Russia’s war against Ukraine: historical narratives, geopolitics, and peace

The Russian–Ukrainian relationship has been framed by contrasting and competing historical narratives, which might be characterized as a narrative of empire and colonial rule vs. one of sovereignty and self-determination. Playing a seminal role in identity formation, the Russian imperial narrative looks to the past and the importance of state power in exercising control. Ukraine’s story, aligning itself with European and global developments, projects towards a future based on autonomy and freedom. Although intertwined, the two narratives are incompatible, providing a context for the current conflict. The identity dimension of the conflict renders it intractable, and peace appears elusive. However, by looking to the past, Russia also rejects the trajectory in global history towards – and the logic of a world system committed to – the sanctity of the sovereignty principle. Russia’s war is not simply with Ukraine but with a global community that has disavowed brute force in favour of a rules-based order. Thus, the road to peace is for Russia to reimagine its historical past and discard its mythologized identity so that it might live in concord with its neighbours and even itself.