World Order, ideological (re)alignments and the War Against Ukraine

Description

The Russian War on Ukraine is a conflict between an autocratic regime and the liberal democracies of the West. It has signaled a clear challenge not only to the material power of the liberal international order (LIO) but also to some of the most sacred cosmopolitan norms of its populations. Pro-Western Ukrainians see LIO membership as a matter of existential self-interest. Yet democracy in the West is challenged not only by external authoritarian threats. It is also under attack internally – often by the very same forces that speak most loudly of the need to defend it. Indeed, in a paradoxical twist, population segments that in previous decades vociferously condemned western wars can be seen today variously encouraging the arming of Ukraine with offensive weapons, disavowing journalism on US involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline attacks, and defending the state-lead chilling of anti-war ‘disinformation’ in social media. Conversely, on a global scale, emerging states such as India, Pakistan, South Africa, have abstained from condemning Russia in UN General Assembly votes, and balked on the ICC warrant against Putin. This roundtable discusses the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the LIO, focusing specifically on its impact on ideological (re)alignment.

Period	5 Mar 2025
Event title	ISA Annual Convention 2025
Event type	Conference
Location	Chicago, United States, IllinoisShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International