! This is a graded discussion 30 points possibledue M

!
This is a graded discussion: 30 points possible
due May 28
Discussion 2
8 8
Prompt:
Which of the theories - realism, liberalism, constructivism, and
radicalism - do you think best explains the recent developments
in Ukraine? Or, do you think not one theory but a combination
of
theories help us better explain the developments? Why? Give
reasons.
Required reading for this Essay:
1. Chapter 3
2. Realism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnKEFSVAiNQ)

3. Liberalism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZbDMUaqwE8
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZbDMUaqwE8)
5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 1 of 14
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZbDMUaqwE8)
4. Constructivism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYU9UfkV_XI
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYU9UfkV_XI)
5. Exploring the Ukraine Conflict through International
Relations Lenses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo)
(In this video, I am discussing Ukraine confict with two of my
colleagues
from FSCJ and UCF. We are mainly applying Realism and
Libearlism to

our analysis of the conflict. It was recorded about a month ago.)
(You are welcome to use other resources, but do not use online
learning resources like lumens learning, Wikipedia, study.com,
Khan Academy, Quizlet, etc. You must use resources from
reputable outlets like New York Times, Guardian, BBC, etc.)
Assignment Details:
Your initial posting should be two paragraphs long and 200-250
words
(10 more words fine), excluding citations and references. It
should
present your compelling response to the above prompt and
provide
strong evidence from the sources listed above to support your
position.
5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 2 of 14
strong evidence from the sources listed above to support your
position.
You should then make at least one posting, 100-150 words, that
engage
your peers' ideas/arguments.

Part I: Initial Post worth 20 points
Write an original post (similar to a short essay) with at least
two
paragraphs that include sources and proper APA or Chicago or
MLA
citations and references.
*You must post the initial essay by Thursday. Penalty of 10%
for
late initial posts.
Part II: Follow up posts worth 10 points
Write at least one substantive posts which must be a compelling
response to one of your peers' (initial) posts. It MUST be a
substantive
reply (remember, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your
understanding of the material and earn the highest grade
possible).
Do not just write laudatory responses to your peers, challenge
them
and their arguments....move the discussion forward
*No discussion postings will be accepted after the deadline,
Saturday, 11:59 PM.

A Few Words of Advice...
Your argument should not be based on unfounded, preconceived
beliefs. Statements that start with or include "I believe that..."
are only
valid to the extent that they are followed and supported by well-
cited,
compelling evidence from reliable sources.
5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 3 of 14
Search entries or author
" Reply
As with the other discussions in this class, your personal
opinion on
the issue at hand does not matter for grading purposes. (Our
grading is not influenced by your political leanings). The point
of this
discussion is to think about the (above) prompt and argue your
point in
a thoughtful manner, using evidence to support your position
and/or to

argue against your peers' position(s).
Unread # $ % Subscribed
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/60316)
Zubaidah Al-Amear
Yesterday
!
I'm not an objective observer here, but these worrisome
developments
have underlined the realistic position on international politics'
lasting
relevance to me. However, All realism theories picture a world
in which
no agency or institution can protect states against one another,
and
nations must be concerned about whether a hazardous aggressor
would
attack them in the future. This condition causes states,
particularly large
powers, to be concerned about their security and struggle for
power.

5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 4 of 14
" Reply
powers, to be concerned about their security and struggle for
power.
Sadly, these anxieties can sometimes lead to states doing
terrible things.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia reminds realizes that
countries can act
in awful and dumb ways when their vital security interests are
in danger.
Although this lesson does not justify such action, realists
understand that
moral censure alone will not prevent it. Unfortunately, the
battle also
exemplifies another fundamental realist concept: the "security
problem."
The problem arises because efforts are taken by one state to
improve its
security often make others less secure. State A feels threatened
and
looks for allies or buys more weapons; State B is concerned and

responds in kind, suspicions grow, and both countries end up
poorer and
less safe than before. Given their long-term fears about Russia,
it was
understandable that Eastern European countries desire to join
NATO.
(Greaney, Alec. “Ukraine Wanted to Join NATO's Alliance for
Years. NBC
Chicago) However, it should be clear why Russian officials, not
just Putin,
found this development frightening. It is now sadly evident that
the risk
was not worthwhile. In conclusion, Realism was the theory that
explains
the situation in Ukraine.
Reference
1. Greaney, Alec. “Ukraine Wanted to Join NATO's Alliance for
Years. What
Stopped It?” NBC Chicago, NBC Chicago, 26 Apr. 2022,
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-
international/ukraine-
wanted-to-join-natos-alliance-for-years-what-stopped-
it/2813488/

(https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/national-
international/ukraine-
wanted-to-join-natos-alliance-for-years-what-stopped-
it/2813488/) .
2. “Exploring the Ukraine Conflict through International
Relations
Lenses.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 May 2022,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKfB7ih-edo.
5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 5 of 14
Jeromy Wilson
2:54pm
" Reply
!
Hi Zubaidah, I agree with you about how the states go back and
forth
with escalating the threats postured towards each other. The
only way

forward I can see is for people who understand both sides
motivations extensively to come up with a solution on grounds
of
moral authority and act on it. Maybe Russia strengthens trade
with
and supports building infrastructure in Ukraine in return for a
signed
agreement to stay out of NATO and the EU? That won't exactly
work,
but it's better than open warfare. Anyways, nice post.
Victoria Blanchard
1:54pm
!
The International Relations theories that best describes the
recent
developments in Ukraine are realism and constructivism.
Realism is a big
part of the recent developments because Ukraine is going
through the
reality of it; the people of Ukraine have to watch their families
die and

leave their cities for safety. Russia made this decision as a
power move
because they believe their core interests were in jeopardy.
Realists want
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" Reply
to be independent and do not care for harmony among states.
Russia
does not think that other nations should feel threatened by them
or feel
as if they were to attack them in the future.
Constructivism is reality is not absolute but subjective, it is not
based on
simply material factors. Russia's leaders did not tell the truth to
their
soldiers when this all started, the soldiers believed they were
simply
doing some kind of training. Russia lost tons of men and
weapons but
continue to push into Ukraine. Constructivism represents how
the

Russians are thinking. Putin still thinks that the old Soviet
Empire should
be put back together despite what other countries want. Many
western
countries believe it to be liberalism, but that is not it
completely.
Liberalism is creating conflict or cooperation. Russia wants
something
that can only be acquired by conflict. (213)
Sources:
soomopublishing. (2011, May 4). Theory in action: Realism.
YouTube.
Retrieved May 25, 2022, from
soomopublishing. (2011, June 10). Theory in action:
Constructivism.
YouTube. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=kYU9UfkV_XI

5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 7 of 14
Jeromy Wilson
2:45pm
" Reply
!
According to the neo-realists, the situation in Ukraine appears
to be a
move towards the unipolar system of power, driven by each
state or
country's desire for safety by means of accumulating the most
power.
There is also the clear willingness of Russia to engage in
conflict, and
their reputation is noted by other former soviet union states, as
places
like Poland are fearful of being annexed like Crimea, and
chances are
that if Russia saw the same level of support by pro-Russian
citizens, they

might actually do just that.
There is also the fact that Russia is so resistant to the west or
any of
it's ideas leads me to believe that, although a combination of
theories is
likely to blame, realism appears to be the most applicable.
Primarily the
idea of a state serving it's own interest for immediate gains.
There are
multiple organizations such as NATO that Russia wants nothing
to do
with. They seem to be interested in self preservation and self
sufficiency.
Their independence from organizations and the general lack of
willingness to compromise as much as many other nations do is
evidence of their goals. They only appear to work with those
who align
with them politically. Turkey is a great example of that.
Jeromy Wilson
5/25/22, 11:07 PM

of 14
2:46pm
" Reply
!
Frances Martinez (She/Her)
8:33pm
" Reply
!
Jeromy,
I do agree that historically, Russia has been a willing state to
pursue
war and conflict for their best interest. The U.S.S.R. being a
prime
example and Putin being very clear after Crimea that "if you
compress spring all the way to it's limit, it will snap back hard.
You

must remember this." However, do you think that Putin is
unhinged,
and uncalculated or that maybe, this attack isn't much of a
surprise?
Of course, Russia wants nothing to do with NATO since the
main
reason it was created was to protect against possible attacks
from
then Germany and the Soviet Union after World War II. What's
even
more terrifying is that the Putin mindset is eerily similar to
Stalingrad's, who had Marxist ideals. Realism, in my opinion, is
not
the only theory at play. Thoughts?
5/25/22, 11:07 PM
Page 9 of 14
Frances Martinez (She/Her)
8:10pm
!

Looking at all of the core aspects of the theories we have
discussed thus
far, it is difficult to conclude that the Russia and Ukraine
conflict would
be best explained within one theory. On this basis, it seems that
Realism
is the main theory at play in this conflict due to the belief that a
state
increases their power through war and conquest, which is
currently in
force. Using the Liberal theory as an example where the
ideology is that
individuals are "basically good and capable of cooperation",
isn't a moral
compass one could say Putin abides by, given his actions. Putin
initially
stated that he was moving in on the basis of running a "special
military
operation". Putin later said that he "wants the deNazification of
Ukraine."
In other words, he wants to change the system of government
and rule in
place. This is also shown with his claim that he "believes
Ukraine is an

illegitimate country on land that belongs to Russia". We could
also bring
in that Constructivism is involved in some aspects, such as
Russia
altering its actions to seem as a legitimate state. Marxism, under
the
umbrella of Radicalism, puts into perspective the imperialism
that Russia
is perpetuating. The impacts of this conflict are being felt
around the
world, with gas prices skyrocketing, and inflation reaching
records far
beyond what we have seen historically. The disruption of this
region
poses an even more dangerous possibility, the shift of nuclear
powers
and an unpredictable time in history.
References
https://www.vox.com/2022/2/23/22948534/russia-ukraine-war-
putin-
explosions-invasion-explained "Russia's war in Ukraine,
explained." Kirby,
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" Reply
explosions-invasion-explained "Russia's war in Ukraine,
explained." Kirby,
Jen and Guyer, Jonathan. March 6, 2022.
https://www.vox.com/2022/2/24/22948944/putin-ukraine-nazi-
russia-
speech-declare-war "Putin's "NAZI" rhetoric reveals his
terrifying war
aims at Ukraine"; Beauchamp, Zach. February 24, 2022.
https://www.vox.com/policy-and-
politics/2022/2/23/22945781/russia-ukraine-putin-speech-
transcript-february-22 (https://www.vox.com/policy-and-
politics/2022/2/23/22945781/russia-ukraine-putin-speech-
transcript-
february-22) "Why is Putin attacking Ukraine? He told us."
Beauchamp,
Zach. February 23, 2022.
Essentials of international relations, Chapter 3, 9th edition.
Mignst A.
Karen; McKibben Elko, Heather.

Joselyn De La Cruz (She/Her)
8:25pm
!
In recent developments, the Russia-Ukraine conflict displays a
combination of realism and liberalism theories. Realist behavior
can be
found in Russia’s unjust and unprovoked declaration of war
toward
Ukraine. “87 people were killed after Russian troops fired four
missiles at
the village of Desna and Russia is attempting to “destroy as
many people
and infrastructure as possible” (Villegas). Due to recent attacks,
there has
not been a clear explanation of when this war will end. Russia
shares
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Page 11 of 14
realist characteristics by displaying power-seeking interests and

insecurity due to the potential relative loss with Ukraine. From
a realist
perspective, power is gained through war or by taking it away
from other
states to help contribute to the goal of fundamental security
(Mingst 71).
Ukraine shares liberalism characteristics such as being a
rational state,
good relations, and developing peace with other countri es can
lead to
more potential allies. Countries like Denmark, the Czech
Republic, and
many more have sent ordnance, aircraft, military training, and
assistance
to help aid Ukraine (Demirjian). Russia can see that Ukraine is
a smaller
democratic state and could potentially lead to a rise of allies or
possible
membership in groups such as NATO or the EU. As of today,
Ukraine is
not a part of those major group alliances. Due to Ukraine's
location,
strong western liberal influences can attract Ukraine which
leads to

Russia feeling insecure or attacked of having an enemy in such
proximity.
If Ukraine were to join either NATO or the EU then that would
most likely
escalate and agitate Russia even more. Even though Ukraine is
not a part
of these organizations, fellow countries such as the United
States and
other NATO affiliated countries send support through arms,
intelligence,
and strategy to combat Russia. “The Biden administration and
NATO,
playing geostrategic catch-up, have dramatically increased the
flow of
U.S. arms to Ukraine and it clearly has benefited the defenders"
(Bosco).
Works Cited
Bosco, J. (2022, May 24). Biden and NATO must help Ukraine
get its
wheat to the world. The Hill. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from
https://thehill.com/opinion/international/3498895-biden-and-
nato-must-

help-ukraine-get-its-wheat-to-the-world/
Demirjian, K. (2022, May 23). International Military Aid for
Ukraine
accelerates, Pentagon says. The Washington Post. Retrieved
May 23,
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" Reply
2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-
security/2022/05/23/ukraine-security-assistance/
Firozi, P., Villegas, P., Pannett, R., Pietsch, B., Timsit, A.,
Hassan, J., &
Chapman, A. (2022, May 23). Russia-Ukraine War live updates:
Russian
soldier convicted of war crime - one of 13,000 probes, says
Ukrainian
official. The Washington Post. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/05/23/russia-
ukraine-war-
news-live-updates-putin/
Mingst, K. A., & McKibben, H. E. (2021). International

Relations Theories.
In Essentials of International Relations (pp. 71–73). essay, W.
W. Norton &
Company.
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/about/15236)Mary Grace Floresca
(https://canvas.fscj.edu/about/15236)
11:05pm
!
Hello Professor and Class,
The theory that best explains the recent developments in
Ukraine is
realism. This theory explains that states will relentlessly seek
power and
security because they exist in a self-help system. Nation-states
can
engage in conflict for autonomy and security, and to promote
their
national interests (Thayer, 124). Many people have been dying
in Ukraine,
but there have not been peace talks. International organizations
such as
the UN and EU have not played an active role in the Ukraine

war. Nation-
states such as Russia and Ukraine have been involved in the war
for
political interests, and they have been the main actors of the
war. Russia
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" Reply
political interests, and they have been the main actors of the
war. Russia
entered the war due to its national interests.
President Putin stated that his goal was to prevent Western
influence and
ensure that Ukraine does not join NATO (Kirby, 1). Russian
ministers
explained that the future of Russia was at stake. Realism theory
would
explain the developments in Ukraine the best because the
Russians
wanted to protect their national interests. They held felt
threatened by
the increasing westernization of Ukraine. Realism theory

explains that
humans are selfish, and they have a strong desire for power.
Russia had a
strong desire for military power, but not ethics. This led to the
killing of
many Ukrainians in an effort to gain military power and protect
national
interests of the state.
Works Cited
Kirby, Paul. "Why has Russia invaded Ukraine and what does
Putin
want." BBC News (2022).
Thayer, Bradley A. "Bringing in Darwin: Evolutionary theory,
realism, and
international politics." International Security 25.2 (2000): 124-
151.
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