ETHNOPOLITICAL MANAGEMENT IN UKRAINE: NATIONAL AND REGIONAL (TRANSCARPATHIAN) DIMENSIONS

Abstract

The article explores the challenges of ethnopolitical management in Ukraine at both the national and regional levels, with particular attention to the Transcarpathian region as a case study. The author reviews recent scholarly research and publications addressing this issue. It is argued that ethnopolitical management in Ukraine has undergone four distinct stages of development: Stage I (1991–2004): during this period, the state’s ethnopolitical model closely aligned with the principles of multiculturalism; Stage II (2005–2013): this stage was characterized by the politicization of language and minority rights-particularly concerning the Russian-speaking population-leading to the emergence of a pronounced «East–West» divide in Ukraine’s ethnopolitical discourse; Stage III (2014–2021): in response to new political and security challenges, Ukraine adopted an integrationist model of ethnopolitics, aiming to strengthen national unity; Stage IV (from February 2022): amid the full-scale Russian invasion, efforts have intensified to counter disinformation and the destructive narrative of the «Russian World», contributing to the formation of a renewed Ukrainian political identity.The author emphasizes that, at the strategic level of ethnopolitical management in Ukraine, several key government institutions are involved. These include the Committee on Human Rights, De-occupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, National Minorities, and Interethnic Relations; the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights; the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language; and the Department for Supporting the Activities of the President’s Commissioner for the Affairs of the Crimean Tatar People, among others. At the tactical level, the management of ethnocultural diversity and the regulation of ethnopolitical processes are carried out by the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS). Advisory bodies operating at the national level include the Expert Council on Ethnic Policy and the Council of Public Associations of National Minorities (Communities) of Ukraine.It was found that, at the regional level – in particular in Transcarpathia – the structure of ethnopolitical management includes the following institutions: the Standing Commission on Education, Science, Spirituality, and National Minorities under the Transcarpathian Regional Council; the Department of Nationalities and Religions within the Department of Strategic Communications, Nationalities, and Religions of the Transcarpathian Regional State (Military) Administration; and the Center for Cultures of National Minorities of Transcarpathia, located in the city of Uzhhorod.Taking into account the positive experience of neighboring countries and the pressing need to address specific ethnopolitical challenges in Ukraine, the author recommends that, in the post-war period, the Ukrainian government establish the institution of a Government Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities. Additionally, it is proposed to create a dedicated structural unit within the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS), whose primary function would be to coordinate ethnocultural engagement with the Ukrainian diaspora.