European International Journal of Philological Sciences
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Cultural Hegemony and
National Cohesion:
Examining the Ukrainian
Experience
Dr. Olena Kovalenko
Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
Abstract:
This article investigates the historical and
ongoing impact of Russian cultural policies on the
development and strengthening of Ukrainian national
unity. Drawing on theories of nationalism, social
identity, and cultural hegemony, we analyze how
deliberate attempts to suppress Ukrainian language,
history, and religious institutions have, paradoxically,
contributed to a more robust and unified Ukrainian
national identity. The study examines various facets of
this suppression, including linguistic Russification,
historical revisionism, and religious subjugation, and
explores the Ukrainian responses, from linguistic
preservation efforts to the assertion of ecclesiastical
independence. Ultimately, the article argues that
Russian cultural suppression, rather than diminishing
Ukrainian nationhood, has inadvertently fostered a
collective memory of resistance and a stronger sense of
shared identity among Ukrainians, particularly evident
in contemporary times.
Keywords:
Cultural hegemony, national cohesion,
Ukrainian identity, post-Soviet space, nation-building,
language politics, media, propaganda, cultural conflict,
ethno-linguistic divisions, Russian influence, civic
nationalism, cultural resistance, hybrid warfare, soft
power, Ukrainian nationalism, identity politics,
geopolitical tensions, cultural integration, historical
memory, civil society.
Introduction:
National unity is a complex construct,
often forged through shared experiences, common
culture, and collective memory [1, 12, 38]. In the case of
Ukraine, its path to national cohesion has been
significantly shaped by centuries of external influence,
particularly from Russia. Historically, the Russian state
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has pursued policies aimed at integrating Ukraine,
often through the forceful assimilation of its distinct
cultural elements. These policies, rooted in a
perception of Ukraine as an integral part of a "Russian
world" [8] or even denying its very existence [6, 26],
have manifested as systematic cultural suppression
across various domains. This suppression has included
the imposition of the Russian language, the
reinterpretation of Ukrainian history to align with
Russian narratives, and attempts to control Ukrainian
religious institutions [9, 17, 35].
This article aims to analyze the multifaceted impact of
these Russian cultural suppression efforts on Ukrainian
national unity. We hypothesize that rather than
successfully dissolving Ukrainian distinctiveness, these
suppressive measures have, in fact, catalyzed the
development of a more resilient and unified Ukrainian
national identity. This investigation is pertinent in
understanding the current geopolitical landscape and
the profound societal shifts occurring within Ukraine,
particularly in the context of recent conflicts [11]. We
will draw upon established theoretical frameworks,
including Benedict Anderson's concept of "imagined
communities" [1], Henri Tajfel and John Turner's social
identity theory [13, 36], and Antonio Gramsci's notion
of cultural hegemony [10, 37], to provide a
comprehensive analysis of this dynamic.
METHODOLOGY
This study employs a qualitative, historical-analytical
approach, drawing upon a range of primary and
secondary sources. We analyze historical decrees,
legislation, and official pronouncements related to
language, education, and religion in both the Russian
Empire, the Soviet Union, and independent Ukraine.
Contemporary scholarly works, journalistic accounts,
and official statements from Ukrainian and
international bodies are also examined to provide
context and evidence of the ongoing cultural struggle.
The methodological framework is further informed by
the aforementioned theoretical perspectives to
interpret the impact of cultural suppression on
national identity formation. The selection of
references was based on their relevance to the
historical and contemporary relationship between
Russian cultural policy and Ukrainian national identity,
covering aspects such as linguistics, religion,
education, and the broader concept of nation-building.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The historical trajectory of Russian cultural
suppression in Ukraine can be broadly categorized into
several key areas: linguistic Russification, historical
revisionism, and religious subjugation. Each of these
attempts to assert cultural hegemony [10] has had a
profound, often counterintuitive, impact on Ukrainian
national unity.
Linguistic Russification and Ukrainian Linguistic Revival
For centuries, the Russian Empire and later the Soviet
Union implemented policies designed to promote the
Russian language at the expense of Ukrainian. Edicts and
decrees frequently restricted the use of Ukrainian in
publishing, education, and public life. For example, the
Ems Ukaz of 1876 famously banned the publication and
import of Ukrainian-language books, except for belles-
lettres [35]. During the Soviet era, while ostensibly
promoting national languages, a process of "linguicide"
was observed, where Russian was elevated as the
language of prestige and advancement, leading to
significant Russification, particularly in urban areas [4, 9,
16]. The 1989 Law of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist
Republic "On Languages in the Ukrainian SSR" reflected
a complex linguistic landscape shaped by these policies
[18].
However, these suppressive measures did not
extinguish the Ukrainian language. Instead, they often
fostered a sense of resistance and a deep attachment to
the language as a marker of national identity. The
creation of Ukrainian-Russian dictionaries, even under
restrictive conditions, highlighted the distinctiveness of
the Ukrainian language [15]. Following independence,
Ukraine embarked on a deliberate path to strengthen
the position of Ukrainian as the sole state language,
enshrined in its Constitution [5]. The 2019 Law "On
Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as
the State Language" further solidified its status [19],
building on earlier attempts such as the 2012 Law "On
the Principles of State Language Policy" which initially
caused some controversy [21]. The appointment of a
Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language
in 2020 further underscores this commitment [30]. This
revival is not merely a linguistic shift but a profound act
of national self-assertion, demonstrating a collective
rejection of linguistic assimilation [2, 3, 4]. The ongoing
process of "de-Russification" of cultural institutions and
public discourse, including the renaming of artworks,
signifies a broader cultural reclaiming [27].
Historical Revisionism and the Assertion of Ukrainian
Narrative
Russian narratives have consistently sought to deny
Ukraine's distinct historical trajectory, portraying it as
an artificial construct or an inseparable part of a
"Greater Russia" [6, 26, 29]. This historical revisionism
often minimizes periods of Ukrainian statehood,
exaggerates shared historical roots, and distorts events
such as the Holodomor, which many scholars recognize
as a deliberate act of genocide against the Ukrainian
people [31, 33]. The concept of "Malorossiya" (Little
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European International Journal of Philological Sciences
Russia) was a tool to diminish Ukrainian identity,
subsuming it under a larger Russian identity [35].
Yet, this constant external redefinition of their past has
spurred Ukrainians to actively reclaim and assert their
own historical narrative. The emphasis on collective
memory, as theorized by Halbwachs [12] and Wertsch
& Roediger [38], has become crucial. Educational
reforms, such as the "New Ukrainian School" initiative,
aim to foster a national consciousness rooted in
Ukrainian history and culture [7, 28]. The
condemnation of communist and Nazi totalitarian
regimes through legislation [20] is also a symbolic act
of severing ties with a past that often sought to erase
Ukrainian distinctiveness. The shared experiences of
oppression, particularly during the Soviet era, have
become powerful unifying elements, contributing to a
strong sense of "imagined community" [1] and social
identity [13, 36]. Scholars like Plokhy and Subtelny
have provided comprehensive historical accounts that
counter Russian narratives, further solidifying a distinct
Ukrainian historical consciousness [29, 35].
Religious Subjugation and Ecclesiastical Independence
The Russian Orthodox Church has historically served as
a tool of Russian state policy, extending its influence
into Ukraine and often hindering the development of
an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church. For
centuries, Ukrainian Orthodox institutions were
subordinated to the Moscow Patriarchate, serving as a
means of cultural and political control [22].
However, the pursuit of religious independence has
been a significant aspect of Ukrainian national
awakening. The establishment of the autocephalous
(independent) Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018,
formally recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of
Constantinople, marked a momentous break from
centuries of Russian ecclesiastical dominance [14, 24].
This move was not merely a theological development
but a powerful statement of national sovereignty and
cultural autonomy. The conflict in Donbas further
underscored the role of the Ukrainian National Church
in affirming national identity [22]. This religious
assertion reflects a broader trend of Ukrainians
asserting their distinct identity across all societal
spheres, demonstrating a robust resistance to external
cultural and political influence.
CONCLUSION
The historical and ongoing attempts by Russia to
suppress
Ukrainian
culture
—
through
linguistic
Russification, historical revisionism, and religious
subjugation
—
have,
paradoxically,
strengthened
Ukrainian national unity. Rather than eroding a distinct
Ukrainian identity, these pressures have acted as a
catalyst, fostering a deeper sense of shared heritage,
collective memory of resistance, and a unified purpose
among Ukrainians. The assertion of the Ukrainian
language, the embrace of their authentic historical
narrative,
and
the
pursuit
of
ecclesiastical
independence are not merely reactive measures but
proactive affirmations of a resilient and vibrant national
identity.
The Ukrainian experience offers a compelling case study
of how external cultural hegemony, instead of leading
to assimilation, can inadvertently solidify national
cohesion. The current conflict, in particular, has
galvanized Ukrainian society, uniting diverse linguistic
and regional groups under a common banner of national
defense and cultural preservation [2, 39]. As Ukraine
continues to assert its sovereignty, its cultural
distinctiveness, forged in the crucible of historical
suppression, will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of
its national unity and its future trajectory on the
international stage [34].
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