The war has also been far more costly for Russia than Putin expected-both on the battlefield and as a result of unprecedented Western sanctions. It has so far generated a unified and vigorous response from Western democracies, many of which have been suffering significant dysfunction and persistent authoritarian threats for more than a decade.
Regardless of what follows, Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine has already generated one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in Europe since World War II.Īt the same time, there is considerable evidence that Putin’s attack on international norms could ultimately strengthen the liberal world order. Would Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked attack inspire similar aggressions by other authoritarian powers against vulnerable democratic neighbors? Would China seize the moment to move against Taiwan? Would we descend into a period of expansionist authoritarian rule? Such scenarios could still come to pass. Many worried not simply about Ukraine but about the security of Europe. Putin’s reckless gamble may unexpectedly strengthen democracy in Europe and beyond.Īs Russian rockets bombarded Kyiv on the night of Thursday, February 24, the world appeared to be on the cusp of a dark era.
The Rebirth of the Liberal World Order? The Russian invasion of Ukraine has given the world’s democrats a renewed sense of unity and purpose.
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