The world in question
The crisis in Ukraine and its repercussions on the world order
Audio 02:57
Representatives vote in favor of a resolution during a UN Security Council meeting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Friday, February 25, 2022 at UN Headquarters.
China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstained.
(Illustrative Image) AP - John Minchillo
By: Bruno Daroux Follow
3 mins
Are there already consequences generated by the conflict in Ukraine on the balance of power between powers on an international scale?
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The answer is yes.
Vladimir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine 37 days ago has begun to produce its effects on the world geopolitical order, sometimes confirming trends already underway, also revealing unexpected developments, in the diplomatic fields, military, economic, and in particular energy.
One of the first consequences of this major crisis was, contrary to what Putin expected, to close ranks among Westerners: reaffirmation of the link between Europe and the United States, in particular through the activation of the NATO military.
What was not "run" in advance.
Invest in the military
Another consequence of the crisis in Ukraine: the displayed unity of the 27 countries of the European Union, despite some differences in approach between countries in the west of the continent and those in the east.
The latter being in favor of more severity towards Moscow.
Beyond this rediscovered unity, the 27 and their American ally reacted strongly to Russian aggressiveness, with massive and heavy economic sanctions.
Firmer reaction, faster than expected.
The current crisis has also highlighted the weakness of European defence: if the NATO umbrella has been strengthened, the need for European states to also devote more money to their armies is a major lesson from the events that are unfolding.
From this point of view, the turning point initiated by Germany, an economic giant but a military dwarf, is one of the most remarkable concrete translations of this.
This war is also economic, and the Europeans have become aware of their excessive energy dependence on Moscow.
Especially in the area of fossil fuels.
And there are already urgently emerging alternative plans for obtaining supplies of gas and oil.
As a medium-term consequence, this awareness will perhaps accelerate the energy transition towards less polluting renewable energies.
But the cost of these developments promises to be severe for the European Union.
China and India down
So much for the first inflections in the Western camp.
A camp that is more united, more solid, but also, and paradoxically, more isolated on the international scene, despite the number of countries that have condemned Russia at the UN.
Almost 150 out of 200, it may seem huge.
But in fact, we should rather be interested in the countries which abstained during the UN votes, in particular China and India, which, between them, represent approximately 40% of the world's population.
Despite Western pressure attempts on Beijing and New Delhi, these two Asian giants maintain an ambiguous line, demanding a ceasefire and negotiations, but refusing to condemn Moscow for its operation in Ukraine.
No question for Beijing to align itself with Brussels or Washington.
No question for New Delhi to question the strong diplomatic and economic relationship that binds it to Moscow.
© RFI
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