Further escalation in Ukraine

Further escalation in the Ukraine as President Putin plans to annex the Crimea and incorporate it within Russia -  the first European annexation since WWII.

If you are unsure exactly about where the Crimea is, below is a map for you to look at. You'll notice that Yalta (the site of the first post-WWII conference by the 'Big 3' in February 1945 and arguably the beginning of the Cold War) is in the Crimea. Where would you place the Crimea - as Ukrainian sovereign territory or Russian?

Here is a quick one minute bite of the situation at present according to the New York Times...

From your studies so far of conflict and geopolitics, what might this conflict escalation mean for the international community?

Here is further analysis of the recent developments in the Ukraine from the BBC: ARTICLE LINK

The Ukraine issue explained as only John Green can

Thanks Lillie for sharing this wonderfully manic (as only John Green does) explanation of the Ukraine issue... it certainly sheds light on the subject and offers the opportunity or two for a giggle as we learn more about this very serious modern conflict relating to the Cold War era through the 'John Green' lens/perspective.

Also, some of the comments on the actual YouTube page are quite interesting too... you might want to check them out.

Escalation in the Ukraine - is the Cold War over for everyone?

As the conflict in the Ukraine hots up, there is something for us to learn from this in terms of its relevance to our study of the Cold War. Much of that which Russian President Putin projects in his militaristic actions in Crimea (southern Ukraine) is being reported as the continuation of Cold War tensions between Russia (former U.S.S.R) and the West (predominantly the US and Britain).

Questions to consider:

1) What is actually happening in the Ukraine at present - what is causing the conflict?

2) How does the ABC News broadcaster from the US portray/represent each participant in the conflict, and those diplomatically involved? Are they positioning the viewer to be sympathetic to a certain 'side'? Why might they do this?

Now, here is a link to an article written by former Prime Minister of Australia during the Cold War Malcolm Fraser (1975-83) which sheds further light on the Ukrainian dilemma, with particular connections made to the conflict's origins coming from decisions made throughout the Cold War. There are many Cold War related points made in the article that may not make sense to you at this stage. Note any questions you have and bring to next class ready for discussion and clarification: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/mar/03/ukraine-theres-no-way-out-unless-the-west-understands-its-past-mistakes 

Further news on the developments in the Ukraine: 

ABC AUSTRALIA REPORTS

ALJAZEERA REPORTS

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD REPORTS