Stathis Kalyvas, a political scientist and Gladstone Professor at Oxford, delves into the motivations behind Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He challenges the narrative that NATO's expansion is solely to blame, emphasizing Putin's desire to restore Russia's glory. The discussion highlights the clash between realist and constructivist theories in international relations, examining how leaders' beliefs shape state actions. Kalyvas also connects historical contexts, like the Greek War of Independence, to contemporary geopolitical dynamics, unveiling the complexities of national identity and ambition.
