Constructivist approach to Ukraine conflict

Abstract

The conflict in Eastern Ukraine has resulted in the actual partition of the country. Its consequences were serious for the rest of the world, as well. The purpose of the thesis is to find out the role of identity in this conflict. The internal dimension of identity problem implies the divide between the Russian-speakers and the Ukrainian-speakers, which has deep historical roots. The western regions of the country are mainly inhabited by Ukrainian-speakers, whereas the population of the eastern parts is predominantly Russian-speaker. The division between these regions has historical context, which has been analyzed in the thesis. The identity problem has been reflected in the political sphere as well. The two groups have had opposite perceptions about the past of the country and about its future. The identity problem can be considered one of the major causes of the conflict.