What the world can learn from Ukraine's fight for democracy | Olesya Khromeychuk
Feb 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Ukrainian historian Olesya Khromeychuk shares three lessons from Ukraine's fight for democracy: the importance of perseverance, unity, and division. She discusses the struggle for democracy in Ukraine, the suspicions towards political leaders, the ongoing war with Russia, and the power of the people in defending their country.
Ukraine's history of oppression has instilled a deep appreciation for democracy and a willingness to fight for it.
In times of crisis, diversity unites Ukrainians in their fight to protect the rights and freedom of all ethnic groups.
Deep dives
Lesson 1: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Ukraine's history of statelessness and oppression has taught its people the value of freedom. They do not take democracy for granted and are willing to fight for and protect it. Ukrainians have a tradition of taking to the streets to protest against corruption and abuse of power by their leaders. Despite facing numerous obstacles, they have persevered in their pursuit of democracy.
Lesson 2: Unity in Diversity
Ukraine is a multi-ethnic and multicultural nation that has been deliberately portrayed as divided. However, in times of crisis, diversity actually unites the Ukrainian people. Various ethnic groups, including Crimean Tatars, Polish, Jewish, Romanian, and others, fight alongside Ukrainians to protect the rights and freedom of all. Unity is celebrated on Ukraine's official Day of Unity, where people form a human chain in defense of their country's future.
Lesson 3: Having a Vision and Working Hard
Ukraine's vision of a democratic and united country has its roots in a time when independence and democracy seemed like distant dreams. Ukrainians have fought hard for their vision and continue to protect it. The experience of witnessing the referendum for independence in 1991, where the majority voted in favor of independence from the USSR, had a profound effect on the speaker. Ukrainians believe that having a vision worth fighting for, being united in that fight, and persevering through hard work are essential to achieving and maintaining democracy.
“A flourishing democracy next door is a scary thing for an autocrat,” says Ukrainian historian Olesya Khromeychuk. Detailing the history of Ukraine’s long struggle for sovereignty and freedom — against Russian tsars, communist dictators and now the Kremlin’s army — she shares three lessons anybody can use to join the global fight for democracy.