The problem with Mearsheimer is that he completely ignores the people of Ukraine.
His analysis makes sense if you think people only live in the US and in Russia, and that Ukraine were an object.
But when you realize that Ukrainians are people, and they are choosing democracy and integration with the West -- it's not something the US is instigating -- Mearsheimer's analysis falls apart.
Because ultimately, Mearsheimer doesn't believe Ukrainians should have any choice over their own country. That only Great Powers like Russia and the US get to make choices.
His analysis makes sense if you think people only live in the US and in Russia, and that Ukraine were an object.
But when you realize that Ukrainians are people, and they are choosing democracy and integration with the West -- it's not something the US is instigating -- Mearsheimer's analysis falls apart.
Because ultimately, Mearsheimer doesn't believe Ukrainians should have any choice over their own country. That only Great Powers like Russia and the US get to make choices.