War and Democracy in Ukraine

Panel 5

Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich

This panel explores the intricate relationship between democracy and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Focusing on the period during the war, it examines the challenges and opportunities that emerged for the Ukrainian democratic system.

The conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014, has profoundly impacted the country's democratic institutions, civic identity and the uprise of civil society. The lecture starts by providing this brief historical context, highlighting Ukraine's aspirations for democracy following Euromaidan and decentralization reforms launched in 2015-2022. It then delves into the complex dynamics that unfolded during the war, analyzing both civic activism and cohesion, and the various challenges faced by Ukrainian democracy (such as human rights violations, civil end election rights restrictions, and issues of media freedom and governmental transparency).

However, amidst these challenges, the lecture also highlights the opportunities that emerged for democracy in Ukraine during the war. It explores the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their commitment to democratic values and EU-integration. It discusses how civil society organizations played a crucial role in advocating for democratic reforms, fostering social cohesion, and providing humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.

Furthermore, the lecture analyzes the role of international actors and the impact of external support on Ukraine's democracy. It examines the efforts of the international community to promote democratic values, provide financial aid, and the EU commitments to support Ukrainian urgent and post-war reconstruction. Lastly, the panel concludes by reflecting on the future prospects for democracy in Ukraine. It discusses the lessons learned from the conflict and the measures needed to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights in ensuring a resilient democratic system.

Through this comprehensive exploration of democracy in Ukraine during the war, the lecture aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the country, shifts in its political culture and landscape, and shed light on the path toward democratic consolidation in a post-conflict setting.

Recommended readings:

• "The Puzzle of Ukrainian Resilience: Hidden Factors and Potential Risks”. Bidenko Yuliya. ZOiS Spotlight N4. Centre for Eastern European and International Studies. February 22, 2023. https://www.zois-berlin.de/en/publications/zois-spotlight/the-puzzle-of-ukrainian-resilience-hidden-factors-and-potential-risks
• Ukraine: Nations in Transit 2022 Country Report. Bidenko Yuliya, Freedom House. April 2022. https://freedomhouse.org/country/ukraine/nations-transit/2022
• The Link between Decentralization and EU Integration”. Solodkyy S., Levoniuk T., Balasanyan V., Dzupyn M., Kalashnikova O., Kozun Ye., Bobyrenko V., Bidenko Yu. New Europe Center, ZOiS, 2020. https://www.zois-berlin.de/ueber-uns/meldungen/new-publication-on-decentralization-in-ukraine
• Foreign Interference in Ukraine’s Politics During the 2019 Elections: The Case of the Kharkiv Region”. Nedelcu Harry, Panchuk Dmytro, Bidenko Yuliya. New Eastern Europe. January 2020. https://neweasterneurope.eu/2020/02/12/foreign-interference-in-ukraines-politics-during-the-2019-elections-the-case-of-the-kharkiv-region%ef%bb%bf/
• (De)Structuring of the Civil Society in the Political Process in Ukraine and Belarus”. Bidenko Julia. Chapter 2 in Smith, D.H., Moldavanova, A.V. & Krasynska, S. (Eds.) The Nonprofit Sector in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia: Civil Society Advances and Challenges. Leiden, Netherlands, and Boston, MA: Brill Publishers. 2018. Рр. 29-55. https://brill.com/view/book/edcoll/9789004380622/BP000004.xml

Afternoon Roundtable