International Political Economy Russia's Realist Approach and Dilemma of Germany’s Strategic Choices in the Ukraine Conflict

Abstract

This paper aims to address the gap in previous studies by examining the role of Russia's realist approach in the Ukraine conflict and foreign relations, and how this impacts Germany's strategic choices. The paper adopts a qualitative research design, utilizing a literature review and case study analysis of the relationship between the two countries in the Ukraine conflict to explore the complexities of the Germany-Russia relationship. Specifically, the paper examines the dilemma of strategic choice of Germany in the Ukraine conflict where Germany's liberal and constructivist approaches could bring economic benefits to Germany, but the security concerns of EU and Germany in the face of Russian aggression face the challenges threatened by a realist approach of Russia. The findings of this paper suggest that the balance of power approach is relevant for the strategic choice of Germany, but in the long term, Germany needs to ensure its economic development to sustain its leadership position in EU as well as dealing with the challenges of Russia’s realist approach.