Introduction
Russia posed a grave danger to the post-Soviet world order with the Russo-Ukrainian war. Whether this was a result of a typical security concern, a calculated geopolitical move, or an ideological impulse rooted in pan-Slavic nationalism, the conflict has fundamentally disrupted the post-Cold War security architecture in Europe.
International Relations Theory Perspectives
From a Realist perspective, Russia’s actions can be understood as a rational response to perceived encirclement by NATO expansion — a classic security dilemma. From a Liberal perspective, Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty represents a fundamental challenge to the rules-based international order.
Implications for India
India has maintained a carefully calibrated position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict — abstaining on multiple UN resolutions while continuing to purchase Russian oil at discounted prices and maintaining its longstanding defence relationship with Moscow.
Conclusion
The Russia-Ukraine war represents a watershed moment in international relations — one that has accelerated the transition to a multipolar world order and forced every major power to recalibrate its strategic alignments.