The Ideology of the Euromaidan

Authors

  • Dr. Serhiy Kvit National University of Kyiv-Mohyla University

Keywords:

ideology, Euromaidan, Orange Revolution, Ukraine, symbols

Abstract

The revolutionary events known as the Euromaidan fundamentally restructured Ukrainian political life and advanced the culture of politics. As with the Orange Revolution, the roots of the Euromaidan can be found in its idealism: the Ukrainian people’s desire to create a state wherein the ideals associated with freedom, in their broadest sense, are respected. The dedication to ideals was more than political rhetoric; it was almost religious. This level of dedication helps explain the powerful motivation of those who took to the streets in mass protest. This paper examines the important differences between the Maidan of 2013-2014 (the Euromaidan) and the Maidan of 2004 (the Orange Revolution). A description and explanation of the stages of revolution in relation to the Euromaidan are provided, followed by a discussion of ideological consensus between political parties. The historical basis of the Maidan symbols are also examined, with further deliberation on how these symbols were used.

Author Biography

  • Dr. Serhiy Kvit, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla University

    Dr. Serhiy Kvit is the Minister of Education and Science in Ukraine. Dr. Kvit is a prominent commentator on educational issues, has been rector of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy since 2007. From 2002-07 he was Dean of the Social Studies Faculty. He founded the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Journalism in 2001 and became president of the Media Reform Centre set up to initiate open debate and promote more transparent media and government. He served as chair of the Consortium on University Autonomy from 2005-10. Dr. Kvit has published several books and numerous articles. He has a PhD from the Ukrainian Free University in Munich and also holds a doctorate in philology. He was the recipient of a Fulbright scholarship to Ohio University in the US, a Kennan Institute scholarship at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington DC and a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship at the University of Cologne.

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Published

2014-11-29

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2014): Contemporary Ukraine: A case of Euromaidan

Section

Features

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How to Cite

The Ideology of the Euromaidan. (2014). Social, Health, and Communication Studies Journal, 1(1), 27-40. https://journals.macewan.ca/shcsjournal/article/view/245