Considering the economic catastrophe that plagues Ukraine amidst current conflict solidifies Russia’s actions as detrimental to Ukrainian stability and overall global order. Among disruptions in international protocols and violations of cultural sovereignty, Putin’s desire to throw Russia back onto its mighty pedestal is causing financial crises in what was already the weak economic state of Ukraine. Any economy, regardless of nation or size, requires a secure political system to function smoothly. With the lack of leadership and political structure that Ukraine now faces as a result of Russia’s greed, maintaining an orderly economy is near impossible. To achieve the calm economy of a nation not facing turmoil, Ukraine would have to find a balance between the alliances that the European Union can provide and the power that Russia can provide—a balance so unrealistic that Putin can’t help but treat as absurd.
Thomas Friedman of the New York Times draws on this assumption when expressing his understanding that any further Russian pursuit of Ukraine will damage global peace. According to Friedman, a Ukrainian alliance with the European Union and United States would provide the fair democracy that all modern day nations should claim (Friedman, 2014). With this democracy comes the ability to create a stable economic system that cannot exist under Russia’s oppression. With democracy also comes a clearer path to human rights, which is much harder to preserve when the financial resources to preserve it are unavailable. In Friedman’s eyes, “Putin’s interventions just make the struggle for a more decent, E.U.-anchored future that much more difficult,” (cite). Upholding Friedman’s view means upholding human rights, a political and economic goal towards which all nations should strive.
Yet even in the 21st century, opponents of Friedman’s view exist who challenge those against Russia’s unethical goal. Whereas Friedman believes in the strategic notion that American protection of Ukraine may lead to a more stable economy and world, Michael Goodman of the New York Post conforms to a different opinion. Goodman’s claim that President Obama is a “know-it-all-rookie” (Goodwin, 2014) unable to handle complicated foreign affairs makes the quest for democracy a significant challenge. While Goodman’s argument may have merit—no president is skilled across all fields—doubting Obama’s ability increases the challenge of removing Russia from its high horse and changing the course of international affairs to a more peaceful one, both economically and otherwise.