POSITIVE PEACE FOR RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR ANALYSIS

Abstract

Positive peace is an important concept in studying international conflicts. It is urgent to study the viability of positive peace theory to Russia-Ukraine war analysis. The applied method is historical and comparative approach. As a result, it can be concluded that positive peace framework is, overall, applicable for Russia-Ukraine war analysis. In line with the positive peace agenda, it is necessary to develop strong democratic institutions, promote fair business growth, civil liberties, diplomacy and rule of law. Ukraine is further progressing toward this goal, while Russia, on the contrary, demonstrates a trend toward strengthening of authoritaorianism and even outright violation of international law after recognition of «DPR» and «LPR» and the ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. Such different political stances of the two countries’ leadership complicate effective settlement of Russian-Ukrainian war. It can be concluded that much depends on skillfulness and diplomatic experience of primary negotiators, as well as mediators. One should carefully consider use of mediator services and good offices and thereby select mediators who are objective, impartial, trusted by both parties and, besides, who have successful experience of previous mediation cases and establishing dialogue. One of the main international organizations involved in the war settlement since its start have been the UN and the OSCE. However, international organizations, overall, demonstrated partial effectiveness in preventing the Russian-Ukrainian war and achieving de-escalation of violence. One should keep in mind the statement that every peace process is unique, moreover, it is imperative to take into consideration local contexts and strive to achieve positive peace conditions.