Born in the Bloodlands
Ukraine and the Future of the European Project
By Michael Kimmage
This past week has been a mixed bag for Kyiv. On a trip to Washington, D.C., Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hit a wall of resistance from Republican policymakers determined to tie an aid package for Kyiv to U.S. border security funds. Zelensky has also been unable to secure an aid package from the European Union over objections from Hungary. But there has also been cause for hope in Ukraine this week; after years of entreaties, the EU has agreed to start negotiations to allow Kyiv to join the bloc.
The Ukraine that emerges from this war with Russia will inevitably shape Europe’s future, writes Michael Kimmage. The EU has worked hard to tame European nationalism—but the pull of national belonging runs deep. As Kyiv makes its way into Europe, both Ukraine and countries across the continent will need to resist the pull of ethnonationalism and instead channel nationalist impulses into a civic patriotism, Kimmage writes. “It will take diplomatic finesse to reconcile Ukraine’s national strength with the postnational spirit of the EU.”
Helper
11 个月An important element in restraining ethnonationalism will be self-restraint in the Brussels executive. It’s overbearing approach contributed to Brexit populism and similar trends in other EU member states. The EU Parliament also needs reform to make it a more representative force to steer between legitimate national aspirations and the use of EU mechanisms. There also needs to be a member state expulsion mechanism for member states which recklessly endanger other member states.?
Founder and CEO at Oklahoma Foundation For Energy Research and Solar Utility Innovation
11 个月Consider what it will be like to land into a Kyiv International Airport again, complete with all the remnants of culture and tradition showing openly, a flurry of post CCCP images of a nation of multiple ethnic influences, and the beauty of the present, shining out for the world to see! Ukraine has energy of spirit the world and European community needs! As much as Russia tries to hide the character of a many-featured nation, Ukraine has deep wells of history, worthy of knowing! We hope it isn't so scarred and deformed that there are still features still standing. Europe and the USA will be wise to defend that art and history intact. Quietly assist them to complete their task of fully growing up and pushing out colonialism and imperialism! Ironic that Russia is now the dark imperialistic force that must be defeated and pushed away. Our world is healthier will an intact Ukraine and a retreating Russia. Get it accomplished! Slava Ukraini.
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11 个月The International treaty and manifesto for ALL REGISTERED PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANIES WORLDWIDE, has decreed that no PMC may be used as fighting force anymore, only as peace observers whose main issue and responsibility are the protection of the public of a country in conflict.?Failure to do so, or participate in defence of a country CORPORATE leadership or other entities, for payment will be registered as a war crime and crimes against humanity, and will be treated as such.
Project Specialist at MDC Global development
11 个月Traditional approach wars management are no longer affordable in digitalization governance policies that is why China and Russia are using both tools with advanced technologies and only a strong digitalization defense Ukraine ???? systems in a Vietnam style environment will help secure victory