A real issue for the security studies community will be how does invasion and occupation look in the 21st century. Many believed terrorism to be the defining problem of the century, yet just over a decade later it is already receding to a degree. What exists now are great powers willing to control and conquer lands through subterfuge.
Why would you risk condemnation from the global community and probable sanctions if it is entirely unnecessary? It is now possible to arm militias and send disguised professionals, all while denying any official involvement. What Russia has developed is a model for other nations to follow. The individual that planned the Crimea invasion will undoubtedly be promoted. Russia gained a long coveted piece of real estate with little resistance or protest.
If a nation is playing by the accepted rules and taking advantage of the loopholes, no nation or alliance seems able to mount much of an opposition. This is especially true in a liberal world where economic ties are strong between nations. So the argument goes that a hundred years ago World War I would not happen because of such ties. Yet the tempestuous pull of nationalism won out. It is not so today. Non-sovereign entities such as corporations hold much more sway and say. You cannot have open conflict if it is bad for business, especially for the petroleum business. Thus, the plans of Russia are safe, and it seems that eastern Ukraine is in real trouble.
Why would you risk condemnation from the global community and probable sanctions if it is entirely unnecessary? It is now possible to arm militias and send disguised professionals, all while denying any official involvement. What Russia has developed is a model for other nations to follow. The individual that planned the Crimea invasion will undoubtedly be promoted. Russia gained a long coveted piece of real estate with little resistance or protest.
If a nation is playing by the accepted rules and taking advantage of the loopholes, no nation or alliance seems able to mount much of an opposition. This is especially true in a liberal world where economic ties are strong between nations. So the argument goes that a hundred years ago World War I would not happen because of such ties. Yet the tempestuous pull of nationalism won out. It is not so today. Non-sovereign entities such as corporations hold much more sway and say. You cannot have open conflict if it is bad for business, especially for the petroleum business. Thus, the plans of Russia are safe, and it seems that eastern Ukraine is in real trouble.
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