according to International Relations theory of Realism perspective. The annexation of Crimea by Russian Federation is an example of realist theory, because the main ideas of realism the anarchy, the security dilemma, and relative power are driving stimulants in this event.

The origin of the problem started after the protests and violence led the pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych fled to Russia in February, 2014. Afterwards new elections conducted and a new pro-western president was elected. Russian Federation demanded reinstatement of the former president Yanukovych as the legitimate leader of Ukraine. The Russian government started mobilizing troops on 28 February 2014 to protect Russian population in Crimea. The two main airports were taken over by Russian forces. They also captured the Crimean Parliament and police stations. After these developments referendums were held in Crimea to join Russian Federation, and the result by ninety-seven was reunification. The Crimean parliament declared independence from Ukraine and sought union with the Russian Federation, and on the same day, Russian Federation formally recognized the Crimea as an independent and sovereign state on 17 March 2014.[1]

According to classical realism, anarchy is the main feature of the international order. Sovereign states are the only actors and there is no higher entity. As human fight to survive and focus on self-interest, states pursue their interests. Conflicts are natural state of affairs. The primary concern of states is survival, and states build up security and relatively gain as much as power to survive that leads security dilemma. States behave rational in terms of their survival and interest.[2] Neorealism, defines international systems as anarchic too, and assumes it dominated by some big powers that try to survive. In neorealist world weaker states try to balance against rather than bandwagon with more powerful states. Offense-Defense theory of realism, argue that probability of war is high when states have a higher offense capability. When defense is easier the likely of conflict is low and cooperation between states is easier. [3]

As realists define the international system is anarchic. Today the entire crisis around the world shows the anarchy in the world. Russian Federation as the successor of Soviet Union after the Cold War does not want to lose its dominancy in former soviet states. For Russian Federation any pro-western tendency in former soviet states is an attempt to deteriorate its security. Russia relatively gained its power by enhancing the naval capability of Black Sea Fleet after the annexation of Crimea.

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[1] “Ukranian Crisis Timeline”, BBC, accessed August 23,2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26248275.

[2] Ole R. Holsti, “Theories of International Relations,” 3-5, accessed August 23, 2015, http://www.duke.edu/~pfeaver/holsti.pdf.

[3] Stephen M. Walt, “International Relations: One World, Many Theories,” Foreign Policy, No. 110 (Spring 1998), 31.