| Abstract [eng] |
One of the least researched topics in the context of Russian war against Ukraine is Western Big Tech Companies voluntary support protecting Ukraine’s virtual space and leaving Russian market. In this study, author examines a causal relationship between the incentives driving Big Tech companies to support Ukraine, both from instrumental and ethical perspectives, and their involvement in the war. A review of the literature revealed the lack of research within Transnationalism theory exploring the role of instrumental transnational actors motivated not only by financial gain, but primarily by shared principled ideas or values. However, the actions taken by Big Tech Companies during the Russian war against Ukraine were largely voluntary and unprofitable in the short term. Therefore, the objective of the study is to identify what are the main incentives that motivate multinational technology companies to engage in international conflicts. The logic of minimalist process tracing and the constructed methodology show that financially motivated responsible Big Tech Companies' behavior has a stronger relationship with involvement in the Russian war against Ukraine than purely ethically motivated behavior. These results were supported by the interviews, clarifying the main incentives behind supporting Ukraine and leaving Russian market. However, socially responsible behavior cannot be ruled out – companies' responses to the Russian invasion of Ukraine were swift, efficient, and timely. Therefore, while the need for economic benefits consistently drives companies’ actions, it has been accompanied by motives of ethical behavior – humanitarian support for workers and residents of Ukraine, image in the eyes of Western democracies and ensuring the norms of international law (with an awareness of potential sanctions). |
