Authors
Okorocha Chidiebere Matthew
Department Of Political Science
okorochamatthew@gmail.com +2348061110788
Isdore A. Ibebuike
Director, Subeb Ohafia L.G.E.A
+2348065835511
Abstract
The Russia–Ukraine War, which escalated dramatically
with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February
2022, has emerged as one of the most consequential
geopolitical events of the twenty-first century. Beyond
its immediate humanitarian and security implications,
the conflict has significantly altered the dynamics of
global power politics, challenging existing assumptions about international order, state sovereignty, military
power, economic interdependence, and the role of
international institutions. This article examines how the
war has contributed to the restructuring of global power
politics by reshaping strategic alliances, intensifying
great-power competition, accelerating geopolitical
polarization, and fostering the emergence of a more
multipolar international system. Employing a qualitative
research methodology based on secondary sources, the
study analyzes the behavior of major actors including
Russia, the United States, China, the European Union,
and emerging powers. The article argues that the conflict
has accelerated trends that were already visible before
2022, including the relative decline of unipolarity, the
resurgence of geopolitical rivalry, and the increasing
importance of regional powers in global governance.
Drawing primarily on Realist theory, the study
demonstrates that power politics remains central to
international relations despite decades of globalization
and economic integration. The findings suggest that the
Russia–Ukraine War represents a critical turning point in
contemporary international politics, with long-term
implications for global security, diplomacy, economic
relations, and the future structure of the international
system.
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