Putin, the West, and the Contest Over Ukraine and the Caucasus: A Longstanding Rivalry with Far-Reaching Implications

The rivalry between Russia and the West over Ukraine and the Caucasus is a complex and longstanding one, with roots in history, geography, and geopolitics. In recent years, this rivalry has intensified, as the West has sought to expand its influence in the region and Russia has sought to maintain its traditional sphere of influence.

Near Abroad: Putin, the West and the Contest over Ukraine and the Caucasus

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Language	:	English
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The Caucasus is a mountainous region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is home to a number of different ethnic groups, including Armenians, Azerbaijanis, Georgians, and Russians. The region has been a contested area throughout history, and Russia has been involved in the Caucasus for centuries.

Ukraine is a country on the border between Russia and Europe. It has a long and complicated history, and it has been a major battleground in the rivalry between Russia and the West.

The West has sought to expand its influence in Ukraine and the Caucasus in recent years, in part as a way to counter Russia's influence in the region. The West has provided economic and military aid to Ukraine, and it has also supported Georgia and other countries in the Caucasus.

Russia has responded by asserting its own influence in Ukraine and the Caucasus. Russia has annexed Crimea, which was part of Ukraine, and it has supported separatists in eastern Ukraine. Russia has also increased its military presence in the Caucasus, and it has warned the West against interfering in the region.

The rivalry between Russia and the West over Ukraine and the Caucasus is a serious threat to international security. If the two sides continue to escalate their conflict, it could lead to a wider war in Europe. The West needs to find a way to accommodate Russia's interests in the region without giving up its own principles. Russia, for its part, needs to understand that the West will not tolerate Russian aggression.

The Historical Roots of the Rivalry

The rivalry between Russia and the West over Ukraine and the Caucasus has its roots in history. The two sides have been competing for control of the region for centuries, and this competition has led to a number of wars and conflicts.

In the 18th century, Russia expanded its empire into the Caucasus, and it annexed Crimea in 1783. The Russian Empire also fought a number of wars against the Ottoman Empire for control of the Caucasus.

In the 19th century, the Russian Empire continued to expand its influence in the Caucasus, and it annexed Georgia in 1801. The Russian Empire also fought a war against the Persian Empire for control of the Caucasus.

In the 20th century, the Soviet Union inherited the Russian Empire's control of the Caucasus. The Soviet Union fought a number of wars against local nationalist movements in the Caucasus, and it also deported a number of ethnic groups from the region.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine and the Caucasus states became independent. However, Russia continued to assert its influence in the region, and it supported separatists in eastern Ukraine and Georgia.

The Geopolitical Significance of the Region

The Caucasus and Ukraine are both strategically important regions, and this is one of the reasons why Russia and the West are competing for control of these areas.

The Caucasus is a crossroads between Europe and Asia, and it is a major transit route for energy supplies. The region is also home to a number of important mineral resources.

Ukraine is a major agricultural producer, and it is also a major transit route for energy supplies from Russia to Europe. Ukraine is also a strategic buffer zone between Russia and NATO.

Both Russia and the West recognize the geopolitical importance of the Caucasus and Ukraine, and this is why they are competing for influence in the region.

The Potential Implications for International Relations

The rivalry between Russia and the West over Ukraine and the Caucasus could have serious implications for international relations. If the two sides continue to escalate their conflict, it could lead to a wider war in Europe.

The West needs to find a way to accommodate Russia's interests in the region without giving up its own principles. Russia, for its part, needs to understand that the West will not tolerate Russian aggression.

The rivalry between Russia and the West over Ukraine and the Caucasus is a complex and dangerous one. It is a rivalry that has deep roots in history, and it is a rivalry that could have serious implications for the future of international relations.

Near Abroad: Putin, the West and the Contest over Ukraine and the Caucasus

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17345 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	408 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE