"Western fatigue" and the Politics of European Support for Ukraine I

Abstract

In the aftermath of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union (EU) emerged as a significant player in the conflict, providing both financial and military support to Kyiv. The EU's response showcased a remarkable degree of consensus among its member states, solidifying its role in addressing the war-torn country's needs. However, recent months have seen fissures in the EU and Western unity. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concerns about war fatigue, reflecting potential challenges in sustaining support over an extended period. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a Putin supporter, escalated anti-Ukraine rhetoric, highlighting divergent perspectives within the EU. The looming possibility of a second Trump presidency in 2024 further complicates the European effort, introducing uncertainties about future U.S. commitments. These developments underscore the difficulty of maintaining a consistent and coherent stance amid evolving political landscapes and electoral incentives. The Kremlin strategically exploits the notion of 'Western fatigue' to undermine European resolve, adding a layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics. To delve into these complexities, this panel aims to scrutinize the EU's response to Ukraine two years post-invasion. Key research questions include examining the impact of the war on enlargement dynamics in the European neighborhood, analyzing the positions of populist and Eurosceptic parties on the conflict, and understanding variations in the politics of the Ukraine War across different political systems and strategic cultures. The overarching theme is to assess the robustness of the political consensus established initially and evaluate potential risks associated with 'Western fatigue.' We have also applied with the two 'Western fatigue' panels for the Early Career Workshop.

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