Putin Changed the International Order – How Do We Deal With It?
Some perceived Vladimir Putin as a tactical, rational decision-maker, who undertook calculated risks on the international stage in order to achieve Russian national interests. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine ordered by Putin, which started on the 24th of February, deviates from this perception. He miscalculated the ability of his military to wage blitzkrieg and he underestimated the Ukrainians’ willingness to fight to the last man for their country. Ukraine is his Afghanistan and this mistake will be his end. The consequences of the invasion however do not just reflect on Putin and the Kremlin’s inner circle. The consequences of the invasion will be felt throughout the world because Putin changed the international order in just one day. So what can the West do about it?