Episode 28: Decolonization and Ukraine with Geo Maher and Volodymyr Ishchenko
Jul 6, 2023
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Guests Geo Maher and Volodymyr Ishchenko discuss decolonization in the context of Ukraine and Russia. They explore the radical transformation of society, the complexities of Ukrainian national identity, the challenges of activating a national identity, and the importance of social progress and development. They also touch on demographic changes, the rise of women in care work, and the concept of decolonization. The speakers emphasize the ongoing need for decolonization and the role of memory in the struggle.
Decolonization has been misused and diluted, often disconnected from its historical context, leading to distorted concepts and the promotion of colonial structures and capitalist agendas.
The current discussions of decolonization in relation to Russia, Ukraine, and surrounding countries lack a historical and nuanced understanding of decolonization, ignoring the material realities and complex dimensions of the process.
In Ukraine, the usage of decolonization rhetoric often promotes neoliberal policies, excludes critical economic analysis, weakens the decolonization agenda, and focuses on disavowing socialism, social revolution, and internationalism.
Deep dives
Decolonization as a historical process
Decolonization refers to a historical process of reclaiming sovereignty and political control from colonial powers. It emerged in the 20th century as a response to modern colonialism, driven by Euro-American powers and rooted in capitalist expansion and racial hierarchies. Decolonization involves more than political independence; it encompasses social revolution and the transformation of entire societies. It addresses economic, cultural, and epistemological aspects of colonialism. However, the term decolonization has been misused and diluted, often disconnected from its historical context. It has become a disdorted concept, used to defend colonial structures or advance capitalist and nationalist agendas.
Decolonization in the context of Eurasia
The concept of decolonization is often misunderstood and misused in relation to Eurasia. The historical meanings and developments of decolonization in the 20th century, particularly in the context of anti-colonial struggles, differ significantly from its contemporary uses in Eurasia today. The current discussions of decolonization in relation to Russia, Ukraine, and surrounding countries lack the historical and nuanced understanding of decolonization. The term is used to promote nationalist and pro-European agendas, often ignoring the material realities of colonialism and failing to recognize the complex social, economic, and cultural dimensions of decolonization.
The complexities of decolonization rhetoric in Ukraine
Decolonization discourse in Ukraine needs to be analyzed within the broader political and social context. The usage of decolonization rhetoric in relation to Ukraine is often detached from a thorough understanding of colonialism and its connection to socialism, economic emancipation, and state development. In the Ukrainian context, decolonization rhetoric is embraced by a professional middle-class aspiring to be part of the global elite, seeking recognition and legitimacy. However, this embrace often excludes a critical analysis of economic structures and perpetuates neoliberal policies. The focus on reclaiming a Ukrainian international identity and disavowing socialism and social revolution weakens the decolonization agenda.
Navigating complexities in analyzing Ukraine from the left
Analyzing Ukraine from the left requires careful consideration of the complexities involved. It is important to avoid accusing or defending without a deeper understanding of the historical and social dynamics at play. The left should prioritize class analysis, modernity, progress, and social revolution when approaching the Ukrainian situation. Challenging nationalist narratives, engaging with the social and economic realities, and emphasizing internationalism are crucial in navigating the complexities of analyzing Ukraine from a leftist perspective. Additionally, it is essential to maintain a critical awareness of shifting political dynamics and avoid simplified or idealized interpretations of historical events and movements.
The crisis of representation in the post-Soviet context
The current state of representation in the post-Soviet context, particularly in Ukraine, is discussed. The lack of governments that truly represent the people and the political and social crisis that has arisen as a result are highlighted. The article suggests that the post-Soviet world may serve as a reflection of the potential future of Western countries. The analysis focuses on factors such as the vagueness of claims, weak leadership, and dispersed coalitions in contemporary movements that contribute to the persistent representation crisis.
The importance of historical memory and decolonization
The concept of historical memory and its significance in the context of decolonization is explored. The podcast touches upon the memory conflicts in Ukraine, as well as the importance of countermemories in left-wing struggles. The conversation emphasizes the need to create a vision of reclaiming the past that can propel revolutionary and progressive actions in the future. It also raises questions about the materiality of decolonization, the reevaluation of modernity, and the role of positive alternatives in the face of crises of representation and the rejection of traditional structures.
On this episode we discuss the ins and outs of decolonization - as a set of historical revolutionary politics, intellectual tradition, contemporary framework of analysis as well the limitations and misuses of "decolonization" in the context of Ukraine and Russia today.
To do this we have invited two distinct yet complimentary thinkers to put their ideas into conversation with one another.
Geo Maher is a teacher, political theorist and author of Anti-Colonial Eruptions: Racial Hubris and the Cunning of Resistance and Decolonizing Dialectics.
Volodymyr Ishchenko is a sociologist and writes on contemporary Ukraine, civil society, revolution, nationalism and more. In December 2022 he wrote an article entitled "Ukrainian Voices?" in the New Left Review. Check out the article here:
