| Summary/Abstract |
This paper presents a comparative analysis of Belarus and Ukraine with a focus on the evolution of national self-identity in both countries. It is assumed that their detachment from Russia is an inherent part of this process due to Russia’s long-term and overwhelming influence on all aspects of life in the national communities of both countries, including high and popular culture. The author points out that the forms and consequences of this detachment are not predetermined and depend on the structural peculiarities of the areas of Russian influence and on political decisions. The prevailing type of nationalism in both countries also impacts this process. Ethnic nationalism, which is widespread in Central and Eastern Europe, is more explosive and painful than civic nationalism. This analysis is not formalized and is based on field observations. The author admits that having written two monographs (Ioffe, 2008; Ioffe, 2014) and numerous articles on Belarus, he is more knowledgeable about Belarus than Ukraine.
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