Displacement in War-Torn Ukraine: State, Displacement and Belonging

This Element provides a multi-scalar perspective on the transformational effects of war and dislocation on people's sense of belonging, examining the historical and socio-demographic profiles of Crimea and the Donbas, the stages of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, identity-based explanations, state failures, internal displacement governance, and the complex (dis)connections IDPs experience with their imagined past, new places of residence, and social groups.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element provides a comprehensive exploration of the profound and multifaceted impacts of war and displacement on individuals' sense of belonging. It begins by examining the brief historical and socio-demographic profiles of Crimea and the Donbas, the stages of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the main explanatory frameworks presented in scholarly literature and policy reports, and a critical re-evaluation of identity-based explanations. It then delves into state failures and the role of internal displacement governance in shaping new lines of social inclusion or exclusion through the creation of multiple physical, symbolic, and bureaucratic borders. The discussion explores Ukraine's civil society response to IDP dislocation and IDPs' engagement through various formal and non-formal networks. The final section examines the complex and multifaceted (dis)connections experienced by IDPs concerning their imagined past, their new places of residence, and the social groups considered important in their hierarchies of belonging.

Introduction:
The war and displacement have profound effects on individuals' sense of belonging. This Element offers a multi-scalar perspective on these transformative experiences, examining the historical, socio-demographic, and political contexts that shape them. It explores the various explanatory frameworks and theories that have been proposed to understand the complexities of identity, displacement, and social integration.

Historical and Socio-Demographic Profiles of Crimea and the Donbas:
The Element begins by providing a brief overview of the historical and socio-demographic profiles of Crimea and the Donbas. These regions have distinct cultural and political identities, and their involvement in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has led to significant displacement and disruption. Understanding the backgrounds and characteristics of these populations is crucial in understanding the dynamics of the conflict and its impact on individuals.

Stages of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict:
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has evolved over several years, with different stages and dynamics. The Element examines these stages, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the outbreak of hostilities in Eastern Ukraine, and the ongoing peace negotiations. It explores the factors that contributed to the conflict, the strategies employed by both sides, and the human costs of the conflict.

Main Explanatory Frameworks:
The Element discusses the main explanatory frameworks presented in the scholarly literature and policy reports on the effects of war and displacement on individuals' sense of belonging. These frameworks include identity-based explanations, which emphasize the role of identity in shaping individuals' responses to displacement; social integration theories, which focus on the processes of social inclusion and exclusion; and resilience theories, which emphasize individuals' ability to adapt and cope with adversity.

Critical Re-Evaluation of Identity-Based Explanations:
While identity-based explanations have been widely used to understand the effects of war and displacement, the Element critically re-evaluates these explanations. It argues that identity is not a monolithic construct and that individuals may have multiple and conflicting identities. It also highlights the role of power dynamics, social structures, and historical legacies in shaping individuals' sense of belonging.

Directions of Conflict-Driven Displacement Flows:
The Element examines the directions of conflict-driven displacement flows, including internal displacement within Ukraine and refugee flows to neighboring countries. It explores the factors that drive these displacement flows, the challenges faced by IDPs and refugees, and the policies and practices that have been implemented to address these challenges.

State Failures and Internal Displacement Governance:
The Element discusses state failures and the role of internal displacement governance in shaping new lines of social inclusion or exclusion through the production of multiple physical, symbolic, and bureaucratic borders. It examines the ways in which state institutions and non-state actors interact to manage displacement, the rights and protections of IDPs, and the challenges faced by local communities in accommodating and integrating IDPs.

Civil Society Response to IDP Dislocation:
The Element explores Ukraine's civil society response to IDP dislocation and IDPs' engagement through various formal and non-formal networks. It highlights the efforts of civil society organizations, volunteers, and community leaders in providing assistance, support, and advocacy to IDPs. It also discusses the challenges faced by civil society in accessing and supporting IDPs in conflict-affected areas.

Engagement of IDPs through Formal and Non-Formal Networks:
The Element discusses IDPs' engagement through formal and non-formal networks. It explores the ways in which IDPs use these networks to maintain connections with their communities, access services, and advocate for their rights. It also highlights the challenges faced by IDPs in accessing these networks and the role of civil society in promoting their participation.

Multidimensional and Complex (Dis)Connections of IDPs:
The final section of the Element explores the multidimensional and complex (dis)connections that IDPs experience with regard to their imagined past, their new places of residence, and the social groups perceived as important in their hierarchies of belonging. It examines the ways in which IDPs negotiate their identities, adapt to new environments, and rebuild their lives in the context of displacement.

In conclusion, this Element provides a comprehensive exploration of the effects of war and displacement on individuals' sense of belonging. It highlights the need for a multi-scalar approach that considers the historical, socio-demographic, and political contexts of displacement. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex and multifaceted (dis)connections that IDPs experience with regard to their imagined past, their new places of residence, and the social groups perceived as important in their hierarchies of belonging. By examining these connections, we can better understand the challenges faced by IDPs and work towards developing effective policies and practices to support their recovery and social integration.

Weight: 158g
Dimension: 227 x 151 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009314497