How Russia’s war in Ukraine is birthing a new global order | Ian Bremmer

Big Think2 minutes read

Ukraine's independence sparked strong emotions in both Ukrainians and Russians due to their shared history, leading to the ongoing war between the two nations. The dissolution of the Soviet Union resulted from ethnic and national tensions exacerbated by Gorbachev's reforms, with Putin now seeking to recreate the Russian Empire through the invasion of Ukraine and facing severe economic repercussions from Western sanctions.

Insights

  • The historical and emotional ties between Ukraine and Russia have fueled the ongoing conflict between the two nations, rooted in a shared past and a struggle for independence.
  • Gorbachev's reforms and the subsequent dissolution of the Soviet Union have had lasting effects, shaping Putin's views on geopolitical matters and influencing Russia's actions, such as the invasion of Ukraine and the economic repercussions faced due to Western sanctions.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Why is there ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia?

    The shared history between Ukrainians and Russians has led to the ongoing conflict, fueled by historical claims and desire to recreate the Russian Empire.

  • What were Gorbachev's reforms that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union?

    Gorbachev's reforms of 'Perestroika,' 'Glasnost,' and 'Khozraschyot' caused ethnic and national tensions, ultimately leading to the Soviet Union's dissolution.

  • How does Putin view the dissolution of the Soviet Union?

    Putin sees the dissolution as a significant geopolitical catastrophe, influencing his actions and desire to recreate the Russian Empire.

  • What drove Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

    Russia's invasion was driven by historical claims and Putin's ambition to recreate the Russian Empire, escalating tensions between the two nations.

  • What impact are Western sanctions having on Russia?

    Western sanctions are causing severe economic repercussions in Russia, with a significant contraction in GDP expected due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Ukraine's Historical Significance and Russia's Invasion

  • Ukraine has been historically significant to Russia, with a strong emotional connection.
  • The independence of Ukraine was marked by a surge of emotion from Ukrainians and Russians alike.
  • The shared history between Ukrainians and Russians has led to the ongoing war between the two nations.
  • The Soviet Union comprised 15 Soviet Socialist Republics, each with distinct political and cultural institutions.
  • Gorbachev's reforms of 'Perestroika,' 'Glasnost,' and 'Khozraschyot' led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union due to ethnic and national tensions.
  • Putin views the dissolution of the Soviet Union as a significant geopolitical catastrophe.
  • Russia's invasion of Ukraine was driven by historical claims and Putin's desire to recreate the Russian Empire.
  • Western sanctions on Russia are causing severe economic repercussions, with a significant contraction in GDP expected.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.