The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin

Russia illegally annexed Crimea, bolstered a separatist conflict in the Donbas region, and attacked Ukraine with its regular army and special forces in 2014. The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin examines four key Ukraine-related policy decisions across two Republican and two Democratic U.S. administrations and asks whether Washington has considered Ukraine's status as a sovereign nation in its decision-making regarding relations with Moscow.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

In 2014, Russia took illegal actions by annexing Crimea, supporting separatist movements in the Donbas region, and launching a military attack on Ukraine. The United States' response to these actions has often been met with criticism, being deemed inadequate, insufficient, or hesitant. This book, titled "The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin," delves into a comprehensive examination of four critical policy decisions made by two Republican and two Democratic U.S. administrations regarding Ukraine. Author Eugene M. Fishel explores the question of whether, how, and under what circumstances Washington has considered Ukraine's status as a sovereign nation in its dealings with Moscow.

The study contextualizes the United States' stance toward Ukraine within the broader framework of international relations. It addresses an important gap in existing scholarship and policy discourse by focusing on the intricate trilateral dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia from 1991 to 2016. This book brings together a wealth of documentary evidence, declassified materials, retrospective articles authored by former policymakers, and formal memoirs by former senior officials. Additionally, open-ended interviews with former and returning officials provide valuable insights into the policy deliberations and decision-making processes.

Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 marked a significant turning point in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The move violated Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it sparked international condemnation and sanctions. The United States responded by imposing economic and diplomatic measures against Russia, but many observers felt that these measures were not enough to deter Moscow from further aggression.

The separatist conflict in the Donbas region, which began in 2014, continued to be a source of tension between Ukraine and Russia. Russia supported separatist groups in the region, who sought to establish an independent state separate from Ukraine. The conflict resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions. The United States provided military assistance to Ukraine to counter Russian aggression, but the conflict remained unresolved.

In 2014, Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine, using its regular army and special forces. The attack aimed to overthrow the Ukrainian government and install a pro-Russian regime. The United States responded by imposing additional sanctions on Russia and providing military assistance to Ukraine. However, the attack was unsuccessful, and Ukraine continued to resist Russian aggression.

The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin offers a comprehensive analysis of the policy decisions made by the United States regarding Ukraine. The book explores the complex dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, including the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped their relations. It also examines the role of the Kremlin in influencing U.S. policy toward Ukraine and the broader region.

One of the key findings of the study is that the United States has often struggled to find a coherent and effective policy toward Ukraine. The book argues that the United States has vacillated between different approaches, including appeasement, deterrence, and containment, without achieving a lasting solution to the conflict. The study also highlights the role of individual policymakers, such as Secretary of State John Kerry and President Barack Obama, in shaping U.S. policy toward Ukraine.

The book also examines the broader implications of U.S. policy toward Ukraine for international relations. It argues that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has the potential to destabilize the broader region, and it highlights the need for a more coordinated and effective approach to address the challenges posed by Russia. The study suggests that the United States should prioritize diplomacy, economic development, and human rights.

The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin is a valuable contribution to the scholarship on Ukraine and international relations. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the policy decisions made by the United States regarding Ukraine, and it provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. The study fills an important lacuna in existing scholarship and policy discourse by focusing on the complex trilateral—rather than simply bilateral—dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia from 1991 to 2016. The book brings together a wealth of documentary evidence, declassified materials, retrospective articles authored by former policymakers, and formal memoirs by former senior officials. Additionally, open-ended interviews with former and returning officials provide valuable insights into the policy deliberations and decision-making processes.

In conclusion, The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the policy decisions made by the United States regarding Ukraine, and it provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia. The study fills an important lacuna in existing scholarship and policy discourse by focusing on the complex trilateral—rather than simply bilateral—dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia from 1991 to 2016. The book brings together a wealth of documentary evidence, declassified materials, retrospective articles authored by former policymakers, and formal memoirs by former senior officials. Additionally, open-ended interviews with former and returning officials provide valuable insights into the policy deliberations and decision-making processes.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674279179