Ukraine'S Patronal Democracy and the Russian Invasion: The Russia-Ukraine War, Volume One

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 jeopardizes the country's independence and Western-style development. However, the heroic attitude of the Ukrainian people and a solidifying national identity make the domestic foundations for a western turn stronger than ever. Building strong foundations of liberal democracy will be a top priority, along with alleviating immediate problems and addressing the post-communist legacy and constraints of patronalism. This edited volume examines the chances of an anti-patronal transformation after the war, providing an overview of Ukraine's political-economic system and the impact of the war on patronal democracy, the relational economy, clientelist society, and the international environment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Central European University Press

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 poses a significant threat to the country's independence and prospects for Western-style development. Nonetheless, the resilient spirit of the Ukrainian people, coupled with a solidifying national identity, strengthens the domestic foundations for a Western turn more than ever. Following the invasion, establishing robust pillars of liberal democracy will be a paramount objective. In addition to addressing immediate challenges, the country must also tackle its post-communist legacy and address the constraints of patronalism.

This edited volume, authored by esteemed Ukrainian scholars, complemented by colleagues from Hungary, delves into the possibilities of an anti-patronal transformation after the war. The book offers an insightful overview of Ukraine's political-economic system, highlighting the democratic transformations achieved through color revolutions in 2004 and 2014, yet failing to bring about a significant change in the patronage system. Consequently, the country experienced patronal regime cycles rather than the establishment of a Western-style liberal democracy. Building upon the conceptual framework outlined in The Anatomy of Post-Communist Regimes (CEU Press, 2020), the 12 chapters in this collection examine the profound impact of the war on patronal democracy, the relational economy, clientelist society, and the international environment in which Ukraine operates.

To further enrich the analysis, the book entitled "Russia. Imperial Endeavor and Geopolitical Consequences" complements this collection.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789633866634