EU Reaction to the War in Ukraine:
Which of the three IR theories best justifies the decision of the European Commission
to extend Ukraine's prospect of membership in the European Union?
Tutor:
External Relations of the European Union (EUS2011)
Page 1 of 7
, Introduction
“It is in the strategic interests of the EU but also our moral duty to allow Ukraine to join
the 27 nations bloc”, announces Von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission
(Bosse, 2023, p 13) . On February 28, 2022, Ukraine applied for membership in the EU, after
Russia attacked it a second time since the invasion of Crimea in 2014. In June of the same year,
the Europeans validated the Ukrainian request and formalises the prospect of accession to
Ukraine. This decision is supported by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy, Joseph Borrell, whom he describes as a “geopolitical awakening” (Maurer et al,
2023, p 220).
In this essay we will analyze the EU's position towards Ukraine according to the three main
international theories. It is important to specify that international theories do not only vary
according to their argument but also according to the context of the study carried out (Hyde-
Price, 2021). Firstly, realism, focused only on facts and not hypotheses, considers that the
international system is anarchic, thus favouring rivalries between powers (Hyde-Price, 2021). The
structure of the international system influences interactions between states, and pressure them
during negotiations to take actions on an international scale (Hyde-Price, 2021). Second, liberal
intergovernmentalism describes states as very focused on their national interests which they
project into multinational institutions and negotiations (Moravcsik and Emmons, 2021). Unlike
realism, this rational theory recognizes the role of international institutions which are created to
achieve collective decisions (Moravcsik and Emmons, 2021). Finally, constructivist theory is
centered on the principle of collective identity which will be the result of common decision
between states (Rumelili, 2021). They also consider the crucial role of norms in governing
international policies (Rumelili, 2021). Which of the three theories best justifies the decision of
the European Commission to extend Ukraine's prospect of membership in the European Union?
We will begin our analysis with the theory which in our opinion is the least relevant to justify the
European position, namely relativism. We will center our analysis around the principles of rivalry
between great powers and the security issues for the Union. We will continue our analysis with
the theory of liberal intergovernmentalism. Our analysis will be centered around the principles
of cooperation and economic partnerships. Finally we will finish our analysis with constructivist
theory. We will center our analysis around the question of the identity and influence of norms in
negotiations.
Page 2 of 7
Which of the three IR theories best justifies the decision of the European Commission
to extend Ukraine's prospect of membership in the European Union?
Tutor:
External Relations of the European Union (EUS2011)
Page 1 of 7
, Introduction
“It is in the strategic interests of the EU but also our moral duty to allow Ukraine to join
the 27 nations bloc”, announces Von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission
(Bosse, 2023, p 13) . On February 28, 2022, Ukraine applied for membership in the EU, after
Russia attacked it a second time since the invasion of Crimea in 2014. In June of the same year,
the Europeans validated the Ukrainian request and formalises the prospect of accession to
Ukraine. This decision is supported by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy, Joseph Borrell, whom he describes as a “geopolitical awakening” (Maurer et al,
2023, p 220).
In this essay we will analyze the EU's position towards Ukraine according to the three main
international theories. It is important to specify that international theories do not only vary
according to their argument but also according to the context of the study carried out (Hyde-
Price, 2021). Firstly, realism, focused only on facts and not hypotheses, considers that the
international system is anarchic, thus favouring rivalries between powers (Hyde-Price, 2021). The
structure of the international system influences interactions between states, and pressure them
during negotiations to take actions on an international scale (Hyde-Price, 2021). Second, liberal
intergovernmentalism describes states as very focused on their national interests which they
project into multinational institutions and negotiations (Moravcsik and Emmons, 2021). Unlike
realism, this rational theory recognizes the role of international institutions which are created to
achieve collective decisions (Moravcsik and Emmons, 2021). Finally, constructivist theory is
centered on the principle of collective identity which will be the result of common decision
between states (Rumelili, 2021). They also consider the crucial role of norms in governing
international policies (Rumelili, 2021). Which of the three theories best justifies the decision of
the European Commission to extend Ukraine's prospect of membership in the European Union?
We will begin our analysis with the theory which in our opinion is the least relevant to justify the
European position, namely relativism. We will center our analysis around the principles of rivalry
between great powers and the security issues for the Union. We will continue our analysis with
the theory of liberal intergovernmentalism. Our analysis will be centered around the principles
of cooperation and economic partnerships. Finally we will finish our analysis with constructivist
theory. We will center our analysis around the question of the identity and influence of norms in
negotiations.
Page 2 of 7
