Hybrid war in times of geopolitics? On the interpretation and characterization of the Donbass conflict

Abstract

The interpretation of the Donbass conflict is highly controversial not only in Ukraine, but also among external observers. Two theses are represented particularly prominent: First, the conflict is characterized as a prime example of a ``hybrid war''; secondly, based on the perspective of geopolitics, the war is interpreted as the result of competitive, hegemonic claims of the West and Russia. However, both theories operate with a steering and control imperative which reduces the role of local actors and their agendas to dependent variables of great powers. By contrast, the article advocates for a conflict-sociological approach which clearly shows that external actors to a much greater extent are driven by local conflict dynamics than both theses would admit.