National and Regional Aspects of Integration in Ukraine: Myths and Realities

Шайгородський, Ю.Ж. (orcid.org/0000-0003-3281-6138) (2012) National and Regional Aspects of Integration in Ukraine: Myths and Realities . ІПіЕНД ім. І. Ф. Кураса НАН України, м. Київ, Україна, pp. 17-26. ISBN 978-966-02-6547-9

Text Національні та регіональні аспекти інтеграції України.pdf - Published Version Download (305kB)

Abstract

The article examines the distinctive features of integration processes in Ukrainian society through the prism of the interaction between national and regional factors that shape state-building and social consolidation. It argues that integration is a multidimensional process encompassing political, economic, social, cultural, and value-based dimensions, and that its success depends on the state's ability to maintain a balance between national interests and regional specificities. The study analyzes the historical prerequisites for the formation of Ukraine's regional differences, resulting from the prolonged incorporation of Ukrainian territories into different states, the heterogeneity of political culture, economic development, linguistic and cultural traditions, and the foreign policy orientations of the population. It demonstrates that political manipulation of historical memory, the language issue, regional characteristics, and political myths has repeatedly contributed to increased social polarization, particularly during election campaigns. At the same time, sociological research indicates a consistently high level of national identification among citizens, broad support for state unity, and the absence of mass preconditions for territorial disintegration. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between the processes of social consolidation and political myth-making. The study argues that during periods of crisis and electoral competition, political myths perform a mobilizing function by fostering temporary civic consolidation. However, in the absence of effective public policy, their integrative potential is rapidly exhausted. The article substantiates the need to develop a positive nationwide state-building project grounded in shared values, historical memory, mutual trust, and responsible political governance. The article proposes a comprehensive approach to strengthening Ukraine's integration, encompassing political, economic, social, and regional integration, the development of national identity, the reinforcement of the value-based unity of society, and the effective use of the potential of education, civil society, and regionalization mechanisms. It emphasizes that effective interaction between the central government and the regions, the harmonization of societal interests, the consolidation of political elites, and the implementation of a coherent state regional policy constitute essential prerequisites for strengthening national unity, promoting democratic development, and ensuring the sustainable functioning of the Ukrainian state.

Item Type:	Book
Keywords:	national integration, regional integration, regionalism, social consolidation, national identity, political myth-making, state-building
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 314/316 Society Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 32 Politics Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 35 Public administration. Government. Military affairs > 352/354 Levels of administration. Local, regional, central administration
Divisions:	Generally and academic resources
Depositing User:	Ю.Ж. Шайгородський
Date Deposited:	27 Jul 2026 12:00
Last Modified:	27 Jul 2026 12:00
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/750039

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