The Russo-Ukrainian conflict through Thucydidean lenses: fear, honor, and interest revisited

In the backdrop of modern international relations, the Russo-Ukrainian conflict illustrates the enduring complexity of geopolitical struggles, emphasizing the significance of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law's influence on global security and diplomatic relations. Thucydides' insights on the motivations of fear, honor, and interest provide a critical lens to analyze such conflicts, elucidating the motivations and strategies of involved states. The paper employs these concepts to dissect the underlying causes and potential impacts of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, revealing how Russia's pursuit of honor and interest, Ukraine's fear for its sovereignty, and the West's commitment to democratic values and international law intricately shape the conflict's dynamics.