College

Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Date of Last Revision

2025-05-06 06:37:37

Major

Political Science

Honors Course

POLIT 446

Number of Credits

3

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2025

Abstract

This report discusses and explores a series of scenarios regarding the end of the Russo-Ukrainian war, which began in February 2022. The three scenarios are a continued stalemate, where neither side gains an upper hand in the conflict, a Ukrainian victory, and a Russian victory. Each scenario also explores several factors that could impact their likelihood, including international support, battlefield prowess, etc. This paper aims to provide readers with the necessary context to understand the situation in Ukraine and the likely outcomes of the conflict. Research for this project was conducted between March and April 2025, with findings representing an as-current-as-possible picture of the scenarios. Sources included published journals, government documents, think-tanks such as RAND, Chatham House, and the Atlantic Council, NATO and EU websites, and newspaper articles from sources such as NPR and Reuters. This paper assessed the current events and concluded that Scenario 1, a status quo ‘long war’, was the most likely due to factors including combatant resolve, likely continuity of international support for Ukraine, and the likelihood of current negotiations falling apart.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler

First Reader

Dr. Ronald Gelleny

Second Reader

LTC Chad Maynard

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Ronald Gelleny

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

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