Russia – Ukraine Conflict: Clash of Interest not a Clash of Civilization

Abstract

This qualitative study discusses and denies Huntington’s argument proposed by him in 1993, according to future states having different civilizations will be in conflict with one another. The pragmatic accuracy of this claim can be evaluated by exploring the current issue between Russia and Ukraine that happened in 1914, belonging to the same civilization. This study explores whether the main factors contributing to this crisis were cultural or religious differences or a clash of interests between both countries at the international level. The core argument of this research is that there is hardly any evidence of Huntington’s claim that the conflict between the two states is because of a “Clash of Civilizations”, but Ukraine’s foreign policy towards international relations threatens Russia’s hegemony and political and economic interest. This research will also discuss the importance of stately heritage between Russia and Ukraine to make the argument clear.  This research is made more comprehensible within the “Interest Group Theory” theoretical framework.