The Effect of Russian Colonialism on Ukrainian cultural identity

Abstract

Since 2014, Russian aggression in Ukraine has exponentially increased, culminating in a war between the two nations. As Russian influences and colonial practices continue to dominate Ukraine, Ukrainian identity has come into question. As a nation, Ukraine, now more than ever, has been fighting to show its own cultural identity separate from Russia. However, one cannot downplay the impact Russian colonialist practices have had on Ukrainian identity and how influences it. We can better understand how this has affected Ukrainian identity by examining Russian-rooted corruption, food perception, and propaganda directed at Ukraine. This research aims to answer how Russian colonialist practices such as corruption, food control/perception, and propaganda have shaped Ukrainian cultural identity.       

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Gulayets