What is IR Approach

This chapter critically examines the unfolding dynamics of NATO's eastern flank in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine (2022-present). It underscores the paramount importance of NATO's defensive role and rigorously investigates the organization's robust response to the aggression, specifically in the proactive extension of both informal and formal support to Ukraine. The study delves into the geoeconomic considerations influencing the conflict, examining the impact on global geopolitics, economic trends, and the divergence of policies within NATO. Furthermore, the chapter introduces hypotheses, proposing a fundamental shift in the global economic relations. It discusses the role of democratic peace theory and the limitations of Putin's objectives in Ukraine and suggests the unlikelihood of a nuclear escalation in this conflict even if it worsens. The research underscores the complexity of decision-making amid geopolitical and geoeconomic intricacies, emphasizing the need for nuanced analysis beyond the battlefield.