Towards the Abyss: Ukraine from Maidan to War

Volodymyr Ishchenko's book "Towards the Abyss" provides a searching analysis of a decade of war and upheaval in Ukraine, arguing that the conflict is the same as suppressed by police batons in Belarus and Russia and the intensification of the post-Soviet crisis is the root cause of the escalating violence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

Towards the Abyss delves into a comprehensive examination of a decade of conflict and upheaval in Ukraine. Since 2014, Volodymyr Ishchenko has emerged as one of the most prominent voices on Ukraine, particularly in the wake of significant events such as the overthrow of the government in Kiev, Russia's annexation of Crimea, and the emergence of pro-Russian separatists in parts of the Donbass. When he learned of Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Ishchenko's immediate reaction was that, regardless of the outcome of the war, he would no longer have a homeland.

The events that have transpired in Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union represent a protracted process of de-modernization, and the downward trajectory is accelerating. Ishchenko contends that the conflict currently being waged in Ukraine, involving tanks, artillery, and rockets, is essentially the same conflict that was suppressed by police batons in Belarus and Russia itself. The escalation of violence can be attributed to the intensification of the post-Soviet crisis, characterized by the incapacity of an oligarchic ruling class in the territories of the former USSR to provide effective political or moral leadership.

This crisis has deep roots, stemming from the historical legacies and political dynamics that emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The collapse of the centralized government and the emergence of independent states led to a power vacuum, which was quickly filled by oligarchs and their associates. These individuals sought to consolidate their power and control over the region, often at the expense of democratic institutions and human rights.

Over the years, the oligarchic ruling class in Ukraine has become increasingly corrupt, self-serving, and disconnected from the concerns of the broader population. They have exploited the country's resources for personal gain, while neglecting to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and social unrest, which have provided fertile ground for the emergence of extremist groups and separatist movements.

The conflict in Ukraine has also been exacerbated by external factors, including Russia's meddling in the region's affairs. Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its support for pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass have further destabilized the country and fueled tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The conflict has also had broader geopolitical implications, with implications for European and global security.

Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, there are signs of hope for Ukraine's future. The Ukrainian people have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and there have been significant efforts to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice in the country. The international community, including the United States, Europe, and Russia, has also played a role in supporting Ukraine's efforts to rebuild and recover from the war.

In conclusion, the conflict in Ukraine represents a complex and multifaceted crisis that has had far-reaching consequences for the country and the region. The de-modernization process, the oligarchic ruling class's corruption, and external factors such as Russia's meddling have contributed to the escalation of violence. However, there are also signs of hope for Ukraine's future, and the international community must continue to support the country's efforts to rebuild and recover from the war.

Weight: 186g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804295540