Transforming Crimea: Russia's Territorial Incorporation of the Crimean Peninsula

Abstract

In this thesis, I analyze some of the actions Russia has taken to integrate Crimea into the Russian Federation. I demonstrate that Russia’s intent with these actions is to prove to the international community that the annexation of Crimea is permanent, rather than a temporary occupation, and that the annexation is beneficial to the Crimean people. I determine that territorial incorporation entails an ideological integration of the incorporated people, a physical integration of the land, and infrastructural integration of economy, energy, and other basic, societal essentials.