Paradigm Shift: Globalization, Democracy, Self-Determination Now At War With Autocracy and Authoritarianism in Ukraine
With the Russian war in Ukraine, the globally-integrated economic system as well as democracy and a nation’s right to self-determination are severely tested. For the last 30 years, an assumption of globalization has been that regional or global wars are too costly. Globalization has generated massive amounts of wealth in developing countries, research shows. But if Russia succeeds in conquering Ukraine despite crippling economic sanctions, a message will be sent to the world that this era of globalization is over.
Another message from Russia’s victory would be that a few men at the top have the right, or at least the might, to rule over the majority of a population, amassing wealth for themselves while educational institutions deteriorate, life expectancy falls, concern for public health is lowered, more people fall prey to addiction, disease, malnutrition, and even starvation. These authoritarians can routinely deny facts, lie, spread disinformation, control the media, and successfully engage in a kleptocracy.
This is what Putin, in his obstinacy and isolation, is bringing to Ukraine and Russia by his choice of war.
A key difference between democracy and self-determination, which Ukrainians seek, and authoritarianism, which Vladimir Putin would impose on them from above,
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