August 15, 2025
Realism vs. Liberalism: What Caused the Ukraine War
Main Points
Realism’s claim: Wars erupt when great powers feel their security threatened—Russia saw NATO expansion as an existential risk.
Liberalism’s claim: Wars erupt when leaders reject international norms—Putin’s invasion reflects his imperial vision, not just security fears.
Theories matter: Competing theories don’t just explain the Ukraine war diffe…
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