Civilizational Security: Why the Russian Invasion of Ukraine Shows that ‘National Security’ is Not Enough to Understand Geopolitics

Authors

Greg (Grzegorz) Lewicki, War Studies UniversityFollow

Keywords

civilizational security, civilizational identity, civilizational state, 2022 Russian invasion on Ukraine, soft power

Abstract

This paper argues that the idea of “national security” is sometimes overwritten by “civilizational security” in security-related considerations. Civilizational security, as understood in this paper, refers to a country's security stemming from its belonging to a cultural zone or a civilization. The author clarifies the terms “a civilization,” “civilizational identity,” and “civilizational security.” Citing the examples of Poland, Ukraine, and Russia when considering the parameter of civilizational security allows us to better analyze and predict some processes, including geopolitical dilemmas and civilizational trends. It is argued that prior to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia misunderstood its own civilizational security and that civilizational security perceived as an analytical lens could reveal new security dynamics.

Recommended Citation

Lewicki, Greg (Grzegorz) (2023) "Civilizational Security: Why the Russian Invasion of Ukraine Shows that ‘National Security’ is Not Enough to Understand Geopolitics," Comparative Civilizations Review: Vol. 89: No. 89, Article 11.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/ccr/vol89/iss89/11