In this slogging thread, we chat about the recent geopolitical tensions between Ukraine, and Russia. We analyse whether the Russo-Ukrainian war may escalate further and how the US and Russia are competing for dominance in Europe.
This Slogging thread by Jack Boreham, Limarc Ambalina, MĂłnica Freitas and Sara Pinto occurred in slogging's official #random channel, and has been edited for readability.
“In his first significant comments about the crisis in several weeks, he accused the US of ignoring Russia's concerns about Nato alliance forces in Europe.
And he suggested that if Ukraine were granted its wish to join Nato, it could drag the other members into a war with Russia.
Tension is high over a Russian troop build-up close to Ukraine's borders”
And he suggested that if Ukraine were granted its wish to join Nato, it could drag the other members into a war with Russia.
Tension is high over a Russian troop build-up close to Ukraine's borders”
Limarc Ambalina MĂłnica Freitas Sara Pinto Melissa Brown ex_pat_pat Nicolas Ng what do you think, will it happen?
I've been worried about it, but don't think they'd invade Ukraine. If you were going to invade a country, why be so obvious about it by amassing your forces near its border?
However, I'm admittedly ignorant of European politics, why is Russia not happy with Ukraine joining Nato? Is there some old agreement that Ukraine wouldn't join or something? Do you know Jack Boreham?
However, I'm admittedly ignorant of European politics, why is Russia not happy with Ukraine joining Nato? Is there some old agreement that Ukraine wouldn't join or something? Do you know Jack Boreham?
Jack Boreham I sure hope not. The last thing we need is another war in Europe. And this could easily blow out of proportion with hasty decisions. The last I've heard of it, the US was getting involved so I'm not how this all will turn out.
Limarc Ambalina, it's about shock and awe. They are amassing troops at the border for intimidation rather than actual invasion! So the agreement with Nato is that if there is an attack on one of the members, the other members will defend them. Ukraine effectively joining Nato means that the west is on the doorstep of Russia. Thus, Russia can't lay a finger on them.
In effect, Russia is boxed in and susceptible to an attack, so they believe
MĂłnica Freitas, I completely agree; the UK is doing the same. It's very dangerous for the US to try and get Ukraine in Nato. To be honest, I think Russia will do what it wants, and the US might just sit back. I'm not sure if I trust Joe Biden.
“So the agreement with Nato is that if there is an attack on one of the members, the other members will defend them. Ukraine effectively joining Nato means that the west is on the doorstep of Russia. Thus, Russia can’t lay a finger on them.”
Jack Boreham again…apologies for my ignorance. The UK is still in NATO right?
Jack Boreham again…apologies for my ignorance. The UK is still in NATO right?
“It’s very dangerous for the US to try and get Ukraine in Nato.”
Jack Boreham why? I’m not sure I get that. If I were in Ukraine, I’d do the same. Is it morally just to just turn a blind eye and be like “oh…they’re not in Nato, we can just let them get invaded.”
Jack Boreham why? I’m not sure I get that. If I were in Ukraine, I’d do the same. Is it morally just to just turn a blind eye and be like “oh…they’re not in Nato, we can just let them get invaded.”
Limarc Ambalina yes so the UK is in Nato
Limarc Ambalina, although I agree with what you said about the morals! I think Russia is more inclined to invade because Ukraine wants to join NATO. It sees it as a last resort. The US pushing this is, in my opinion making it more likely Ukraine gets invaded. Russia has been meddling in Ukrainian affairs for year's; they won't just invade without being provoked. I think the US is provoking them!
Ahh super interesting POV that I never thought of, again I'm ignorant of most politics.
Jack Boreham agreed! I think the US will only inflame Putin. It is almost like with US interference, Biden is now challenging Putin for an arm wrestle, which will only be costly for Ukraine.
MĂłnica Freitas agreed! Geopolitics is all about the arm wrestle. Over the years, geopolitics has become less important, but the big players always want to give it a shot.
Jack Boreham exactly, and there's a lot to gain from warfare. The US alone makes millions. Hoping this all blows out. I'm keeping an eye on this...
MĂłnica Freitas, very true, but there's also a lot to lose. Political scientists use game theory to determine how much a state might lose from war. Usually, it's a negative amount!
Jack Boreham, oh for sure. War is always a synonym to losses, not only in human lives or economics but also the collective trauma. Unfortunately, that's not enough to stop some leaders. It does make me worry how we can blindly follow orders from someone in charge, regardless of the costs.
MĂłnica Freitas, that's a super interesting point. That's all stems back to republicism; how can we trust governments? Should we be wary of them?
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Jack Boreham So, I'm still a little confused about the reason behind this threat of war. That's is the last thing we need, but it's getting more serious each time. I see the news all the time of how they're preparing for war. A Portuguese channel even made an interview with a family and how they are dealing with this conflict. I just hope the day this collapses never arrives.