U.S.-UKRAINE RELATIONS AND THE CONCEPT OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Abstract

A strategic partnership has become particularly relevant in the wake of the Russian war in Ukraine. Most studies focus on the historical perspective of particular special relations leaning toward the long-standing nature and stability of those relations. Others describe interstate partnerships as dynamic developments rather than static phenomena. Conventionally, strategic partnerships are multifaceted, including the spheres of economic cooperation, military assistance and partnership, and democracy promotion. Scholars also single out cultural proximity as an important factor facilitating mutual trust and feasibility of strategic partnership. This thesis will discuss the historical background of the U.S.-Ukraine economic, socio-political, and military cooperation and its strengths and weaknesses compared to the US-Georgian Strategic Partnership. Finally, this study helps answer the following questions: How is the Georgian case similar to and different from the situation in Ukraine? Has the U.S. response, in 2008 and again in 2014, been an effective and adequate approach to conflicts in the post-Soviet space, which now seem to defy diplomatic resolution? Defense and security cooperation has been another central pillar of the strategic partnerships in Ukraine and Georgia, getting the most attention in the wake of the 2008 August war. Thus, answering these questions is critical in assessing the significance of recent U.S.-Ukraine relations and U.S.-Georgian relations, in light of emerging U.S.-Ukrainian strategic partnership.