THE UKRAINIAN CONFLICT AND OPTIONS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Abstract

The Ukrainian crisis has historical roots. There are different dimensions and causes of the conflict in Ukraine, which include socio-linguistic, economic, cultural and political aspects that can be traced back into history. The geostrategic significance of the region has not allowed the conflict to remain confined to Ukraine; it has involved various international actors, who want to create space for their own economic, political and strategic gains. At times, conflict resolution necessitates the involvement of international actors, for the conflict is either too difficult to resolve locally or it has international dimensions which cannot be ignored. Such is the case with the Ukrainian conflict. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively analyze the conflict in Ukraine and suggest possible options for conflict resolution. It is analyzed in the light of the Edward Azar’s Protracted Social Conflict approach and the general conflict resolution approach.