OPINION: Following recent attacks on Ukraine, diplomacy is off the table
“Demonstrators hold placards reading “Stop War” and “Stop Putin” during an anti-war protest at the Brandenburg gate in Berlin, Germany, February 27, 2022.” Photo by Hannibal Hanschke, Getty Images.
Zach Donaldson is a freshman studying political science and an opinion writer for The New Political.
Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.
In a previous article regarding the conflict in Ukraine, I advocated for a neutral buffer state agreement between Washington and Moscow. Though imperfect, this would provide a diplomatic solution to protect Ukrainian security, quell Russian aggression and allow the U.S. to direct its geopolitical focuses towards other rising international threats. This policy was predicated on the idea that Russia would be unwilling to bear the consequences incurred by an attack. Their military positioning only served to seek symbolic concessions from the U.S.
However, we live in a very different world than we did Wednesday evening. Though America is certainly responsible for fomenting circumstances that escalated this conflict, no amount of provocation or rhetoric can justify Russia’s blatant violation of international law and autocratic invasion.
Putin’s war has crossed the point of no return. It suggests an unwavering determination in undermining international order, minimizing Western influence and expanding Russian military capability: something tough-talk or handshakes can no longer solve.
If Russia is successful in its effort, we stand to live in a world where governing principles such sovereignty and self-determination crumble to the might of despotic regimes so long as they are willing to push the envelope far enough. Russia and China will have further credence and claim to meddle in our elections, perpetrate human rights abuses and gun for the throne of defining global governance.
Cooler heads did not prevail, and any hopes of diplomacy are now off the table for the near future. The game has changed, and stepping back now would be far more damaging to both the citizens of Ukraine and American interests than it was weeks ago. While this conflict may be geographically far-removed from the shores of the U.S., the escalation poses threats to global stability, prosperity and liberal institutions that benefit all players in the international system: us included. As innocent civilians are killed in airstrikes outside of Kyiv and Putin makes strongman threats to any detractors, it is time for America to up the ante and defend the international order.
That’s not to say Ukraine must be a member of NATO and the EU, or that President Biden needs to send American troops into Ukraine and put us on the cusp of the next World War. But we have to accept that Russia is our enemy, and no effort should be spared in halting their efforts.
Firm, cautious and pointed measures are costs worth bearing at this moment in time. The U.S. should continue strict economic sanctions on Russia, send hefty military supplies to Ukrainian forces and deploy NATO and American troops to border regions. Avoiding the short-term economic fallback of this crisis is far less important than facing the deadly consequences brought about by inaction.
This catastrophe will be a defining measure in President Biden’s legacy, modern foreign policy and European order. There is no easy way out, but unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures. We are on the brink of war: it is time to act like it.
