RUSSIA - UKRAINE CONFLICT IN THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY UNDER THE PERSPECTIVE OF NATIONALISM

Abstract

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been taking place complicatedly since the beginning of the 21st century because there has not been a peaceful solution for the parties so far. Many causes behind this conflict have been explained by many other views based on geopolitical perspective, theory of international relations or Russian foreign policy. Most notably, the difference in national ideology as well as the nationalism behind it has not been studied specifically. Nationalism has played an important role  in the relationship between the two countries and especially when it is being used as a flag to serve political purposes for Russia’s security benefits. Based on historical-logical method and analysis of international relations, this study clarified the causes behind the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in the 21st century. The article analyzed the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the early 21st century from the perspective of nationalism to supplement material for the following studies.