Uncommon Sense Revolution, with Volodymyr Ishchenko
Jun 6, 2025
Volodymyr Ishchenko, a Ukrainian sociologist specializing in protests and revolutions, discusses the complexities of modern revolutions. He explores 'deficient revolutions' and critiques outcomes like ethnic polarization in the wake of the 2014 Euromaidan uprising. Delving into the crisis of hegemony, he links political representation issues to class and regional tensions in Ukraine. Ishchenko also highlights the importance of sociologists in complicating nation-building narratives and reflects on the Strugatsky brothers’ insights into progress.
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Revolution Needs Depth And Popular Power
- Revolution combines radical structural change with sustained popular collective action from below.
- Volodymyr Ishchenko stresses both elements are needed for a revolution to be meaningful.
Diversity In Participation Was Uneven
- Euromaidan attracted diverse participants but participation and influence were uneven across regions.
- Ishchenko notes western and central regions supplied far more active protesters than the south and east.
Street Power Versus Electoral Support
- Radical nationalist groups were the most active collective agents, especially in violent moments of Euromaidan.
- Ishchenko argues electoral popularity didn't determine street power in Ukraine's volatile politics.
