Lecture Notes: Ukraine - Current Challenges and Power Dynamics

Introduction

• Context: Ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian government.
• Historical Background: Began in 2014 with Russia's invasion and annexation of Crimea.
• International Relations: Debates among the US and NATO allies on the level of aid and weaponry to provide Ukraine.

Geography and Demographics

• Size: Largest country in Europe, nearly 250,000 square miles.
• Population: Approximately 44 million people, similar to Argentina.
• Ethnic Composition:
  • 78% Ukrainian
  • 17% Russian
  • 5% other ethnicities from neighboring countries.

Economic Overview

• GDP in 2016: $93 billion, with a slight recovery in 2017 projected to $104 billion.
• Economic Challenges:
  • Severe downturn due to political and military crises.
  • Currency devaluation in 2014.
  • Debt challenges.
• Support: IMF bailout and World Bank report of 2.3% growth in 2016.

Military Strength

• Global Ranking: 30th in the world.
• Personnel: 1.1 million troops.
• Defense Budget: $5.1 billion, accounting for 6% of GDP.
• National Guard:
  • Re-established in 2014.
  • Nearly 60,000 troops.
• Military Exercises: Conducting with NATO under the Partnership for Peace.

International Relations

• NATO: Ukraine is not a member but is pursuing membership, causing conflict with Russia.
• Partnership for Peace: Aims to build trust between NATO and post-Soviet states.

Internal Struggles

• National Identity: Conflict between pro-Russian minority and Ukrainian majority.
• Post-Soviet Identity: Ongoing struggle to establish a distinct national identity.
• Economic and Military Dependence: Russian influence remains strong in some regions.

Conclusion

• Future Challenges: Ukraine continues to face challenges in strengthening its military and economy while striving for a cohesive national identity post-Soviet Union.

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Additional Resource: For further information, refer to the video on how Russia's annexation of Crimea was executed.