Think Tank reports on the invasion of Ukraine
- 16 March 2022
- Think Tank Review
- gsclibrary
This is a non-exhaustive collection of Think Tanks reports on the invasion of Ukraine, covering the period from February 2022 onwards, which is regularly updated:
Just over three weeks since the invasion of Ukraine, think tanks analyse the unprecedented shift in global geopolitics and the positions of various countries; the EU response, including possible and proposed changes in foreign, security or defence policies; the growing humanitarian crisis and activation of the EU’s temporary protection mechanism in the face of the large-scale displacement of civilians; and they assess the implications of the EU’s dependence on Russian gas, the economic and financial sanctions against Russia, and the economic impact of the war, including in relation to agricultural production.
EGMONT – ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Putin Is Creating the Multipolar World He (Thought He) Wanted
The authors of this article focus on the difficulties for some countries, like China, in having to position themselves after 24 February in a world that was already quite divided. It seems impossible to stay completely aloof, let alone simply align with Russia. With their sanctions reverberating throughout the global economy, the risk of the relationship with China and Russia worsening seems to be increasing.
CENTRUM STOSUNKÓW MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH (CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS)
War pushes us to re-define Europe
The author argues that the Russia-Ukraine war is an opportunity to rebuild the foundation of a new EU and analyses the roles of NATO, US and other players in ending the conflict.
DANSK INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONALE STUDIER/DANISH INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Ukraine is closer than you think
Despite its turbulent domestic politics, Ukraine rarely featured at the top of the EU’s security agenda in the post-Soviet period. This article looks at how the scale of current Russian military intervention changed that, bringing the war to the EU’s doorstep, and challenging a previously lenient approach to Russia which the EU refused to see as a potential aggressor.
CHATHAM HOUSE
Devising the strategy to deter Russia and weaken Putin
The author suggests various measures which could form part of a coherent strategy to deter Russia from further atrocities, prevent aggression beyond Ukraine, withstand its threats globally, and hold it to account.
INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP
No-Fly Zone in Ukraine: War with Russia by Another Name
Some current and former officials, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, call for Western powers to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine. This article explains what a no-fly zone would entail, where similar zones have been established before and the dangers of that option in Ukraine.
PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OSLO
Should Ukraine Have Kept Soviet Nuclear Weapons?
Following the Soviet Union collapse in 1991, the stockpile of Soviet nuclear weapons left in Ukraine comprised what was then the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal. Ukraine later transferred these to Russia, the authors consider whether this was the right choice.
CYPRUS CENTER FOR EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
The current Russo-Ukrainian crisis has brought unprecedented, historic, nodal milestones for the international community, in international relations and global geopolitics. According to this paper, this significantly influences the course of the 21st century political history, by irrevocably altering the international equilibrium and becoming the landmark of a new era in international relations and global politics.
CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN POLICY STUDIES
The EU grants temporary protection for people fleeing war in Ukraine
To respond to the sudden large-scale displacement of people from Ukraine, the 2001 EU Temporary Protection Directive has been activated for the first time. This paper examines the key issues and questions raised, drawing on lessons learned or ‘not to be learned’ from policies adopted by countries such as Turkey and others in South America, that have previously responded to large-scale displacements. The paper argues that the solidarity principle enshrined in the EU Treaties needs to be substantially re-thought and revisited.
GERMAN COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS (DGAP)
If Russia uses migration as a weapon, Europeans should respond in kind
This policy brief looks into the risk of migrant instrumentalisation (MI) by Russia, which it considers likely especially if Russia moves deep into Western Ukraine. Drawing on an in-depth study, this brief shows how the EU can meet this specific threat.
TERRA NOVA
My enemy’s doctor is not my enemy
The law of war explicitly prohibit attacks on places of care, personnel or patients in armed conflicts. This article considers the precedents in Grozny (Chechnya) and Aleppo (Syria), which have raised the concerns of the WHO and international observers.
HERTIE SCHOOL/JACQUES DELORS CENTRE
Same shock, different effects EU member states’ exposure to the economic consequences of Putin’s war
This brief takes a very first look at potential differences in exposure, focusing on direct trade links, potential costs of energy dependence on Russia and vulnerabilities towards rising energy prices more generally. It shows that the EU member states’ economic vulnerability to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is very unevenly distributed.
CIDOB
War in Ukraine and the gas crisis force a rethink of EU foreign policy
The paper argues that EU member states dependence on Russian supplies make gas a key factor in the crisis provoked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The crisis will force a major rethink of Europe’s gas security over the next decade including diversifying outside sources of gas, increasing gas exchanges within Europe, and ensuring that gas stocks are much higher.
OŚRODEK STUDIÓW WSCHODNICH (CENTRE FOR EASTERN STUDIES)
Rynek i polityka gazowa UE a wojna na Ukrainie –
Gas market and policy of the EU and the war in UkraineIn the light of the strong dependence of the EU on Russian gas, the commentary examines the risks caused by tensions over the Ukraine-Russia crisis for the EU gas market stability. The assessment of the European Commission's new plan REPowerEU is also included.
CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE
This article examines the implications for global payment flows of the sanctions on Russia, explaining how SWIFT works. In particular, it notes concern that Beijing sees the Ukraine crisis as its opportunity to gain influence over financial markets.
BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG
Why more economic and financial sanctions against Russia are inevitable and energy tops the list
Comprehensive financial sanctions against Russia, going well beyond the SWIFT exclusion often thought of as a “final stage,” were implemented swiftly and arguably more drastically than Moscow expected. They have significantly damaged the Russian public sector balance sheet and local financial markets. This post analyses the implications of further sanctions.
AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR ECONOMIC RESEARCH
Are Gold Rubles Gold or Rubles?
This article reflects on the possibility of the appearance of a new parallel currency to the ruble, due to hyperinflation: gold. With the invasion of Ukraine, sanctions to Russia and firms severing business ties with Russia, its connections to the global economy have been damaged. This happened in 1992 and the author considers it possible it is happening again.
BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG
Agricultural Production in Ukraine and Russia: Economic Implications for Europe
Both Ukraine and Russia are among the largest producers of agricultural goods in the world today, especially for grains and sunflowers. As the Russian war against Ukraine endangers this agricultural production, the rest of the world can no longer rely on commodities sourced from these countries. This article provides an overview of the economic relevance and the expected effects of these circumstances on prices and on European production and outlines their implications for the agricultural goals of the European Green Deal.
INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
Germany and the Ukraine crisis: end of the age of illusions
There seems to be no country in Europe where the Russian invasion of Ukraine has caused a greater systemic upheaval than in Germany, writes the author. The invasion roused Germany from the illusions that have guided its dealings with Russia since the 1970s – the “Ostpolitik” (eastern) policy.
BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG
This article analyses the new German government’s historic break with long-established foreign and security policy tenets and what it signifies for German foreign policy. Invoking the far-reaching German word of “Zeitenwende” (turning point), Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the unexpected and unprecedented increase in defence spending in his seminal speech at the German Bundestag.
BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG
Mögliche wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen des Ukrainekriegs auf Deutschland
Possible economic impact of the Ukraine war on Germany
The article discusses possible consequences of the war on Ukraine for the German economy. The author goes into detail about existing economic interdependencies between Russia and Germany and how they might be affected by the war and further sanctions.
CENTRE FOR EASTERN STUDIES (OSW)
Germany and the trade conflict between Lithuania & China
The Chinese government’s trade boycott of Lithuania risks causing economic losses for Germany, which is particularly exposed to the effects of the Lithuanian-Chinese dispute, and weakening the cohesion of the EU’s common market. This article comments on the likely reaction by Berlin given its huge dependence on the Chinese market and the differences of opinion within the government on what direction its Beijing policy should take.
ELINKEINOELÄMÄN TUTKIMUSLAITOS (RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE FINNISH ECONOMY)
The Significance of Russia for Finnish Companies
This policy brief analyses the importance of Russia on the Finnish economy. The authors scrutinize both the trade relations and the presence of Finnish firms in Russia and that of Russian firms in Finland.
CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN POLICY STUDIES
Why the Ukraine crisis should push the UK and EU into a tighter embrace on security policy
According to this policy brief, one of the costs of Brexit is the weakened ability of both the UK and the EU to shape a strong joint response to Russia’s threats to pan-European security. In the standoff over Ukraine, the need for close cross-Channel cooperation is particularly acute for any effective sanctions package negotiated with the US.
OŚRODEK STUDIÓW WSCHODNICH (CENTRE FOR EASTERN STUDIES)
Caution and anticipation: Turkey and the Russo-Ukrainian war
The commentary analyses Turkey’s attitude towards the Russia-Ukraine war, which is essentially in line with NATO’s position on the conflict, but also void of any actions or rhetoric which would clearly strike at Russia’s interests. The tangible threat that the war in Ukraine poses to Turkey’s internal stability is also examined.
KONRAD ADENAUER STIFTUNG
Der Russische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine – Reaktionen auf dem Westbalkan
The Russian War of Aggression against Ukraine – Reactions in the Western Balkans
All the countries of the Western Balkans voted in favour of the resolution in UN Resolution General Assembly on 2 March condemning Russia's actions. This report considers the varying positions in the Western Balkans region, which has complicated historical, political, economic and social relations with Russia, but also with Ukraine.
PEACE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OSLO
Will Taiwan Be the Next Ukraine?
The authors analyse similarities and differences of Ukraine’s and Taiwan’s positions in the world picture.
INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY
How Is India’s Silent Diplomacy Navigating the Russia-Ukraine War?
The author assesses how New Delhi has sought to navigate between expressing veiled concern for the Russian invasion and maintaining an important strategic and security relationship.
INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
The Russian invasion of Ukraine: legal aspects
The legal channels will not stop the advance of the Russian army, but they are important in terms of the message they send to Russia and the whole world. Israel, which has seemed to lean to sitting on the fence, must join the international efforts against Russia, Otherwise it is liable to find itself on the wrong side of history, claims this article.
Providing their first assessments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, think tanks report on the united response of the Western bloc and the unfolding humanitarian crisis; assess the policy and security implications for the EU and the impact for the Middle East, North Africa, Serbia, and India; and analyse the strategic goals of Moscow, the involvement of Belarus and the impact of economic sanctions.
CENTER FOR SECURITY STUDIES (CSS)
This issue collects first assessments of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022.
INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP
War in Europe: responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
This paper considers how Russia’s assault on Ukraine threatens to become the largest European conflict in decades. A vigorous but judicious Western and global response is critical to limit the damage.
UTRIKESPOLITISKA INSTITUTET (SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS)
Some preliminary thoughts on the policy implications of the Russian aggression
Thursday 24 February 2022 is, and will be understood as, a watershed in European and global modern history. This article considers various implications of the full-scale military attack on and aggression against a neighbouring state of almost 45 million inhabitants by the world’s leading nuclear weapon power – and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
UTRIKESPOLITISKA INSTITUTET (SWEDISH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS)
Russia's “soft annexation” of Belarus during its invasion of Ukraine
This article examines how Russia has for all intents and purposes also taken control of Belarus militarily, as a side-line to its unprecedented military build-up on the land borders of Ukraine and its invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.
INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
The Ukraine crisis: an interim analysis
According to this analysis, it is already clear that with the invasion of Ukraine, Putin has upset the world order that has existed since the Second World War. The Western bloc has already begun to realign and is presenting a unified and forceful stance vis-à-vis Moscow. Israel can no longer avoid taking a clear stand and siding fully with the countries opposing Russia.
BARCELONA CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Oriente Medio y el Norte de África ante la guerra en Ucrania: vasos comunicantes
Middle East and North Africa is, after Europe, the region that will feel the impact of the war in Ukraine most acutely, mainly in terms of energy and grain prices. The article analyses other, deeper, connections such as the diplomatic battle, the negotiation over Iran's nuclear programme and its impact on conflict dynamics across the region.
ITALIAN INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL STUDIES
The Ukraine War and the Risk of a New Foreign Fighters Wave
The author of this article reports on some concerns following Zelensky's plea for foreigners to join the fight against Russia and his promise to give them arms on their arrival. The article recalls the war in Donbas and the great influx of foreign fighters and the risk that this happens again.
CENTAR ZA EVROPSKE POLITIKE (EUROPEAN POLICY CENTRE)
Ukraine and Russia are at war. What does that mean for the future of EU-Serbia relations?
The authors reflect on how the current situation in Ukraine will effect Serbian politics with regard to the EU, considering their close ties to Russia.
ITALIAN INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL STUDIES
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine: A wake-up call also for the MENA region?
This brief approaches the different reactions of the MENA countries to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, reporting a general caution from these countries to condemn Russia's actions except from Foreign Minister Lapid. The author gives a brief overview of the impact of the war in the MENA region.
FRIENDS OF EUROPE
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: getting the right Western strategy in place
This article states that it is time to move beyond disbelief and develop a coherent Western strategy to face Russia's aggression. It considers whether this will be the opportunity to create more integrated European units with neighbours like France, the Benelux, Poland and Italy, and even with the post-Brexit UK.
INSTITUTO ESPAÑOL DE ESTUDIOS ESTRATÉGICOS (IEEE)
Efectos de la guerra de Ucrania en las Repúblicas Bálticas
Before the Ukrainian war, the threat of Russia was mainly understood as a matter of political or economic dimensions in the three Baltic republics. For the author, from now on, this threat is more related to an essential military dimension. This article highlights the increasing reinforcement of this military dimension in the Baltic republics and Scandinavia, which is done in order to guarantee a solid defence from the allies of the region.
REAL INSTITUTO ELCANO
Ucrania en busca de refugio digital
Government stability and international order are in danger in Ukraine, but also the protection of its people and its national security. The control of the technological infrastructure plays an essential role in this, according to the author. This is why it is important to analyse Ukraine's ability to respond to a possible hostage of its digital infrastructure by Russia, and the optimal scenarios in which Ukraine could count on to protect its data and especially in collaboration with other countries.
CENTRUM STOSUNKÓW MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH (CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS)
"Russian invasion of Ukraine. Deciphering where India stands"
This article considers New Delhi's position vis-à-vis the war and India’s pro-Russian tilt which is a function of its "time tested" friendship with Moscow as well as of geopolitical necessity. However, it is argued that India has a great scope in resolving the impasse in order to avoid being seen as guilty of complicity.
CENTRUM STOSUNKÓW MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH (CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS)
War in Europe. Ukraine fights for the West
Contrary to Kremlin’s expectations, the West is united in its response to the war in Ukraine. The paper argues that this ability to take tough measures towards Moscow is crucial since at stake is nothing less than the very survival of Ukraine and the freedom of the entire Central and Eastern Europe. Possible scenarios for Ukraine and global strategic consequences are also outlined.
STIFTUNG WISSENSCHAFT UND POLITIK
NATO-Russia Tensions: Putin Orders Invasion of Ukraine
This paper examines Moscow’s strategic goals with the invasion of Ukraine and the need to avoid further escalation, taking into account the security agreements between Russia and NATO and the current European security order.
STIFTUNG WISSENSCHAFT UND POLITIK
Moskau bedroht die Balance im hohen Norden
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is not based on legitimate security interests but a rejection of the European security order. According to the authors Russia’s demand for more consideration for its own security interest have achieved the exact opposite. Russia's pressure has the paradoxical effect of bringing Finland and Sweden closer to NATO.
BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG
SWIFT exclusion is fine, sanctioning the Russian Central Bank is better
The article analyses the economic sanctions posed on Russia by the EU.
BERTELSMANN STIFTUNG
This article gives an overview of the implications the economic sanctions on Russia have for the European and Russian economies.
INSTITUT FRANCAIS DES RELATIONS INTERNATIONALES
Guerre en Ukraine : leçon de grammaire stratégique
This paper examines Russia’s objectives in launching a high-intensity war against Ukraine, which are clearly not limited to Donbass. Nor are they aimed at the acquisition of new territories. In all likelihood, it concludes that this is a large-scale campaign for regime change aimed at installing a power in Kiev that will guarantee it obedience and security.
INSTITUT FRANCAIS DES RELATIONS INTERNATIONALES
Le choc de la réalité : La coalition feu tricolore dans la crise russo-ukrainienne
This analysis considers that the Russian-Ukrainian crisis puts to the test the cohesion of the new traffic light coalition, the authority of Chancellor Scholz and the ambition to adapt the post-Merkel German foreign policy.
CLINGENDAEL - THE NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Phoenix or Icarus? CRU Policy Brief European strategic autonomy in light of Ukraine
With all eyes on the next Russian move in Ukraine, the notion of European strategic autonomy is experiencing a revival. This paper considers the concept, concluding that broad use of the term ‘EU strategic autonomy’, as is in vogue, risks giving populism and nationalism an unnecessary impulse.
CLINGENDAEL - THE NETHERLANDS INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Tsar-struck : How Vladimir Putin uses the history of the Russian Empire
On February 24, Vladimir Putin shocked the world by starting a war in Ukraine. In the run-up to the Russian invasion, Putin delivered far-reaching speeches and wrote an article to legitimise his actions – packed with intense rhetoric on imperial as well as Soviet history. This article considers how Putin has consistently instrumentalised history to achieve his policy goals since the day he became president.
THE HAGUE CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
Real and Imagined Challenges to Strategic Stability
Strategic stability has come under pressure from a shifting military and political environment: the number of major strategic actors has increased; missile defence has evolved; and the battlefield has expanded. Nuclear arsenals are being increased and diversified. Yet, the author argues that warnings that we have entered into a new arms race should be viewed with caution and, contrary to what other analysts have suggested, technological advancements are not fundamentally undermining strategic stability.
CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL PEACE
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Changes Everything
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will have profound consequences for the stability of the region and for the future of European security, not to mention the immense human suffering. In this article, Carnegie Europe’s scholars give their assessment about how the military attack will fundamentally change the post-Cold War era.
DGAP - GERMAN COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
If Russia uses migration as a weapon, Europeans should respond in kind
Around 442,000 people have so far fled Ukraine – not just to the EU, but also to neighbors like Moldova. This is a humanitarian issue, and should not be conflated with “migrant instrumentalization” (MI), whereby a state pushes people across a border to coerce the EU to change position. Yet Russia is likely to employ MI in this way, especially if it moves deep into Western Ukraine. Drawing on an in-depth study, this policy brief shows how the EU can meet this specific threat.
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
The Long Shadow of the Soviet Union: Demystifying Putin's Rhetoric Towards Ukraine
This paper provides a contextualised analysis of the Kremlin’s rhetoric regarding Ukraine since 2014. Examining the content and accuracy of Russian complaints about NATO enlargement, the article examines other motivations Putin may have for considering an attack on Ukraine, in particular 'nationalist irredentism'.
OŚRODEK STUDIÓW WSCHODNICH (CENTRE FOR EASTERN STUDIES)
Ukraine: The first day of the Russian invasion
The author of this analysis offers a broad picture of the different aspects of the just-started war and its consequences. There is also allusion to the information situation (how events are being reported in Ukraine) and the economic consequences.
The West strikes a blow at the Russian economy
This article comments on the West’s sanctions packages against Russia and the impact on the Russian financial system.
RUSSIAN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL
The end of diplomacy? Seven Glimpses of the New Normal
The author outlines events leading up to the current situation in Ukraine.
CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
The Kremlin Playbook 3: Keeping the Faith
This study aims to expose a new front of Russian malign influence in Europe and Eurasia: the instrumentalization of values, traditions, and religious beliefs to exploit or sow divisions among Western societies.
INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The February 2022 edition of the IRMO Brief, authored by Zoran Meter, deals with the situation in Belarus after the presidential election in 2020 to present day. The author also analyses how Belarusian support to Russia will facilitate Russian ambitions in Ukraine.
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