The Rise of Nationalism in Post-Soviet Ukraine: A Historical Analysis

Abstract

This article explores the rise of nationalism in post-Soviet Ukraine, with a particular focus on the role of historical memory in shaping national identity. Following Ukraine’s independence in 1991, nationalist movements gained momentum, fueled by a desire to reclaim cultural and historical autonomy after decades of Soviet control. The paper examines how Ukraine’s historical narrative, which had been heavily shaped by Soviet interpretations of the past, was reconfigured in the post-Soviet period. Drawing on historical sources, public policy documents, and cultural texts, the study highlights the role of figures such as Stepan Bandera and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army in the construction of a new Ukrainian national identity. The paper also delves into the tensions between Ukrainian and Russian historical narratives, especially in the context of the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region. The article argues that nationalism in Ukraine is deeply rooted in the historical experiences of Soviet oppression and that the revival of Ukrainian national symbols and historical events plays a crucial role in shaping the current political landscape. By comparing the experiences of other post-Soviet states, the study offers valuable insights into the complex process of nation-building and the challenges of overcoming the legacy of Soviet rule.