Ukraine's Unnamed War

Brief Summary

Ukraine's Unnamed War by Dominique Arel delves into the complex geopolitical intricacies that led to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, tracing its origins back to the significant events of 2013-2014. Arel explores how Russia strategically labeled the conflict in Crimea and Eastern Donbas as a 'civil war,' thus obscuring its direct involvement. Despite evidence to the contrary, this narrative has persisted. The author uses social science literature on civil wars to explain the lack of a political resolution between 2015 and 2022. Arel highlights how Russia's maneuvers were reactions to unpredictable events and how its intervention paradoxically strengthened Ukrainian unity and identity.

Main Themes and Topics

The book focuses on the themes of geopolitical strategy, misperception, and unintended consequences. A major topic Arel addresses is Russia's strategic miscalculations, specifically its failure to predict the strengthened national unity in Ukraine following its annexation efforts. The examination of the conflict as a 'civil war' offers a nuanced perspective that challenges the Kremlin's narrative and provides insight into the regional motivations. By leveraging Ukrainian documentary sources, the book offers a deeply contextual analysis enriched with precise sociopolitical insights aimed at a broad audience.

Writing Style and Tone

Dominique Arel employs a scholarly yet accessible writing style, making the complex subject matter approachable for readers lacking in-depth background knowledge of the region. The tone is analytical and objective, focusing on presenting empirical evidence and historical context. Arel manages to weave a narrative that is both informative and engaging, ensuring that readers can grasp the weight of the issues discussed without becoming overwhelmed by the intricate details.