A Psycho-Historical Analysis of Nations: The Example of Ukraine and Russia

By using Russia and Ukraine as illustrative examples, this research examines the impact of past encounters with invasions and territorial fragmentation on the development of democratic political culture. Drawing on individual-level psychological theories, it reveals that prolonged occupations tend to cultivate pro-democratic values, including resistance and autonomy. Furthermore, historical territorial fragmentation promotes diverse opinions, encouraging social dialogues and motivating citizens to seek a more significant role and increased involvement in politics. In contrast, regions acting as occupiers without territorial division often exhibit authoritarian governance, fostering submission to authorities and a skewed perception of power.