I. IntroductionThis essay will discuss the recent annexation of Crimea to Russia, which has sparked much international debate. The annexation and subsequent events reveal the political motivations and policies of key players. This essay highlights that the annexation of Crimea is a multifaceted issue that involves many actors, including the United States and many non-state actors. However, this essay will focus on the European region. First, this essay will briefly summarize the relevant historical factors. Second, he will discuss the Ukrainian position and its options following the violation of its sovereignty. Third, we explain Russia's motivations for its anti-Western actions and finally, we discuss European politics. This essay will demonstrate that, taking into account historical and geopolitical factors, the annexation of Crimea is not entirely extraordinary. More extraordinary is Russia's disregard for international laws and state sovereignty. The difficult situation in Crimea illustrates an ideological struggle between autocracy and the Western democratic world. It highlights the gap between liberalism and realism; particularly when both systems attempt to operate in a fully interdependent but anarchic global structure.II. Historical information and current situationThe dispute over the status of the autonomous region of Crimea dates back centuries. In the mid-1990s, Crimea was considered a “potential center of unrest” (Sasse, 2007), although this instability did not reach its peak. During the transition period following the Cold War, Crimea was eventually assimilated into the Ukrainian political system with minimal conflict (Sasse, 2007). Despite assimilation, the majority of Crimeans considered themselves Russian (BBC News, 2014). With strong and...... middle of paper ......03/europes-gas-supply-ukraine-crisis-russsia-pipelines>.Polityuk, P & MacDonald, A, "Russia says it will respond if Ukraine Interests Attack”, Reuters UK, April 23, 2014, accessed at .Sasse, G, “The Crimea Question: Identity, Transition, and Conflict”, Harvard University Press for the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, 2007. Vasovic , A & Croft , A, “US, EU set sanctions as Putin recognizes Crimea “sovereignty””, March 17, 2014, accessed at < http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/17/us-ukraine -crisis-idUSBREA1Q1E820140317. >.Ziabari, K, 'The Crimean Crisis and American Hypocrisy.' ca/the-crimean-crisis-and-us-hypocrisy-war-of-words-to-justify-outright-assaults/5375928>.