Ukrainian President P. Poroshenko, German Chancellor A. Merkel, and U.S. Vice-President J, Biden meet at the Munich Security Conference 2015 to discuss possible cease-fire agreements. (The Guardian)
SUMMARY:
The White House Briefing Room released a transcript of Joe Biden’s speech -“Remarks by the Vice President at the Munich Security Conference”- at the Munich Security Conference on February 7th, 2015 to the public. Biden’s speech comes in anticipation for Wednesday’s peace-negotiations that the United States (U.S.) will not be participating in. Vice President Biden’s speech addresses the U.S. position on the conflict between Russia and the Ukraine. At large, Biden states that the U.S. support the proposal to send defense arms to the Ukrainians in order to combat Russian President Vladimir Putin’s violent military tactics. Biden justifies arming the Ukrainians calling for an “honorable peace” and the Ukrainians “right to arm themselves.” Since Putin has not followed other policies implemented in the past, there is much skepticism whether Putin would abide by further diplomatic treaties and policies - hence the call for military aid. Although several other European countries support the U.S., German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her disapproval of providing further weaponry to the already hostile conditions. In the Ukraine human rights violations at stake, economic futures at risk, and political loyalties on the line. Both U.S. and European leaders understand the urgency to intervene in the conflict, yet these world-leading countries - and close allies - have not been able to agree upon a plan of action to stop Putin's forces.
ANALYSIS:
In the speech, Biden appeals to his European counterparts - Germany and France - in order to persuade them to change their proposals before Wednesday’s peace negotiations with Russia. After reading Biden's speech, I better understand the significance of Wednesday's negations. The decisions made concerning the conflict would have economic, political, and social repercussions. If European countries agree to arm the Ukrainians efforts to combat the Russians, then both the U.S. and European economies would be affected by such military expenditures. Yet, more diplomatic approaches such as sanctioning an economic embargo on Russia could have significant consequences as well. On the other hand, if the Ukrainians and Russians lash out on a full-blown war, the economic support and repair would be costly and more civilians would be harmed. Since the U.S. has loyalties and global interests in both the Ukraine and Russia, I realize just how important Wednesday’s peace negotiations will be critical to the countries' economic and foreign policies. At this point in time, the U.S. and western European countries have come to a roadblock in their efforts to bring peace to the Ukraine - thus the situation still remains unresolved. Being informed about this foreign matter is important because Wednesday’s decisions could eventually affect U.S. citizens in ways such as an increase in tax, scarcity of a specific imported good, or a closer consideration of future presidential candidates’ foreign policy plans.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- In regards to the conflict between the Ukrainians and the Russians, what approach do you think is more appropriate: diplomatic or militaristic? Explain.
- Why should/shouldn't the U.S. be involved in Wednesday’s peace-negotiations?
- Can you relate this current situation to any other historical situation?
I believe that a more appropriate approach would be diplomatic in this situation. I agree with the German Chancellor that adding more weaponry would only increase the hostility in this situation. Although it is questionable whether Putin would abide by diplomatic terms, I think that an initial attempt should be made to solve this problem in a more peaceful manner. I believe that using a peaceful approach should especially be considered when thinking about economic sacrifices that would have to be made in order to supply the military goods.
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