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Mearsheimer Warns: Ukraine War Driven by Power, Not Emotion

Power dynamics, not emotions, drive Russia's actions in Ukraine, says John Mearsheimer. Europe's increased involvement without strong U.S. support could risk NATO's existence.

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text...
In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Mearsheimer Warns: Ukraine War Driven by Power, Not Emotion

John Mearsheimer, a prominent political scientist, has shared his views on the Ukraine war, attributing Russia's actions to strategic power dynamics. He warns against Europe's increased involvement without robust U.S. engagement, cautioning about potential consequences for NATO.

Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism suggests that Russia's actions in Ukraine are driven by security calculations and power dynamics, not emotional or moral factors. He asserts that the West shares some responsibility for the conflict, due to NATO's eastward expansion and Ukraine's alignment with the West since the 1990s, which has undermined Russia's security interests.

Mearsheimer believes that a negotiated peace is now politically unlikely, with only a temporary ceasefire or 'frozen conflict' appearing feasible in the short to medium term. He argues that Russia was open to a compromise peace in 2022, but the West actively thwarted such efforts, leading to the collapse of negotiations over Ukraine's neutrality.

Mearsheimer's central arguments emphasize the complex nature of the Ukraine conflict, with power dynamics and historical factors playing significant roles. He warns against Europe's increased involvement without strong U.S. support, as it could jeopardize NATO's existence. Despite the slim prospects for a diplomatic resolution, Mearsheimer sees only a temporary ceasefire or 'frozen conflict' as realistic in the near future.

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