Diminished Hegemony: Consequences of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

This research examines the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Russian hegemony in the post-Soviet sphere (Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Armenia). Hegemony is conceptualized through coercion, consent, and attraction. The study concludes that while Russia positions itself as a hegemon in the post-Soviet domain, its military actions in Ukraine are undermining its hegemonic status. Rather than enhancing its potential, the invasion of Ukraine has led to a drain of material resources and diminished Russia's capacity to engender consensus among those it seeks to lead. Russia is also losing its attractiveness for potential followers in the region.