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1994-05-02
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<text>
<title>
Nationalism Viewed As Ideology Of Future in Ukraine
</title>
<article>
<hdr>
Foreign Broadcast Information Service, March 5, 1992
Ukraine: Nationalism Viewed as Ideology of Future
</hdr>
<body>
<p>[Article by Ivan Besyada: "Nationalism--an Ideology That Has
a Future.... Subjective Remarks on One Conference". Lvov ZA
VILNU UKRAYINU in Ukrainian 20 Feb 92 p 1]
</p>
<p> [Text] The dynamic nature of the present political life in
Ukraine is directly reflected in sociopolitical organizations
that are active in our state. For example, prior to the
proclamation of independence, the Ukrainian Interparty Assembly
occupied extreme radical positions that amounted to absolute
nonrecognition of the existing state organs of power; it united
political structures that had the same platform. Today, after
the transformation into a Ukrainian National Assembly [UNA], it
has, in fact, become a new organization with a new structure of
membership (the collective and associated types of membership
have been supplemented by membership on an individual basis)
that has chosen Ukrainian nationalism as a basis of its activity
and that unites political forces sharing this principle.
Besides, the UNA has occupied a central position among the
advocates of the given political theory--between the radical
Ukrainian Nationalist Union and the Ukrainian State Independence
moderate political association; incidentally, the two latter are
its collective members.
</p>
<p> One of the principal problems of Ukraine's present
sociopolitical life is the elaboration of a modern ideology and
philosophy that could be acceptable nationwide, something that,
according to Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk, we do not
have today. Of course, one may agree or disagree with this
thesis. However, the fact that the search continues, at any
rate, among Ukrainian nationalists, has been confirmed by the
theoretical conference "Nationalism and Problems of Ukrainian
Policy" that was held by the UNA at Lvov University.
</p>
<p> The theoretical spectrum of the conference was quite varied:
It ranged from the question "Nation as a Factor in Political
Life" to the problem of the future of the Ukrainian Navy.
However, the essence of all the speeches that were delivered
may be described by a single formula: the search for a modern
theory of nationalism in general and Ukrainian nationalism, in
particular. Precisely search, because it is premature to talk
about a ready concept adhered to by the present young
generation of nationalists. This may be exemplified by the
discussion on what makes nationalism different from patriotism,
with a wide variation of views on this question.
</p>
<p> The broad range of views expressed by the participants in
the conference that dealt with the notion of nationalism is
also attested to by a listing of forms of its expression. These
forms included respectable and non-respectable (meaning,
perhaps, democratic and nondemocratic) nationalism and the
denial of the appropriateness of such a view. Monarchic and
"sociobiological" forms of nationalism were also represented.
This was both a search for the sources of nationalism in the
Bible and the defense of the principles of national hierarchy
and of the caste and tribe structure of the nation. Finally,
this amounted to a comparison between nationalism and religion.
</p>
<p> A thesis was repeatedly advanced at the conference: So many
people, so many opinions. A general impression was that, today,
the very fact of professing the given ideology is more
important for representatives of nationalist organizations than
the adherence to a particular variety of nationalism. This is,
undoubtedly, a positive fact. It is common knowledge that we
are strong when we stick together. It is true that here it would
be worth recalling yet another aspect of the proclaimed
maxim:...and when there are no aliens among us. It is wonderful if
there is an understanding of the main thing--the need to
maintain and revive the originality of the Ukrainian nation.
However, it is already a thing of the past to see the main
enemy of this originality in the image of Moscow or in the
nature of the Ukrainian people (as though they are lazy or
whatever). (Although, it is clear that we will have to work hard
in this direction.) It is therefore not worth underestimating
a more serious threat, even though the mechanism to combat it
is known.
</p>
<p> One can argue and disagree with much of what was said at the
UNA theoretical conference. However, I would like to point out
one more thing. Contrasting nationally aware Ukrainians with
other Ukrainians who are referred to scornfully as "little
Russians" is, mildly speaking, an error. Instead of being
opposed, the former must dissolve in the latter and, like sugar
sweetens tea, make them like-minded. This is the task. This is
an unlimited area for action.
</p>
<p> As for nationalism as an outlook, it seems to me that it is
precisely such a platform that may unite the Ukrainian nation.
Nationalism as an outlook seems to have become more expressive
than ever; it has developed and become stronger having awakened
great numbers of peoples who are striving to create their own
states.
</p>
<p> As was pointed out at the conference, nationalism is closer
to the human being than are socialism or liberalism, because
nothing unites people better than belonging to the same nation.
Of course, one may agree or disagree with this statement.
However, the fact that today young Ukrainians are attracted to
the ideas of nationalism indicates that this ideology has a
future.
</p>
</body>
</article>
</text>