Garčević Discusses Ukrainian Incursion on Al Jazeera’s “Context”
Ambassador Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Director of the European Studies Center at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, recently participated in Al Jazeera’s political talk show “Context.” The episode, which aired on August 20, 2024, focused on the recent Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory and its implications.
The discussion panel included Professor Maksim Kamenjacki from the Institute of International Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University, Kyiv, and Professor Robert Barić from the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Zagreb. The experts addressed the short-term and long-term political, security, and military repercussions of Ukraine’s sudden offensive action.
In his analysis, Garčević highlighted several potential goals behind Kyiv’s strategy. He pointed out that one of Ukraine’s aims, besides boosting troop morale and revitalizing citizen support, was to leverage gains in Russia for the release of its own land in the East.
Garčević stated, “Although bearing a high risk, if Ukraine succeeds in holding on to the gains, the current audacious foray can have, at least, a twofold positive effect for Ukraine.” He elaborated on these effects: enhancing Ukraine’s bargaining power for future negotiations and changing Western perceptions about Ukrainian military capabilities.
Regarding negotiations, Garčević suggested they were unlikely to begin before the second half of 2025. He emphasized that by altering the established perception in the West, “Ukraine hopes to create new momentum and prove that Western support has not been in vain.”
This appearance on Al Jazeera’s “Context” showcases Garčević’s expertise in international relations and his ability to provide insightful analysis on current geopolitical events and can viewed here.
Ambassador Vesko Garčević dealt with issues pertinent to European security and NATO for almost 14 years during his diplomatic career. In 2004, he was posted in Vienna to serve as Ambassador to Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He was Montenegro’s Ambassador to NATO from 2010 until 2014 and served as Montenegro’s National Coordinator for NATO from 2015 until he joined the faculty at the Pardee School. Learn more about Ambassador Garčević on his faculty profile.