Part 1: International conflict zones – East Euro
Conflict dynamics pose a grave threat to the longevity of the new world order, endangering existing peace and cooperation ententes. According to the Oxford Languages Dictionary, world order is defined as ‘a system controlling events in the world, especially a set of arrangements established internationally for preserving global political stability’. Hence, international and regional conflicts cripple geopolitical order, visible from the recent G20 discourse, whilst destabilising a nation’s economy, quality of life and peace and justice.
There are currently four main international conflict zones in existence: East Europe (Russia-Ukraine), Middle East (Israel-Palestine), South Asia (India-Pakistan) and Indo-Pacific (USA-China). Whilst conflict in the Middle East has been a long-standing pressure point on world order; based on resource availability and open trade ports, the Russo-Ukrainian war has created a drastic impact on a global scale – breeding a new cold war between a US-led nation and the Russian Federation.
The Russo-Ukrainian conflict is an ongoing war existing since 2014, when Viktor Yanukovych (pro-Russian president of Ukraine) was overthrown during the Revolution of Dignity (termination of civil unrest in Kyiv). Pro-Russian violence had erupted throughout Eastern and Southern Ukraine, whilst Crimea became annexed by Russia. Furthermore, pro-Russian separatists gained control of government facilities in Eastern Donbas, declaring the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) to be sovereign nations. Despite Russia's denial in the involvement, the Russian troops’ participation was evident.
In 2021, Russia expanded its military posture at the Belarus border with Ukraine, whilst Vladimir Putin (reigning president of Russia) urged that Ukraine be barred from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - in opposition to the alliance's expansion. With Russia recognising DPR and LPR as independent states, a "special military operation" was led into Ukraine. Thereafter, Putin announced a "demilitarization and denazification" operation; however, he claimed that Russia had no plans to occupy Ukrainian land. This invasion gained internationally condemnation with many countries imposing sanctions against Russia.
However, this conflict escalated drastically in February 2022, leading to a global series of unfortunate events. To date, the Russo-Ukrainian conflict has caused a major refugee crisis with 17 million people being displaced. Moreover, the mortality statistics tapers over 62 295 deaths, with approximately 61 000 people being injured and 15000 people missing. In addition, over 140 000 buildings were destroyed, with severe property damage costing approximately US$ 411 billion. Resources and commercial commodities were inflated and partnerships with ally countries were strained. Whilst the Minsk II accords existed to terminate the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2015, it was never fully implemented. Hence, there remains a slim chance for conflict resolution causing a lingering existential threat towards the world order.
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