Ethnic Tensions and State Strategies: Understanding the Survival of the Ukrainian State

Ukraine is divided by linguistic and regional cleavages, which manifest themselves in regional polarization in national elections. These divisions have led to constant questioning of the viability of the Ukrainian state, and predictions of violence and civil war. Yet secessionist movements have made few inroads, and violence has been non-existent. The state has survived, and this may hold lessons for other cases. Because the ‘minority’ group in Ukraine is actually quite large, it has immense influence in the state without resort to regional autonomy or secession. In keeping with classical liberal theory, the balance of power between Ukraine's regions and ethnic groups has ensured that neither side dominates. This does not make for rapid reform, but it has created a stable state.