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: Paperback / softback
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 faced criticism for being inadequate, insufficient, or hesitant.

The book "The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin" is a comprehensive examination of four critical policy decisions made by the United States regarding Ukraine across two Republican and two Democratic administrations. Authored by Eugene M. Fishel, the study seeks to answer the question of whether, how, and under what circumstances Washington has considered Ukraine's status as a sovereign nation in its dealings with Moscow.

This study places the United States' stance toward Ukraine within the broader context of international relations. It addresses an important gap in existing scholarship and policy discourse by focusing on the complex triangular dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia from 1991 to 2016. The book brings together a diverse range of materials, including documentary evidence, declassified materials, retrospective articles by former policymakers, and formal memoirs by former senior officials. Additionally, open-ended interviews with former and returning officials are conducted to provide further insights.

The book explores the historical background, geopolitical implications, and policy choices that have shaped the United States' approach to Ukraine. It examines the factors that have influenced Washington's decision-making, including the interests of the United States, its allies, and regional dynamics. The study also sheds light on the challenges and complexities faced by the United States in navigating its relations with Russia, a powerful and influential actor in the region.

One of the key findings of the book is that the United States has often struggled to find a coherent and consistent policy toward Ukraine. The country has vacillated between different approaches, including diplomatic engagement, economic sanctions, and military support, often without achieving the desired outcomes. The study argues that this inconsistency has contributed to the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region and the erosion of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Another important aspect of the book is its analysis of the role of the Kremlin in shaping U.S. policy toward Ukraine. The study argues that the Kremlin has used a range of tactics, including propaganda, political influence, and military interventions, to undermine Ukraine's stability and advance its own interests. The Kremlin's involvement in the annexation of Crimea and the support for separatist movements in the Donbas region are highlighted as examples of its efforts to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty.

The book also offers recommendations for improving U.S. policy toward Ukraine. It suggests that the United States should prioritize the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Ukraine. It calls for increased diplomatic engagement, including the establishment of a permanent diplomatic presence in Kyiv, to support Ukraine's sovereignty and promote peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Donbas region.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the need for the United States to work closely with its European allies to strengthen their collective response to Russian aggression. It suggests that the European Union should provide more support to Ukraine, including economic assistance and military training, to help Ukraine strengthen its defense capabilities and deter further Russian actions.

In conclusion, "The Moscow Factor: U.S. Policy toward Sovereign Ukraine and the Kremlin" is a valuable contribution to the study of international relations and U.S. foreign policy. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex dynamics between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia, highlighting the challenges and complexities faced by the United States in navigating its relations with a powerful and influential actor in the region. By examining the historical background, geopolitical implications, and policy choices made by the United States, the book offers insights into the factors that have shaped U.S. policy toward Ukraine and provides recommendations for improving it. This study is essential for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674279186