First the dissertation will produce a case study questioning how Lithuania was able to severe ties with Russia, post-independence, compared to Ukraine? Then in order to contextualize the four problem areas, reference will be made to Ukraine’s four post-independent presidents; Leonid Kravchuk (1991-1994), Leonid Kuchma (1994-2005) in chapter 2, and Viktor Yushchenko (2005-2010) and Viktor Yanukovych (2010-2014) in chapter 3. In conclusion the dissertation will argue that twenty-seven years of perpetual crisis management is due to the inaction of Ukraine’s post-independent presidents to tackle Kleptocratic-oligarchy, Identity, Dependency and Security, as areas identified for stifling the nations progress.
Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 promised to be a fresh start for Ukraine and its peoples; a sovereign nation with the ability to pave its own destiny, free from the bloodied shackles of its Communist past. A nationwide referendum solidified the Ukrainian parliament’s declaration of independence garnering an irrefutable show of support for statehood.
Twenty-two years since gaining independence Ukraine was set to sign a landmark, comprehensive Association Agreement with the European Union; an agreement seen by many to represent the first phase of Ukraine’s alignment with the Western world. Even Ukraine’s pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych had euphorically proclaimed “we [Ukraine] are walking towards Europe”. However by August 2013, with three months to go before the official signing of the deal, Russia implemented a de facto trade embargo on Ukrainian exports, in addition, the EU demanded the immediate release of jailed opposition leader, Yulia Tymoshenko, a move Yanukovych flat out rejected. Facing stalemate on both fronts, on the 21st November 2013 Ukrainian Prime Minister, Mykola Azarov, announced the suspension of preparations to sign the EU Association Agreement, opting instead for closer alignment with Russia.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: How Lithuania was able to severe ties with Russia, post-independence, compared to Ukraine?
- Chapter 2: The Kravchuk-Kuchma era (1991-2005)
- Chapter 3: The Yushchenko-Yanukovych era (2005-2014)
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This dissertation examines the reasons behind Ukraine's prolonged state of crisis, highlighting the failures of consecutive governments to address key challenges since gaining independence in 1991. The primary objective is to analyze how Lithuania, a fellow former Soviet republic, managed to sever ties with Russia post-independence, in contrast to Ukraine's continued struggles. The dissertation then focuses on the four critical problem areas identified:- Kleptocratic-oligarchy
- Identity
- Dependency
- Security
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the dissertation, outlining Ukraine's path to independence, the pivotal events leading to the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, and the four major challenges that have hindered Ukraine's progress.
- Chapter 1: This chapter delves into a case study of Lithuania, exploring its successful post-independence transition and severance of ties with Russia. It will compare and contrast Lithuania's path with Ukraine's experience, seeking to understand the factors that contributed to the divergent outcomes.
- Chapter 2: This chapter analyzes the presidencies of Leonid Kravchuk (1991-1994) and Leonid Kuchma (1994-2005). It examines how these leaders addressed, or failed to address, the four problem areas mentioned in the introduction. This chapter will provide historical context for the challenges facing Ukraine during its early years of independence.
- Chapter 3: This chapter focuses on the presidencies of Viktor Yushchenko (2005-2010) and Viktor Yanukovych (2010-2014). It analyzes the decisions and actions of these leaders in relation to the four key problem areas. The chapter will explore the impact of these presidencies on Ukraine's trajectory and the growing instability that ultimately culminated in the Revolution of Dignity.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this dissertation include Ukraine's post-independence experience, the challenges of state-building and democratic transition, the legacy of Russian influence, the impact of oligarchic control, the struggle for national identity, economic dependence, and security concerns. The dissertation examines these topics through the lens of case studies, historical analysis, and comparative perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to Ukraine's ongoing crisis.- Quote paper
- Samuel T Whitehouse (Author), 2018, Since gaining independence in 1991 why has Ukraine remained in a state of perpetual crisis management?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1003219
