Essays on Crimea Crisis

Recent public opinion surveys conducted among citizens of Russia prove that there is currently a significant surge in nationalism and patriotism as well as increasing support for Putin all over the country. The majority of Russian people support the annexation of Crimea and Russian foreign policy taken as a whole. Even despite Western sanctions, dramatic fall in value of ruble, and negative international image of Russia, the public opinion of Russian people regarding political and economic situation in the country remains quite positive, with Putin's approval rating being at record levels. Another important finding relates to the anti-Western opinions ...

Introduction

Russia is a huge producer of oil and gas. It is the second largest producer and exporter of oil, and the largest producer and exporter of natural gas (Winfrey, 2010). Its economy largely depends on its oil and gas reserves. The funds acquired from its oil and gas reserves have greatly contributed to the survival of its political system. Boix (2004) argues that there are no examples of a successful transition to democracy in a country in which the contribution of the oil in the country’s export income is more than one third, and it seems to be alarming situation for ...

Introduction

Russia’s wishes to have political control of Crimea are not a recent phenomenon but one that has been present for a long time. However, over the last one month, Crimea and Russia have been embroiled in controversy. This has resulted in the most reported-about East-West confrontation since that of the Cold War. This comes after President Viktor Yanukovic was overthrown in the wake of protests in Kiev, which escalated to widespread violence. The situation worsened when the Crimea Parliament, comprising of ethnic Russians gave a majority vote to join Russia. Consequently, the region of Crimea set a referendum for 16th March. There ...

QUESTION 1

The first cost incurred is the repatriation of profits from the small countries by multinational corporations. In some cases, most of the profits accrue to the developed nations. The second cost is the transfer of skilled labor from the market of the small country to other countries with better conditions.

QUESTION 2

The United Sates should engage in the funding of capital projects in its foreign aid. For instance, it should engage in funding projects such as housing when it embarks on foreign aid. The initiative will help to improve the living standards of people in those countries. In the ...

International politics/relations

In his article “Russia's Latest Land Grab: How Putin Won Crimea and Lost Ukraine” Jeffrey Mankoff states that Russia interrupts political uncertainty of former socialistic countries justifying it with protection of Russian national minorities on these territories. According to the author, in this way Kremlin is able to maintain influence on post-Soviet countries. After dissolution of Soviet Union many of these countries have directed their policy on European integration not willing to play under Kremlin rules. Russia was playing a restrictive role in each case, except the Baltic countries. During 2014 Russia has probably lost the strongest political ally – ...

Ukraine

At the present time Ukraine is a country, located in the southeast Europe. Lands of Ukraine mainly consist of fertile black soil steppes; this country also has a mountainous area, which includes the Carpathians and the Crimea chain. Ukraine is bordered by Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. In 2014 the Ukrainian land Crimea was annexed by Russia. This country is currently engaged into the war against pro-Russian mercenaries, who is coming from the west-south of Ukraine’s territory, called Donbass. Ukraine was also known as “Kievan Rus” until the 16th century. In the end of 10th century ( ...