I'm thinking of when Russia sent troops into the Crimea (part of Ukraine) shortly after the Winter Olympics in 2014, with the stated purpose of protecting the rights of Russian nationals.
Well, Ukraine wasn't automatically backed up by a large power, like Alsace-Lorraine was backed up by France.
Alright, Germany sends in a police lieutenant and five detectives to "assist" in investigating crimes against former German citizens. Shades of World War I and Serbia. And there's enough news coverage and enough muddiness and ambiguity on all sides that the story carries.
There's a pro-independent movement in Alsace-Lorraine which picks up a lot of supporters. Germany responds and publicly makes the offer that they will allow (non-voting?) representation in their Parliament if France will do the same.
Well, Ukraine wasn't automatically backed up by a large power, like Alsace-Lorraine was backed up by France.
Alright, Germany sends in a police lieutenant and five detectives to "assist" in investigating crimes against former German citizens. Shades of World War I and Serbia. And there's enough news coverage and enough muddiness and ambiguity on all sides that the story carries.
There's a pro-independent movement in Alsace-Lorraine which picks up a lot of supporters. Germany responds and publicly makes the offer that they will allow (non-voting?) representation in their Parliament if France will do the same.