Democracy from the dust: ethnonationalism's role in the state-building of Eastern Europe
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Abstract
In this study, I consider how ethnic nationalist sentiments complicate the state-building process, creating added considerations on the basis of perceived ethnic identity. Such considerations include the establishment of a bicameral legislature, and decentralization efforts. After the Soviet Union fell and the Iron Curtain lifted, hopes soared for democracy. But challenges, especially in Ukraine, have slowed representative state-building since the Cold War. "Democracy From The Dust" serves as my analysis of why. State-building is a multi-faceted process, one that requires substantial change in the economy, media, and the rule of law. These topics all constitute their exploration, but this report investigates the critical role ethnicity and identity play in constitutional design, as well as region-powersharing and decentralization processes.
The surge of nationalism in Eastern Europe is well-studied, yet the significance of social factors in state-building remains overlooked. Adding an ethnic dimension to this conversation does not negate previous research, but instead reaffirms the diversity of experience in post-Soviet states. Polish scholarship highlights Western investment, EU integration, and NATO accession in democratization. Conversely, Ukraine lacked similar support. Focus should shift to internal factors, like leadership, institutions and public confidence. Who leads and by what jurisdiction is a central task in democratic pursuits, influenced by nationalist sentiments.
A historical comparative analysis of Poland and Ukraine between 1985 and 2000 demonstrates how ethnic factors impact the socio-political fabric of nations. I argue that a country’s sense of identity significantly influences the state-building process. Contrasting Ukraine’s fragmented identity with Poland’s more cohesive one underscores this point. In Ukraine, the struggle for identity isn’t merely ethnic Ukrainians versus ethnic Russians; rather, it’s a clash between a Ukrainian identity and a Soviet one. This dichotomy serves as a barrier to effective state-building as ethnicity can intersect with broader forces including class struggle and external powers. The Soviet identity, rooted in the Russian language and culture, downplayed ethnic differences, presenting a facade of unity while suppressing independent expressions of ethnicity. This controlled narrative of peaceful coexistence under Russian cultural hegemony persisted even after the Soviet Union's collapse. Fears of secession and separatism in this era debilitated state-building.
I have employed John Stuart Mill’s Joint Method of Agreement and Difference (JMAD) to investigate competing historical narratives. The study identifies causal relationships while leaving room for points of divergence by working within JMAD’s framework which accounts for extraneous factors. Comparative studies operate best when constructed to juxtapose multiple causes within each case. By triangulating public survey sources, theories, and expert perspectives, I will argue that in addition to ethnicity’s role in the collapse of the Iron Curtain and Soviet Union, such sentiments carried over to the state-building that followed. Given the scope of the project and the time considered, “process tracing” has allowed for the examination of a period, rather than a moment, tracing the causes of particular social phenomena to their development.
I aim to illustrate Russia's significant influence on the regional dynamics, given its unavoidable proximity. Historically, Ukraine has grappled with a dual identity, with a considerable portion still identifying with its Soviet past. This complex interplay of identities can fuel tensions, despite the country's diverse demographics. My research incorporates these nuances and the pivotal role of identity and ethnicity, alongside economic and international factors, in shaping outcomes. Debates surrounding language, borders, and representation underscore the significance of ethnicity in defining each nation's identity. The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder that ethnic complexities are intertwined with political decisions, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the region.