America’s deteriorating political polarization could soon have dire consequences for the world. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is at risk of losing crucial support from the US, which could have far-reaching implications. President Vladimir Putin’s plan to annex Ukraine hinges on the belief that the US will eventually lose interest in the war, and this belief may soon be validated. The fallout from such a scenario could shake the foundations of US global leadership, alienate allies, and embolden America’s enemies.
Within the GOP-controlled House, hardline Republicans are pushing to cut ties with Ukraine, leaving the country to its fate. Other Republicans in Congress are using President Joe Biden’s aid request for Ukraine as an opportunity to leverage concessions on immigration policy. These tactics demonstrate how conservative lawmakers are prioritizing their own domestic political aims over national security and global reputation, even though they lack the mandates to enact their goals.
The crisis over Ukraine aid is critical because US assistance has been crucial in Ukraine’s defense against Putin’s invasion. If the US abandons Ukraine to be crushed by an illegal invasion, it would raise serious doubts about the credibility of defense and strategic agreements that form the basis of the entire Western world. Additionally, it could embolden Putin to target other states near the former Soviet Union, such as Latvia, Lithuania, or Estonia, which are NATO members. This would force the US into a direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia, potentially sparking World War III.
Furthermore, abandoning Ukraine would send a message to authoritarian leaders like Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping that they can crush smaller adversaries without consequences. It would reinforce the belief of American adversaries that the US is incapable of wielding its superpower might and protecting global democracy due to its poisoned domestic politics.
However, those supporting aid to Ukraine have a responsibility to articulate why it is in the best interest of every American to continue supporting the country. Many voters are grappling with economic challenges and questioning why they should be involved in a war on the other side of the world. Republicans arguing for tougher immigration policies in exchange for Ukraine funding are tapping into these sentiments and creating a potent political argument.
The dispute over Ukraine funding reflects a deep ideological clash over America’s role in the world, which is likely to be a central issue in the possible 2024 rematch between Biden and Donald Trump. Biden represents the internationalist tradition that sees the US as a defender of freedom, democracy, and international law, while Trump’s “America First” creed is rooted in isolationism and prioritizing national interests over alliances and democracy. This divide suggests that the impasse over Ukraine funding is just a preview of an ongoing national feud.
At its core, abandoning Ukraine would mean deserting a nation victimized by an unprovoked invasion, a nation that has fought for its right to choose its future. Such an action would stain American leadership for generations. It would also have broader implications: in Asia, a US withdrawal might prompt China to reconsider its actions towards Taiwan, and it could lead to doubts about US security guarantees among allies in the Middle East and Asia.
The consequences of not supporting Ukraine are already being felt on the frontlines, as soldiers are forced to ration ammunition due to fears that US supplies will run dry. In a larger strategic context, there are concerns that a loss of US aid to Ukraine could allow Putin to continue his aggression and potentially prompt a nuclear race as countries seek their own safety nets.
Opposition to supporting Ukraine is often driven by political motivations, such as lingering resentment from Trump’s impeachment. Valid concerns about accountability and the administration’s plan for ending the war in Ukraine have also been raised. However, the situation in Ukraine is complex, and Putin’s strategy is to wait out the US. The only way for Ukraine to survive is to continue the fight, no matter how long it takes.
Critics of US involvement in Ukraine, like Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, ignore critical strategic considerations and compare US support to misguided ventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, relinquishing Ukraine to Putin’s control would leave no one feeling safe.
The fate of Ukraine is not just a national issue but a global one. American leadership, credibility, and the future of democracy are all at stake. It is imperative that the US continues to support Ukraine and uphold the principles that underpin the Western world.
