Classic Ukrainian nationalism: foundation of state

This is crucial because Ukrainian right-wing communities are the backbone of today’s volunteer movement. Without them, the current Defense Forces of Ukraine would be hard to imagine. It would be a completely different army, the war would have taken a much worse turn for us, and the situation in the country would be entirely different.

The most important point is that classical Ukrainian nationalism is unquestionably dominated by a state-centered rather than subcultural orientation. This is its main feature. The powerful focus on the state marginalizes or outright rejects various “heresies” within right-wing circles from the start.

In this sense, we stand out positively from many other societies in Western civilization, where modern right-wing movements are often subcultural rather than focused on the state. They frequently draw inspiration from overtly destructive or exotic sources. This makes them far less consistent and predictable—to such an extent that they sometimes reverse course 180 degrees or spin out of control at key turns. All of this is due to the absence of a solid and time-tested standard like the one that exists among Ukrainian right-wing circles.

That’s why “flexible” Western right-wing movements are an extremely comfortable environment for the influence of Russian intelligence services. Such right-wing groups are easy to manipulate—to the point that many of them, with no pangs of conscience, are ready to idolize Putin, an open Stalinist and devotee of the Soviet communist system. Absurd, yet true.

Our own right-wing groups would have been similarly swayed if it weren’t for the historical experience of the OUN and UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army, Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists). Without their teachings, experience, and undeniable authority, a significant portion of Ukrainian right-wing groups would likely be uniting with Russian right-wingers even today. They would find common ground in shared subcultural symbols. And I am certain that Russian intelligence services dream of such a possibility. It is highly likely they would succeed—if not for one major “but.” And that “but” is classical Ukrainian nationalism, with its clear orientation toward the state.

Nurture classical Ukrainian nationalism—because it is the foundation of the State.

Source

About the author: Mykhailo Basarab, political scientist, officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

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