Ukrainism
A political ideology that serves as the polar opposite of Ruscism (Russian ultranationalism and imperialist ideology), but which mirrors its structure: an uncompromising, often chauvinistic form of Ukrainian nationalism that elevates Ukraine’s identity, language, and historical narrative above all others, while demonizing anything Russian or Soviet. Like Ruscism, Ukrainism tends to absolutize the nation’s victimhood and righteousness, reject compromise with perceived enemies, and demand cultural and political purification. It may glorify controversial historical figures, suppress minority languages, and frame any criticism as foreign subversion. Though a defensive reaction to Russian aggression, Ukrainism risks reproducing the same exclusionary logic it opposes.
Example: “He supported the war effort but criticized the new law banning Russian-language books. He was accused of ‘Ukrainism’—not because he denied Ukraine’s right to defend itself, but because he saw the same monocultural nationalism he’d fought against.”
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