The history and evolution of Ukrainian national identity

The Conversation Weekly

What does it mean to be a Ukrainian? In this episode, we talk to three experts about the origins of Ukrainian nationalism, and how Ukrainian national identity is changing. Featuring Volodomyr Kulyk, head research fellow at the Institute of Political and Ethnic Studies at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv; Dominique Arel, professor and holder of the Chair of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Ottawa in Canada; and Olga Onuch, senior lecturer in politics, University of Manchester in the UK.

And we hear about a rare archive of Ukrainian dissident literature from the Soviet era. Katja Kolcio, associate professor of dance and environmental studies at Wesleyan University in the US, whose father collected the archive, explains why it's now in danger. (From 36m)

Finally, Moina Spooner, news editor for The Conversation in Nairobi, Kenya recommends some analysis marking the two-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. (From 48m)

The Conversation Weekly is produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware, with sound design by Eloise Stevens Our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Full credits for this episode available here.

Further reading

• Kyiv has faced adversity before – and a stronger Ukrainian identity grew in response
• Why Ukrainian Americans are committed to preserving Ukrainian culture – and national sovereignty
• How Moscow has long used the historic Kyivan Rus state to justify expansionism
• Wins, missteps and lessons: African experts reflect on two years of COVID response
• How COVID has affected the control of neglected tropical diseases

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