Between Lenin and Bandera - Decommunization and Multivocality in Post-Euromaidan Ukraine

The Lenin monument in Kyiv was toppled in 2013, marking the beginning of post-Euromaidan de-Sovietisation in Ukraine. This book explores decommunisation as a political and cultural phenomenon that exposes the multivocality of the Ukrainian population and involves various forms of dialogical interaction between ordinary citizens and the state.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

The Lenin monument in Kyiv, Ukraine, a central symbol of the Soviet era, was toppled on December 8, 2013, sparking a series of events known as the Leninfall. Over the following months, Ukraine embarked on a sweeping campaign to remove hundreds of communist monuments, expressing a clear desire to distance itself from the Soviet past and, implicitly, from Russia. This book goes beyond the mere toppling of old statues and the implementation of new anti-totalitarian laws to examine the broader process of post-Euromaidan de-Sovietization. It explores decommunization as a political and cultural phenomenon that reveals the diverse perspectives of the Ukrainian population and involves various forms of dialogue and interaction between ordinary citizens and the state.

Posters, graffiti, and street names serve as physical and discursive canvases where old meanings are being contested and re-articulated. At the same time, new political symbols that blend nationalist and democratic elements are being defined. These symbols emerge in response to the complex social, political, and economic challenges facing Ukraine, as the country seeks to establish its identity and navigate its relationship with its past and its neighbors.

The Leninfall has had far-reaching consequences, both within Ukraine and internationally. It has sparked debates about the legacy of communism and the role of history in shaping contemporary societies. It has also raised questions about the boundaries of freedom of expression and the role of the state in preserving cultural heritage.

As Ukraine continues to grapple with the challenges of de-Sovietization, it is important to understand the complex dynamics at play. This book seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the process, exploring the political, social, and cultural factors that have contributed to its evolution. It will also examine the ways in which ordinary citizens and the state are engaging in dialogue and interaction to shape the future of Ukraine.

In conclusion, the Leninfall represents a significant moment in the history of Ukraine and the broader region. It symbolizes the desire of the Ukrainian people to break away from the Soviet past and to forge a new path forward. This book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the process of de-Sovietization and its implications for the future of Ukraine and the world.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838215068