Constructive Cooperation or Ganging Up?

Given the recent events that have transpired in Crimea, the G7 summit has met to discuss possible responses to Russia's annexation attempt. The group of nations has promised both "individual and collective action" and decries the annexation as "illegal" and "deeply flawed" due to the presence of Russian forces. With questions of sovereignty and legitimacy swirling, it might seem as if the international community has banded together against a common threat, resulting in some degree of cooperation.

Through a Catholic lens, we find that this cooperation is not exactly optimal. Gaudium et Spes spells out that a primary goal of an international community is to bring about peace by ending war. However, the conflict in Crimea, while not a purely military act, ties back to militaristic issues of land control and acquisition, and has involved the use of military involvement. What's more, international condemnation has not impeded, let alone stopped, Russia's power grab in Eastern Europe, nor has it resulted in the removal of Russian troops. In this sense, the G7 has failed as of yet to end this ongoing ideological war, as well as the use of military force.

But in a much fuller sense, Gaudium et Spes discusses how international cooperation should be heavily focused on creating just systems for peoples to live in prosperity and peace, while eliminating human want. This involves organizing both just economic structures as well as providing aid for struggling nations. In this respect, there is no cooperation occurring between these countries. There is no talk of providing aid, or supporting the economic growth of any nation. There is no collaboration to promote the well-being of any peoples, Russian, Ukrainian, or Crimean. Rather than develop the ability for citizens to provide for themselves and grow in harmony, nations are preoccupied with matters of nationality, discussing what divides us rather than what can bring us to a more truly harmonious existence. The biggest issues are political, not human, in nature. Condemnation of actions is not truly a path to peace, but simply another step in the cycle of politicization that has gripped our international dialogues. For reconciliation to occur, countries need to be asking bigger questions: what are the living conditions of citizens in this country? How can we best meet these people's needs? Where can we find common ground between peoples, rather than bicker and argue over legitimacy and nationality? But rather than focus on the people, all eyes are on the leaders, and we target them with demands for concessions. There is no reconciliation, and no relationship, only retribution.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26547138