How to Understand the Crisis in Ukraine

A series of essays explores the possible outcomes of Russia’s invasion.

The Ukrainian foreign minister outlines Kyiv’s theory of victory.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reveals the limits of military power.

The lessons of the Soviet collapse.

The future of global order hinges on Ukraine.

After failing to prevent Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, can America learn to use its power?

Putin’s war is fortifying the democratic alliance.

Are democracies really united against Russia?

Sanctions on Russia will upend the international order.

Sanctions on Russia signal commitment to the international order.

What Russia’s war in Ukraine means for the world economy.

Europe must reckon with its selective treatment of refugees.

The contours of modern geopolitical competition can be traced back to World War II.

The reality of the thousand-year struggle over Ukraine contradicts the Kremlin’s myth.

A move on Ukraine has always been part of the plan.

Why is the country a recurring site of conflict between Russia and the West?

Washington bungled its chance to win the post-Soviet peace.

Mearsheimer argued that liberal delusions about NATO enlargement provoked Putin’s 2014 invasion; his critics disagreed.

Putin and the security services have captured the Russian state.

Repression at home presaged belligerence abroad.

His war has erased Russia’s past—and endangered its future.

The Russian despot can neither mobilize nor retreat.

It would take a serious threat to their own interests for Russia’s security elite to attempt a coup.

Empires and nativism don’t mix.