Deadly Passports

Abstract This thesis employs just war theory to analyse the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine within the context of earlier twenty-first-century Russian conflicts. By comparing the Second Chechen War, the invasion of Georgia, and the broader Ukraine conflict, this study outlines the evolution of Russian war justifications over the years. The central research question, "To what extent does the justification for the Russian invasion of Ukraine differ from other twenty-first-century wars?" guides the analysis across three main sub-topics: "The road from Chechnya to Ukraine," "Evaluating Russian interventions through Just War Theory," and "From regime change to a war of conquest." In exploring these sub-topics, the thesis applies just war theory to gain a deeper understanding of Russian military actions, focusing on identifying patterns in their justifications. This approach reveals how Russia's reasoning for its military interventions has shifted from combating separatism and terrorism in Chechnya to protecting ethnic Russians and historical claims in Ukraine. Furthermore, this thesis addresses a gap in the literature by applying just war theory to the Georgian and Crimean cases, areas that have been largely overlooked in previous research. From a societal perspective, this research provides explanatory insights into the historical and political backgrounds of these conflicts, enhancing our understanding of the implications at both regional and international levels. The findings contribute to the public discourse by clarifying how Russian war justifications have transformed over time, reflecting broader changes in geopolitical strategies and national narratives. Additionally, this study examines the application of just war theory by the Kremlin, highlighting the ethical and legal dimensions of Russia's military interventions. By doing so, it offers a nuanced view of how Russian leaders have sought to legitimize their actions on the world stage, balancing between historical grievances, national security concerns, and international law. Overall, this thesis not only advances academic discussions on just war theory and Russian foreign policy but also serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and scholars seeking to understand the dynamics of Russian military engagements in the twenty-first century. Through a comparative analysis, it sheds light on the evolving nature of war justifications, providing a framework for interpreting current and future conflicts involving Russia.