Essays on the history of Ukraine - 1061

In the twentieth century, the American political scientist Zbigniew Brzezinski repeatedly stressed that without Ukraine, Russia ceases to be an empire; and that if Ukraine joins, the Russian empire, like the phoenix, will always be reborn. This is the main reason for Russia's war against Ukraine in 2014. And it is also the reason for its “phantom pain” every time this Eurasian empire loses Ukraine – without Ukraine, Russia remains simply an Asian “Muscovy”. Hence the denial of historical facts, the state propaganda about “one Russian people, common history and state,” and, above all, the denial of Ukraine's right to its own statehood, territory, and resources. A successful European form of democracy in Ukraine is a threat to Russia's authoritarian, “oriental” form of governance. Putin tries to justify his full-scale invasion and destruction of Ukraine, and the genocide of its people by distorting historical facts and launching a massive propaganda war against Ukraine. This book is a powerful antidote to it. In “Essays of the History of Ukraine,” General Smeshko debunks Russia's appropriation of the name and history of Kyivan Rus, as well as the myths of “one nation”, the “sacredness of Crimea”, etc. Using historical examples dating back more than two millennia, the author demonstrates that Ukraine and Russia have developed along very different civilizational vectors – cultural, linguistic, legal and institutional. In addition, with reference to Ukraine, the author provides answers to important questions of our time: What is the edifice of modern European civilization? What are its foundations? And, most importantly, have the components of this civilization been present on the territory of modern Ukraine since ancient times? Smeshko also describes what modern Ukraine is and gives a convincing answer to the question of whether Ukrainians are Europeans or “Eurasians” in terms of their origin, culture and aspirations for further development. A separate section of the book is devoted to the vision of the modern national idea of Ukraine and the author's formulation of three basic laws for building democracy in any country in the world. This may become the basis for the development of a powerful, self-sufficient, economically developed and militarily strong Ukraine in the 21st century.
ASIN: 9669866073
VSKU: BVV.9669866073.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Smeshko, Ihor
Binding: Paperback