Constructing the Narratives of Identity and Power

Twenty years ago Ukraine gained its independence and started on a path towards a free market economy and democratic governance. After four successive presidents and the Orange Revolution, there is a vast body of literature on the process of development and the current political, economic, and socio-cultural situation in Ukraine. Constructing the Narratives of Identity and Power provides a comprehensive outlook on Ukraine as it is presented through the views of intellectual and political elites. Based on extensive field work in Ukraine, Karina V. Korostelina describes the complex process of nation building. Despite the prevailing belief in a divide between two parts of Ukraine and an overwhelming variety of incompatible visions, Korostelina reveals seven prevailing conceptual models of Ukraine and five dominant narratives of national identity. 

Korostelina presented her book and discussed its themes with discussant Dr. Kate Brown, author of Plutopia, and answered questions from the audience on a topic more relevant now than ever.