On October 2, 2015 the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France
and Germany met in Paris to discuss terms in order to bring peace to Ukraine.
This is a perfect example of how and why the world is being more peaceful and
less wars are occurring. It is also a great example of the bargaining theory
happening in modern times. The meeting was mostly about withdrawing troops from
both sides. Today countries with differing government policies can meet peacefully
to discuss deals, which shows how the bargaining theory works and why the world
is becoming more peaceful.
If Russia were to invade Ukraine, there would almost
certainly be a world war. For all countries that would participate in the war,
it means they must use men and supplies which becomes very costly. Therefore,
what we are seeing in Paris is countries working out deals so that large wars
do not have to occur. Each country in this case came to the agreement that they
will begin to retreat troops from Ukraine. This means that even though Russia may
be giving up some of their troops located in Ukraine they are also gaining
because both France and Germany are doing the same. For France and Germany,
both countries would much rather end this in a peaceful manor and are therefore
willing to give up man power in Ukraine in order to maintain peace. All of
these countries also have nuclear weapons, which is a huge incentive for
countries to try to resolve issues rather than going to war. Nuclear weapons
can completely wipe out countries and therefore deals, even if it means giving
something up, are more favorable than warfare.
Transportation and technology have improved immensely in the
last 20 years. Using the new technology allows leaders of countries to meet
like we see in Paris and discus issues. One of the major causes of war is lack
of or incorrect information and therefore if leaders of countries have easy
access to each other, information can improve and therefore more deals can be
made. In Paris, the president of France stated that he was “optimistic about
the peace process”. Countries do not want to go to war, but rather get the most
out of a circumstance. Ukraine, France, and Germany want Russia to completely
leave Ukraine so that Ukraine rebel forces can be controlled and the flow of guns
to them stopped. With this is mind they are willing to make a deal with Russia
and as Russia should, according to the bargaining theory try to get the most
that they can.
The fact that the leaders of these countries are meeting at
all shows great progress in the push for peace internationally. With how easy
it is to get from place to place even traveling great distances or using video
chat, there is no reason why countries should not try to resolve issues in a
more peaceful way and I think this meeting is Paris is a great example for how
international disputes in the future should be handled.
Hi, Ryan, I like how you bring current events into your posts - great job! You bring up here how missing or incorrect information is one of the major causes of war - I remember reading that in Debs and Monteiro and I agree with them and with you on that point. I also agree that the leaders of countries have easier access to each other now than they used to, but I am not sure that having easy access to each other ensures full disclosure or correct information. What is your opinion on this: do you think that leaders are more transparent and honest with each other now?
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of your points, but I have to ask, is this a good thing? Obviously saving lives and peace appear to be profitable, but we talked in class, what is the price of peace? This meeting is not a means to an ends. While it may lower the sides, Russia, is ultimately not backing down. How will this conflict ultimately be resolved is my question? this reminds me of sanctions. We can slap sanctions on countries in order to dissuade them from doing things, but that won't ultimately stop them if they don't want it to. If we can no longer fight wars due to countries having nuclear weapons, how can we resolve conflicts without hard power? If a country starts a genocide, are we going to simply ask to meet them, and ask them not to do it? or perhaps to genocide less people each day? While I believe the world is much more willing to sit down and discuss matters as you have said, couldn't this peace prove more costly?
ReplyDeleteRyan,
ReplyDeleteI think you very clearly illustrate your points and lay them out quite well. I agree with all of your points, especially with your point that meeting to discuss the possibility of peace in Ukraine is a major step in the right direction. However, I must also agree with Will’s point and question whether meeting with the leaders of these countries is doing enough? Everyday, it seems like the situation in Ukraine is getting worse; can conducting a meeting with world leaders solve the problems in Ukraine? While it absolutely opens the door for discussing peace, Russia (like Will said) doesn’t seem to intend on backing down. So while yes, I agree with you that this meeting in Paris was a step in the right direction in having an open dialogue, how much can it really accomplish?