The Ukraine issue dominates the international debate in this beginning of the week, representing the central theme of the global journalistic grammar. In particular, there is a return to talk about peace, but this time in a concrete and not rhetorical way, as has been the case in international public discourse for the past three years. However, it is a peace dense with controversy, leading us to question whether the end justifies the means, recalling the thought of one of the fathers of modern politics, the Italian Niccolò Machiavelli. A concept that relates directly to Realpolitik, which we will try to shed light on.
There is a politics that operates in the deep, deep power of states and their diplomacies, often using methods and language that are not always exposed to the light of day and do not necessarily conform to traditional morality or logic. Thus, there is talk of a possible truce by Easter, a desirable goal to end, at least partially, a dramatic and bloody conflict such as that between Russia and Ukraine, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. An end that is certainly positive, but not without controversy.
Donald Trump, with his straightforward and low-key style, seems to want to accelerate the dialogue with Vladimir Putin. The Russian and American delegations are expected to meet in the coming days, and there is talk of a possible summit between the leaders in Riyadh. In this scenario, however, two big questions emerge: what will happen to Zelensky? And what role will Europe play?
Zelensky appears nervous: initially opposed, he now seems willing to consider the U.S. peace plan. Meanwhile, Europe meets in an extraordinary summit in Paris, not in its entirety, but with the participation of our premier Giorgia Meloni, who feels left out of the game. A perception that, from a political point of view, might be unfair, but which, according to the logic of Realpolitik, is consistent with the dynamics that govern international relations.
Thus, a crystallization of forces on the ground is looming, as several analysts have long argued. Putin will not get all the conquered lands, which are considered illegitimate according to international law and Western democratic principles, but he will retain most of the occupied territories. He is also expected to create a buffer area under international supervision, with a European presence, while Ukraine, probably still under Zelensky’s leadership, will move closer to the European Union but remain outside NATO.
Beyond economic issues, rare earths and the business of reconstruction, one question remains open: is it right or wrong? This, quite simply, is Realpolitik. Beauty, as Humphrey Bogart put it…
Claudio Brachino’s February 17, 2025 Editorial: Machiavelli and Ukraine comes from TheNewyorker.
