Georgiy Kasianov - Does Ukraine Possess an Agency? A Historical Perspective
Monday, 6 to 8 P.M. GD 102. Join us in the next Ukraine Lecture Series Session. The report from Georgiy Kasianov challenges long-standing narratives that have historically cast Ukraine as a passive frontier or buffer zone between competing empires. Tracing the evolution of Ukraine’s geopolitical identity from its portrayal as a “borderland” to its current role as a “frontline state,” the study critically examines how Western and Russian discourses have shaped Ukraine’s international positioning.
The paper explores how these persistent framings - ranging from Ukraine as a civilizational bridge to a failed state - have constrained the country’s agency in global affairs. It argues that the war with Russia, especially since the full-scale invasion in 2022, has disrupted these paradigms. Ukraine has not only withstood existential military threats but has also demonstrated civil society mobilization, effective diplomatic engagement, and relatively effective governance.
Drawing on historical analysis and contemporary geopolitics, the author underscores Ukraine’s transformation into an active geopolitical actor. The paper calls for a fundamental reassessment of Western policies, urging NATO and the EU to move beyond symbolic support and fully integrate Ukraine as a strategic equal partner.
The paper fits the debates on European security, sovereignty, and post-imperial transitions. It invites scholars, policymakers, and the broader public to reconsider assumptions about power, identity, and resilience in Eastern Europe.
Share article: