U.S.-Ukraine Relationship (2014–2019): Dilemmas of the Alliance

321
DOI: 10.20542/0131-2227-2020-64-8-70-80
S. Markedonov (smarkpost@gmail.com),
MGIMO University, 76, Vernadskogo Prosp., Moscow, 119454, Russian Federation.
MGIMO University, 76, Vernadskogo Prosp., Moscow, 119454, Russian Federation.
N. Neklyudov (nehkludow96@gmail.com),
MGIMO University, 76, Vernadskogo Prosp., Moscow, 119454, Russian Federation

Acknowledgements. The research has been supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research and the Nonprofit Expertise Institute for Social Research as part of the scientific project ¹ 19-011-31330 îïí “American-Ukrainian Relations in the Post-Soviet Era: Strategic Interests, Motives, Values”.


Abstract. The U. S.-Ukraine relations are a multi-faceted phenomenon. Their significance goes beyond the lines of the exclusively bilateral agenda. They are an important factor in Washington’s policy of consolidating European allies around the idea of preventing the strengthening of Russia’s influence in the post-Soviet space. From Kiev’s viewpoint, the strategic cooperation with Washington is considered as an important tool to promote the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Ukraine, and to restore its “territorial integrity” deterring Russia. Despite a significant research interest to the problems of the U.S.-Ukraine relations in the period of 2014–2019, it should be emphasized that most of authors focus on this topic only in wider international contexts or cover some particular issues (military cooperation, financial assistance, diplomatic support). Due to these conditions, the proper logic of relations between the United States and Ukraine does not always remain open and explained. In this regard, a comprehensive approach to the analysis of the U.S. policy towards Ukraine and vice versa should be regarded as an advantage of this article. The authors consider Washington’s diplomatic steps to consolidate and mobilize external support in favor of Kiev after the loss of the Ukrainian jurisdiction over Crimea, as well as an effective control over a part of the South-East regions of the country. The article also analyzes the American humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine, and its structure. It identifies the priority sectors funded by the American government. The provision of the U.S. assistance is examined in comparison with the donor activity of international organizations (International Monetary Fund, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the European Union. The analysis of the American involvement in the processes of Ukrainian domestic reforms in terms of their effectiveness is also given. The authors evaluate the effectiveness of U.S.-Ukrainian cooperation through the prism of the “alliance dilemma”. Special attention is paid to difficulties and differences in relations between strategic partners, which have arisen after 2014 and outline the limits of possibilities for Washington’s influence in resolving the Ukrainian crisis.

Keywords: U.S.-Ukraine relationship, Ukrainian crisis, post-Soviet space, conflict in Donbass, NATO, European security, international assistance, military-political cooperation, social-economic reforms, anti-Russian sanctions


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For citation:
Markedonov S., Silaev N., Neklyudov N. U.S.-Ukraine Relationship (2014–2019): Dilemmas of the Alliance. World Eñonomy and International Relations, 2020, vol. 64, no. 8, pp. 70-80. https://doi.org/10.20542/0131-2227-2020-64-8-70-80



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