Politics in Ukraine, as in many post-communist countries, revolves around the issue of national identity. Ukrainian nationalists consider themselves as one of the oldest and most civilized peoples in the world, as "older brothers" of the newer Russian culture. However, Ukraine became independent in 1991 and Ukrainians often feel like a minority in their own country, where the Russian language is still the main one heard on the streets of the capital, Kyiv. This book is a comprehensive guide to modern Ukraine and to the versions of its past propagated by both Russians and Ukrainians. Andrew Wilson provides the most insightful, informed, and up-to-date narrative available about the Ukrainians and their country. He focuses on the complex relationship between Ukraine and Russia, starting from the myth of common origin in the early medieval period, and then examines closely the Ukrainian experience under the tsars and Soviets, the experience of minorities in the country, and the path to independence in 1991. Wilson also examines Ukraine's history after 1991 and the ongoing disputes over identity, culture, and religion. He analyzes the economic collapse under the first presidency of Leonid Kravchuk and the recovery efforts under his successor, Leonid Kuchma. Wilson explores the conflicts in Ukrainian society between the country's Eurasian roots and Western aspirations, as well as the significance of the November 1999 presidential elections.
Manufacturer
- Publisher
- Yale University Press
- Skroutz Book Awards 2025
- -
- Type
- General History
- Language
- English
- Subtitle
- -
- Cover
- Soft
- Number of Pages
- -
- Release Date
- -
- Publication Date
- -
- Dimensions
- -
- ISBN-13
- 9780300269406
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