The Challenge of the War in Ukraine

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By Juichiro Tanabe, PhD


Many experts explain in detail the situation in Ukraine, which is very helpful to understand the dynamics. But one of the critical problems with the current situaiton is that both Russia and the West absolutize their own ideology, which narrows their visions. Russia must stop the invasion and it must not be tolearted that innocent citizens are killed or injured. 

However, difficult as it may sound, reconsidering their fundamntal ideological clash is crucial. Though Russia's behavior must be criticized, the West is also responsible for what is happening. One of the roots of such situation would be what the West has done since the end of the Cold War.

The end of the Cold War does not mean the triumph of liberal West. It should have been about the start of a new cosmopolitan and intercultural world, wherein former enemies step closer to explore common security while respecting each histories. It is challenging, but we have to embark upon such bumpy path. No one would want a Third World War.

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