The Russo-Ukraine War and Changing Global Power Dynamics (2014-23): A Neorealist Perspective

Abstract

The Russo-Ukraine War in 2022, despite historical evidence of enduring tensions
between the two nations, came as a surprise for the world, challenging the U.S.-led
global political order. Understanding the drivers of conflict and shifting balance of
power, especially in Eurasia, is critical for academic discourse in international relations
and assessing future geopolitical trends. The paper investigates the Russo-Ukraine War
using a neorealist lens as a theoretical framework, adopting qualitative research
methodology with a thematic analysis technique. For focused research, besides
investigating the broader historical linkages of the conflict, the time horizon is
delimited from 2014-23. The research questions focus on the genesis of the conflict by
exploring key drivers, intersecting interests of the global powers and how the War is
impacting the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia in particular and global political order
in general. The study addresses the research gaps in exploring different scenarios as
the end state of the conflict and their implications for the global powers and world
order. Findings from detailed discussion reveal that the Russo-Ukraine War is not just a
territorial dispute between the two nations but has broader geostrategic implications
for the region and beyond. The conflict has the potential to reshape the alliances and
exacerbate the global powers' competition, redefining the context and complexion of
the emerging world order.