The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has profoundly reshaped not only Europe’s security architecture but also long-standing assumptions regarding international law, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. The Ukrainian crisis presents a complex case in which high-intensity military confrontation has unfolded in parallel with significant diplomatic endeavours. While active hostilities continue on the battlefield, diplomatic engagements—such as the Istanbul Talks, the Antalya Summit, and the Black Sea Grain Initiative—have underscored the persistent relevance of dialogue and negotiation. In this context, the war in Ukraine serves as a critical example of the concurrent operation of diplomacy and armed conflict, raising important questions about their interplay in contemporary international relations.
This session will explore the evolving trajectory of the war in Ukraine alongside the diplomatic efforts and negotiation attempts that have accompanied it. Particular attention will be paid to the Istanbul and Antalya talks as well as the grain deal, assessing their influence on both the conflict’s dynamics and broader peace prospects. The simultaneity of battlefield escalationsand diplomatic initiatives invites a re-examination of the boundaries and possibilities of conflict resolution in modern warfare. This discussion aims to provide a forum for scholarly analysis and policy-relevant insights into the interplay between war and diplomacy in protracted crises.
Discussion Themes:
- How have diplomacy and conflict progressed concurrently in the context of the war in Ukraine?
- What impact have the Istanbul and Antalya talks, along with the grain initiative, had on peace-building efforts?
- How can diplomacy be pursued in protracted conflicts when both parties remain unwilling to compromise on core territorial and sovereignty issues?
- What lessons does the Ukrainian crisis offer for understanding transitions between war and peace in the current international system?