Introduction

Abstract

This issue focuses on the legal and political ramifications of the conflict in Ukraine, and particularly of the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Writing primarily in the period after the annexation of Crimea and before the start of the violent armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, the authors seek to provide legal and moral justifications for Russia's annexation of Crimea and efforts to destabilize the new Ukrainian government. In doing so, they repeatedly turn to the role played by the West in supporting anti-Russian forces in Ukraine.