The Ukrainians

As in many post-communist states, politics in the Ukraine revolve largely around the issue of national identity. This book seeks to provide a guide to the modern Ukraine and the conflicting versions of its past. It examines the conflict between its Eurasian roots and its Western aspirations.

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As in many post-communist states, politics in Ukraine largely revolve around the issue of national identity. But in the case of a country which only became independent in 1991, the issue is particularly sensitive. Ukrainian nationalists see themselves as one of the world's oldest and most civilised peoples, 'elder brothers' indeed to the younger Russian culture. Yet Ukrainians often feel like a minority in their own country, where Russian is still the main language to be heard on the streets of the capital, Kiev. This book seeks to provide a comprehensive guide to modern Ukraine and to the versions of its past propagated by both Russians and Ukrainians. It concentrates on the complex relationship between Ukraine and Russia, beginning with the myth of common origin in the early medieval era, then looking closely at the Ukrainian experience under the Tsars and Soviets, the experience of minorities in the country, and the path to independence in 1991. Wilson also considers the history of Ukraine since 1991 and continuing disputes over identity, culture and religion.
He examines the economic collapse under first president Leonid Kravchuk and the attempts at recovery under his successor Leonid Kuchma, and explores the conflicts in Ukrainian society between the country's Eurasian roots and its Western aspirations. Incorporating an analysis of the significance of the presidential election of November 1999, this is the most acute, informed and up-to-date account of the Ukrainians and their country available.