Comments on: Why Putin’s invasion of Ukraine had to happen https://theloop.ecpr.eu/why-putins-invasion-of-ukraine-had-to-happen/ ECPR's Political Science Blog Mon, 05 Sep 2022 22:33:59 +0000 hourly 1 By: Yuri Koncov https://theloop.ecpr.eu/why-putins-invasion-of-ukraine-had-to-happen/#comment-42470 Mon, 05 Sep 2022 22:33:59 +0000 https://theloop.ecpr.eu/?p=6476#comment-42470 There is no absence of projecting power really ever. If Russia did not act the gradual encroachment of the West would continue unabated. Russia has been pretty clear over the last 20 years what it is and isn't willing to tolerate in its neighborhood. NATO operating with tremendous hegemony in the region created its own reality by which Russia must comply and "play ball" all while ignoring Russia's continual statements of independence and resistance to that world view.

You can argue against this all you want, Russia is fundamentally concerned for its own identity, its own culture and reality, NOT the hegemonic world view of Western nations and NATO. Of that, Russia has made it clear it wants no part of. Do not expect that to change.

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