"Decentralize or Else": Russia's Use of Offensive Coercive Diplomacy against Ukraine. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alim, Eray
• Is Part Of: World affairs. Volume 183:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Russia -- Ukraine -- Offensive Coercive Diplomacy -- Alexander George -- International Crisis -- Foreign Policy -- Eastern Ukraine -- Donbas; Rusia -- Ucrania -- Diplomacia coercitiva ofensiva -- Relaciones bilaterales -- Política exterior -- Donbas; 俄罗斯 -- 乌克兰 -- 进攻性强制外交 -- 东乌克兰 -- 顿巴斯; International relations -- Periodicals; Peace -- Periodicals; Arbitration (International law) -- Periodicals; United States -- Foreign relations -- Periodicals; Arbitration (International law); International relations; Peace; United states; Foreign relations; Internationale politiek; Periodicals; 327.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0043820020919907
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-8200

Abstract

Drawing on the concept of offensive coercive diplomacy, this article examines Russia's strategy in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and addresses the question of why Russia has failed to achieve its objectives. Through an analysis of notions such as "status quo" (in terms of who overturned it) and international law (in terms of who violated it), I attempt to show that Russia's actions in Eastern Ukraine qualify as offensive coercion. Backed up by force, Russia demanded that Ukraine implement a decentralization process and grant a part of Eastern Ukraine (Donbas) special status. Knowing that Russia's aim is to use Donbas as an instrument to control its political future, Ukraine refused to acquiesce to Russia's demand without restoring its sovereignty in Eastern Ukraine. With both sides refusing to budge, the crisis turned into a zero-sum game. This article seeks to contribute to research on coercive diplomacy by focusing on offensive coercion.