On an August Sunday in Amherst, Massachusetts, a small peace vigil was taking place near the town center, continuing a weekly tradition that began in the 1970s. A group of activists held homemade signs advocating for pacifism and demilitarization. However, one sign stood out with a different message: “We stand with Ukraine.” These global-peace idealists believed that Ukraine’s struggle against Russia was a worthy cause, deserving of support. While the war in Ukraine has resulted in casualties, food shortages, and the risk of nuclear conflict, there are only pockets of resistance to U.S. support for Ukraine within the American political left.
This departure from the traditional stance of the American left, which typically opposes foreign interventions, can be attributed to the unique circumstances of Ukraine’s self-defense against Russia. The conservative right has historically been more supportive of flexing American power abroad, while the left has stood strong in their opposition to involvement in foreign wars. However, recent polling indicates a shift in public opinion, with a slight majority of Americans now believing that the U.S. has provided enough aid to Ukraine. This change is mainly driven by growing Republican opposition, while liberal Democrats still predominantly support providing more aid.
Groups such as Code Pink and Peace Action, which have been at the forefront of anti-war activism, have been relatively quiet on the issue of Ukraine. The complex nature of the conflict has left these organizations internally divided on how to effectively address it. While some advocate for continued funding for Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, others struggle to find a unified approach. The peace movement as a whole is grappling with the need to refine its strategy in light of past wars and the unique circumstances surrounding Ukraine’s situation.
Environmental groups have also been hesitant to call for an end to the fighting in Ukraine, despite the potential risks to the environment and the threat of nuclear conflict. The relative silence on the left can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, President Biden has not deployed U.S. troops to the conflict, meaning there is no direct cost in terms of American lives. Additionally, criticizing a Democratic president’s foreign policy project aligns liberals with figures such as Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson, a stance many are hesitant to take.
While there are voices on the left, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who argue that U.S. support is prolonging the war and harming the Ukrainian people, they remain in the minority. The prevailing argument among supporters of Biden’s policies is that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is illegal and unjust, and that standing in defense of Ukraine upholds progressive ideals. Leaders like Bernie Sanders, who vehemently opposed the Iraq War, have strongly supported Ukraine’s defense, emphasizing the violation of international law and human decency committed by Russia.
The Biden administration has argued against negotiations with Russia, claiming that Vladimir Putin is not a trustworthy partner for peace. Failure to repel Russia from Ukraine, they argue, would reward aggression and invite further conflict in Europe and beyond. Some critics suggest that opponents of the war are unknowingly parroting Kremlin propaganda, an accusation that activists fiercely deny.
It is clear that there are Americans who are listening to the dissenting voices and questioning the U.S.’s approach to the conflict. Calls for peace efforts in Ukraine have gained traction, with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking out against the stifling of these efforts and accusing the U.S. of welcoming war with Russia. The post featuring Kennedy’s remarks has garnered significant attention on social media platforms.
In conclusion, the American political left’s response to the war in Ukraine has been somewhat muted compared to previous conflicts. There are various factors contributing to this relative quiet, including the unique circumstances of Ukraine’s self-defense against Russia, hesitations around criticizing a Democratic president’s foreign policy project, and the complex nature of the conflict itself. However, dissenting voices on the left are questioning the U.S.’s approach to the conflict and advocating for peaceful resolutions.
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