The Dynamics of National Identity and Pride Formation in Ukraine

This article examines the process of national identity and pride building among the Ukrainian population. Drawn upon the recent developments in Ukraine, I analyze the relationship between the country’s economic, political, and cultural characteristics and the content of national identification. Special attention is given to the issue of how the current military confrontation with Russia has affected the sense of national identity and pride among the Ukrainians. The analysis is conducted based on the World Values Survey (WVS) data from both the pre-war and the in-war periods. My results suggest that language spoken at home and one’s evaluation of democracy can explain the nature of national identification and pride in Ukraine. In addition, I demonstrate that the way in which the respondents frame the current military confrontation with Russia should affect their sense of national identity and shape their ethnic pride.