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Ukraine Crisis summary
What It Means for the West
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Brief summary
"Ukraine Crisis" by Andrew Wilson explains the background, events and aftermath of the 2014 Ukraine crisis. The book reveals the roles of Russia, the West, and Ukraine's politics in the conflict.
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Ukraine Crisis
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Ukraine, sandwiched between Russia and the EU, is a country torn by old and new loyalties.
Since long before protests erupted in 2014, Ukraine has struggled with political and economic problems. Much of its trouble has to do with its location: Ukraine is wedged between Russia and Western Europe.
Unsurprisingly, Russia has a long history of intervention in Ukraine. Recently, the country has sought to reassert its control in the region, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Ukraine however depends heavily on Russia's gas and oil reserves. Russia is well aware of this imbalance, and could easily drive Ukraine into bankruptcy by raising the price of fossil fuels. This position gives Russia a lot of leverage over its neighbor.
Russia has also funded certain Ukrainian politicians, who advocate political agendas written by Moscow, stressing pro-Russian and anti-Western actions.
On the other “side,” European Union countries also work to influence events in Ukraine. In 2008, the country began negotiations over an association agreement, a treaty with the European Union that creates a framework for strengthening Ukraine's political and economic ties with the West – much to Russia's chagrin.
The power of both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been increasing, expanding eastward after the fall of the Iron Curtain. These two groups have brought more and more of Russia's former allies, such as Poland and the Baltics, into their fold.
Russia, in turn, has tried to aggressively guard its former sphere of influence.
This has put the European Union in an uncomfortable position. Member states have cut back on military spending while Russia is rearming – so provoking conflict is a dangerous game. And like Ukraine, the European Union also depends on a steady supply of Russian fossil fuels.
For some time, the strategy of the European Union was to simply ignore Ukraine’s growing predicament. Unfortunately, this ended up only making things worse.
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What is Ukraine Crisis about?
Ukraine Crisis (2014) addresses the peaceful protests and violent conflicts that have rocked Ukraine in recent years. This book take a look at the events surrounding the Maidan uprising, the Russian annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas. Importantly, the crisis is put into context not just for the future of Ukraine but also how it affects Russia, the European Union and the world.
Ukraine Crisis Review
Ukraine Crisis (2014) by Andrew Wilson is a book that sheds light on the complex events leading to the crisis in Ukraine and why it is essential reading for anyone interested in geopolitics. Here's what makes this book worth your time:
- Highlighted with in-depth research and clear analysis, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the causes, consequences, and implications of the crisis.
- Balancing historical context with current events, it provides a nuanced perspective on the political, cultural, and economic factors shaping the crisis.
- The book maintains a narrative-driven approach that keeps readers engaged, bringing the story of the Ukraine crisis to life and making it a captivating read.
Best quote from Ukraine Crisis
Why should the rest of the world even listen to Europe if it couldnt prevent disaster in its own neighborhood?
—Andrew Wilson
Who should read Ukraine Crisis?
- Students and professors of history or politics
- People interested in contemporary history
- Anyone curious about the power play between Russia and the West
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Ukraine Crisis FAQs
What is the main message of Ukraine Crisis?
The main message of Ukraine Crisis is an analysis and explanation of the events leading up to and during the crisis in Ukraine.
How long does it take to read Ukraine Crisis?
The reading time for Ukraine Crisis varies but can take a few hours. The Blinkist summary, however, can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Ukraine Crisis a good book? Is it worth reading?
Ukraine Crisis is worth reading for those interested in understanding the complex dynamics of the crisis. It provides valuable insights and analysis.
Who is the author of Ukraine Crisis?
The author of Ukraine Crisis is Andrew Wilson.
What to read after Ukraine Crisis?
If you're wondering what to read next after Ukraine Crisis, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- New Cold Wars by David E. Sanger
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- Empire by Niall Ferguson
- How to Love Better by Yung Pueblo
- The House of Rothschild by Niall Ferguson