Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine

In Ukraine, religion has become a crucial political force due to its history with Russia and its struggle to establish a new future. Everyday religiosity has been weaponized and securitized to advance political agendas, enabling religiosity to be present in public spaces, institutions, and wartime politics. Catherine Wanner's book investigates the conditions that catapulted religiosity, institutions, and leaders to the forefront of politics and geopolitics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine

Ukraine's complex history with Russia has left a profound legacy that continues to shape the country's political landscape. In this context, religion has emerged as a powerful force, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country's future.

The book explores how and why religion has become a central political actor in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West. It examines the ways in which religion is being weaponized and securitized to advance political agendas, enabling it to become increasingly present in public spaces, public institutions, and wartime politics.

The author, Catherine Wanner, conducts extensive research based on ethnographic data and interviews conducted since before the Revolution of Dignity and the outbreak of armed combat in 2014. Through her analysis, Wanner investigates the conditions that have catapulted religiosity, religious institutions, and religious leaders to the forefront of politics and geopolitics.

One of the key findings of the book is that everyday religiosity plays a significant role in shaping political identities and ideologies. Religious practices and beliefs are intertwined with social and cultural norms, providing a framework for individuals to understand their place in the world and their relationship with others. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of political coalitions and alliances, as well as the mobilization of social movements.

Furthermore, the book highlights the role of religious institutions in promoting social cohesion and stability. Religious organizations often serve as a source of support for vulnerable communities, providing food, shelter, and medical care to those in need. They also play a role in mediating conflicts and promoting peace, particularly in times of crisis.

However, the book also notes that the politicization of religion can have negative consequences. Religious leaders and institutions can become involved in political conflicts, using their influence to advance their own agendas or to undermine democratic processes. This can lead to division and conflict within society, as well as undermine the country's democratic institutions.

In conclusion, Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine provides a valuable insight into the complex relationship between religion and politics in Ukraine. The book highlights the ways in which religion is being used as a tool for political gain, as well as the ways in which it can contribute to social cohesion and stability. It also raises important questions about the role of religious institutions in promoting democratic values and the potential risks associated with the politicization of religion.

If Ukraine is ground zero in the tensions between Russia and the West,religion is an arena where the consequences of conflicts between Russia and Ukraine keenly play out. Vibrant forms of everyday religiosity pave the way for religion to be weaponized and securitized to advance political agendas in Ukraine and beyond. These practices,Catherine Wanner argues,enable religiosity to be increasingly present in public spaces,public institutions,and wartime politics in a pluralist society that claims to be secular. Based on ethnographic data and interviews conducted since before the Revolution of Dignity and the outbreak of armed combat in 2014,Wanner investigates the conditions that catapulted religiosity,religious institutions,and religious leaders to the forefront of politics and geopolitics.

Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine

Ukraine's complex history with Russia has left a profound legacy that continues to shape the country's political landscape. In this context, religion has emerged as a powerful force, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country's future.

The book explores how and why religion has become a central political actor in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West. It examines the ways in which religion is being weaponized and securitized to advance political agendas, enabling it to become increasingly present in public spaces, public institutions, and wartime politics.

The author, Catherine Wanner, conducts extensive research based on ethnographic data and interviews conducted since before the Revolution of Dignity and the outbreak of armed combat in 2014. Through her analysis, Wanner investigates the conditions that have catapulted religiosity, religious institutions, and religious leaders to the forefront of politics and geopolitics.

One of the key findings of the book is that everyday religiosity plays a significant role in shaping political identities and ideologies. Religious practices and beliefs are intertwined with social and cultural norms, providing a framework for individuals to understand their place in the world and their relationship with others. This, in turn, contributes to the formation of political coalitions and alliances, as well as the mobilization of social movements.

Furthermore, the book highlights the role of religious institutions in promoting social cohesion and stability. Religious organizations often serve as a source of support for vulnerable communities, providing food, shelter, and medical care to those in need. They also play a role in mediating conflicts and promoting peace, particularly in times of crisis.

However, the book also notes that the politicization of religion can have negative consequences. Religious leaders and institutions can become involved in political conflicts, using their influence to advance their own agendas or to undermine democratic processes. This can lead to division and conflict within society, as well as undermine the country's democratic institutions.

In conclusion, Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine provides a valuable insight into the complex relationship between religion and politics in Ukraine. The book highlights the ways in which religion is being used as a tool for political gain, as well as the ways in which it can contribute to social cohesion and stability. It also raises important questions about the role of religious institutions in promoting democratic values and the potential risks associated with the politicization of religion.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501764950