Explaining the Ukraine Conflict Through Realism Strengths and Limitations

How well does Realism explain the security issue of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

This essay critically explores the Russian invasion of Ukraine through the lens of realism, one of the central theories in International Relations. It examines how key realist concepts—such as the anarchic structure of the international system, self-help, the pursuit of power, and national interest—explain Russia’s aggressive behaviour. The analysis effectively links Russia's perception of NATO’s expansion and Ukraine’s growing Western ties as existential threats to its regional dominance, prompting a militarised response aligned with realist assumptions. The essay also identifies strengths of realism, including its emphasis on power balancing as a means to restore stability. However, the theory’s limitations are acknowledged, particularly its failure to account for domestic, identity-based, and ideational factors that influenced Russia’s decision-making. To address this gap, constructivism is introduced as a complementary perspective, offering insight into the role of national identity, perceptions, and societal narratives. Overall, the essay reflects a balanced and theoretically grounded understanding of the conflict.