Expectations, Self-Fulfilling Prophecy, and SDGs: An Examination of Russia-Ukraine War

The goal of this chapter is to provide scholars and practitioners in the sustainable development field with insights into the implications of speculation on Russia and Ukraine conflict. In order to do this, the writers first performed an initial factual study to identify trends in how the conflict has developed through possible effects of expectations and how the expectations can in turn impact the sustainable development agenda. Utilizing library research methodologies, the most recent secondary materials, such as reports, articles, reviews, and newspapers, were gathered and then analyzed to determine how the conflict affected various areas of sustainable development. Second, the authors suggested several urgent solutions for saving the SDGs and achieving significant development for humanity as a whole by 2030 based on the analysis of the facts. Basing on the self-fulfilling prophecy which starts with an incorrect description of circumstances, it is a possibility that Russia may have started the war basing on incorrect interpretation of the situation and Ukraine may have provoked Russia basing on incorrect interpretation of the situation. The chapter arrives at the conclusion that the surrounding noise about the situation regarding Ukraine and Russia may be influencing these two countries in making the situation worse. Whatever the correct starting point of the conflict may be, the progression of the situation looks like expectations may be deriving the two countries to increase their efforts in war rather than refrain. Expectations surrounding the conflict are shifting international priorities and perceptions of Russia. As a result, the changing behavior of big economics based on definitions of the conflict may result in reactions by leading economic and development indicators. Assertion that Ukraine war will reverse the gains toward the sustainable development goals accumulated over the years may be causing reactions within the international community which may actually result in failure to achieve the global development goals. Therefore, recommendations speak to the need to refocus the stance being taken by the international community toward the Ukraine and Russian war.