@article{bibcite_23526,
  keywords = {Ukraine, Russia, Finland, Austria, World War II, Finlandisation, great powers},
  author = {Mark Nexon},
  title = {Can Neutrality Restore Ukraine?},
  abstract = {<p>This article seeks to understand neutrality through the experiences of postwar Finland and Austria, endeavoring to use these states{\textquoteright} experiences as a prism through which to analyze neutrality{\textquoteright}s utility as a postwar option for Ukraine. A historical assessment of the characteristics of imposed neutrality in postwar Finland and Austria helps analyze Russia{\textquoteright}s vision of neutrality. The experiences of select postconflict states may also provide models for a neutral postwar Ukraine. A credibly armed Ukraine capable of deterring Russian aggression could survive as a neutral state. However, the necessity of Ukraine{\textquoteright}s continued Western alignment to counter Russian aggression complicates the promise of Ukrainian neutrality as a means to achieve a ceasefire. Security guarantees are required for Ukraine to bridge the gap between a ceasefire and a sustainable, non-imposed neutrality. Ukraine{\textquoteright}s inability to immediately realize a legitimately neutral status at the conclusion of hostilities ensures that a neutral Ukraine remains aspirational {\textendash} with an important distinction. Whereas neutrality might offer a means to peaceful statehood for Ukraine, neutrality is a mechanism for the Russian Federation{\textquoteright}s dismemberment of the Ukrainian nation-state.</p>},
  year = {2025},
  journal = {Connections: The Quarterly Journal},
  volume = {24},
  chapter = {75},
  pages = {75-92},
  month = {2025},
  issn = {1812-1098},
  doi = {https://doi.org/10.11610/Connections.24.2.02},
}