As we approach the end of a conflict that started back in 2014, it seems quite clear that the shift in geopolitical strategies leans in favour of a Russian victory.
Americans, with the arrival of the newly elected president Donald Trump, have completely changed their approach when it comes to diplomacy with the Russian giant, led by President Vladimir Putin. The shift and momentum which was in favour of financing Ukraine and providing it with weapons has been overturned, and Americans are now asking for their taxpayers' money back. Meanwhile, European leaders who are still committed to helping Ukraine, are left alone by their historical ally.
What are the consequences? The cost of living is rising worldwide, yet it seems that the Europeans suffer the most and a clear indicator is the recent elections: the European people are exhausted and no longer feel like funding a lost conflict would help them in any shape or form. Therefore, a wave arose of far right-wing leaning leaders throughout Europe and people expressed their discontent over the political decisions made by the European officials.
Many blame the engagement in Ukraine that led the European countries to cut off economic ties with Russia, leading to skyrocketing prices of energy such as oil and gas. Major German companies, such as Mercedes or Volkswagen, are cutting off thousands of jobs because they cannot afford the expenses related to higher prices of energy: this is happening for the first time in more than 20 years.
Known to be stronghold industries in Europe, the automotive sector is hardly affording the cost of sanctions imposed on Russia. Some experts believe that the sanctions actually backfired: while inflation and interests remain high in Russia, the social crisis and the massive jobs cut off throughout Europe are in themselves indicators that European societies are experiencing a conflict from within. Political instability is becoming quite common in a continent which had been known for its prosperity and political consensus when it comes to defending European policies.
Emerging leaders of many countries harshly criticized the negative impact of the policy in Ukraine: Hungary and Slovakia are the two countries that mainly led the opposition to this conflict, qualifying it explicitly as « madness ».
This raises important questions: Was the bet worth it for the Europeans? How does this conflict affect international relations?
The first question cannot be fully answered yet, although the resolution of the conflict involves two main parties which are the USA and Russia, completely ignoring Europeans thus relegating them to the second plan.
The second question shows how important it is to maintain, at all times and even through storms, contact with both allied and hostile countries. Russia is back on the front stage of international relations and has pledged for more integration of the Global South.
The world is slowly shifting from a unipolar stage to a multipolar one, where countries like Bangladesh are given greater importance soon. Opportunities are growing and the Western world can no longer ignore emerging powers. What was once a fantasy can now become a reality: Bangladesh can fully integrate itself within the new multipolar world which promotes cooperation, consideration and respect for all parties that are willing to solve issues and work together.
This conflict to some extent is a great opportunity, despite its casualties, for Bangladesh to seek worldwide partners who are willing to put in the work and make it a better country, for its citizens, and for the world. The best is yet to come for Bangladesh.
