This paper attempts to create an overview of the Ukraine twenty years after independence by presenting prevailing conceptual narrative models of Ukraine employed by Ukrainian and foreign experts. Based on the analysis of 58 interviews of Ukrainian political and intellectual elites and foreign experts, the study revealed several categories of conceptual narrative models employed by respondents: (1) a state without a national idea and a common identity; (2) a country in an unfinished transition and degradation; (3) a divided society; and (4) Ukraine as a colony or “wild capitalism”. The analysis of these categories helps to assess conflict potential in Ukraine and discuss some ideas for conflict prevention and resolution.

Keywords:
Ukraine, National identity, Ethnic and regional divide, Democracy, Civic society, Economy, Corruption, Power, Conflict
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© 2013 The Regents of the University of California. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
2013
The Regents of the University of California
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