Is the Russia-Ukraine Conflict a Clash of Civilizations?

Abstract

The ongoing confrontation between Russia and Ukraine serves as a compelling example of the complex interplay between geopolitics, cultural identities, and historical legacies in intricate international disputes. This article employs Samuel P. Huntington's concept of the “Clash of Civilizations” to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted aspects of this enduring conflict. As historical precedents show, the conflict is a manifestation of protracted and ongoing acts of aggression. It highlights the significance of cultural and civilizational differences in shaping its trajectory. Given the evolving global dynamics of conflicts, it is increasingly important to understand various other factors which exploit theses differences and led to the deepening of the conflict. The aim of this research is to examine the underlying factors that have contributed to the Russia – Ukraine war, with a particular emphasis on cultural and theological differences between the two countries, as well as the impact of global power dynamics. The ongoing conflict between the two adversaries could be viewed as a manifestation of longstanding historical tensions rather than a single isolated event.