Social Contracting In Russian-Ukrainian Relations Since 1991

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991,Russia has been seeking to reclaim its great power status by revitalising its conventional hegemony vis-à-vis its previous subordinates having gained independence from Moscow's administrative core.As a key component of the Kremlin's hierarchical orchestration,Ukraine has been selected to analyse the social contracting dynamics expounded upon by David A.Lake.Since conventional international relations literature has so far failed to explain Kyiv's inconsistent oscillations between the diametrically opposing poles(i.e.Russia and the West)in the regional geopolitical environment,a fundamental reassessment is necessary to put the limelight on alternative conceptions,shifting away from the doxa centred around the culture of anarchy.Through the lens of hierarchy,dominantsubordinate bargaining interaction mechanisms are discernible,wherein based upon an “authority conferment for political order” pattern,the subordinate seeks to obtain the most optimal sets of net benefits generated by the dominant's hierarchical architecture.Grappling with the topos of the contemporary impasse in the RussianUkrainian relations,this treatise aims to explicate the different stages of the hierarchical relationship between Moscow and Kyiv by seeking to identify the causes of the distinct failures within the renegotiation process of the respective bargains.It concludes that despite a gradual divergence between Russia and Ukraine,the Kremlin is still able to demonstrate its hierarchical grip,recognising the incorporation of Crimea and the continuation of instigating the war in Donbas.Echoing the voices of Anerrhiphto kybos or alea iacta est [the die has been cast],it remains a conundrum as to whether a hierarchical realignment between Moscow and Kyiv is conceivable.