Nation, region and history in post-communist transitions

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Since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the topics of nation and identity have sparked significant debate. This monograph investigates how national identity is being reconstructed by the Ukrainian state and negotiated within society. The author argues that the focus on ethnicity and language in discussions of identity is overly simplistic. Instead, a regional approach is proposed to understand how Ukraine’s regional differences influence nation-building processes. Following the 'Orange Revolution,' the notion of Ukraine as a 'divided' nation between 'East' and 'West' has gained traction, often oversimplifying the complexities of its political landscape. The study emphasizes the need for academics, policymakers, and politicians to move beyond this binary perspective. By analyzing Ukraine’s regionalism through the lens of diversity rather than division, the author deconstructs the concept of ‘Eastern Ukraine’ by examining three localities near the Ukrainian-Russian border. This approach reveals how individuals interpret their region's role in the broader context of nation-building in Ukraine, ultimately developing a nuanced understanding of identity politics in the country.