The Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Sanctions, and Power Politics: Revitalizing Neoclassical Realism and Asymmetric Conflict Perspective on Identity in Geopolitics

Abstract

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has reshaped the global balance of power, highlighting issues such as security, sanctions and geopolitical identity. This study explores this conflict through the lens of neoclassical realism and asymmetric conflict theory, focusing on national identity, geopolitical strategy, and power relations. Neoclassical realism is used to analyze how Russia’s geopolitical identity and internal problems affect its actions toward Ukraine, while asymmetric conflict theory focuses on Ukraine’s resistance behavior supported by the international community. The research includes case studies to illustrate key moments in the conflict, such as the impact of sanctions and Russia’s response to global pressure. The findings suggest that sanctions are both an economic and a strategic tool that can transform global relations and domestic stability. Furthermore, Russian and Ukrainian national identities play an important role in shaping their strategies, with Russian imperial ambitions and Ukrainian resistance deeply rooted in their historical and cultural backgrounds.