Effects of Actualized Language Policy on Ukrainian Stability, 1989-2022

Author

Dawn Hersey, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Language

English

Embargo Period

3-10-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Political Science

Program

Political Science

First Advisor

Brian Greenhill

Committee Members

Brian Greenhill, Cheng Chen, Bryan Early

Keywords

Ukraine, Language Policy, Stability, Irridentism, Russia, Actualized Policy

Subject Categories

Civil Law | Civil Rights and Discrimination | Comparative and Foreign Law | Defense and Security Studies | Eastern European Studies | Education Policy | European Law | Language and Literacy Education | Models and Methods | Other Linguistics | Other Political Science | Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Other Sociology | Peace and Conflict Studies | Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation | Social Influence and Political Communication | Social Policy | Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to generate a new perspective of the complicated relationship between actualized policy and stability through looking at Ukraine’s language policies and stability in a mixed manner approach that includes both primary and secondary sources. Russia justified its irridentist activities through claiming to protect Russian nationals within Ukraine’s borders: language policies within Ukraine appear to be a trigger for Russian antagonism. Neither Russian irridentism nor Ukrainian nationalism are being considered as right or wrong in this dissertation: the intent is to highlight trends, patterns, and perceptions in alignment with Ukrainian language policy. This dissertation does not present a definitive answer to questions of how policy affects stability; it aspires to open discussion for alternative means for both retroactively assessing policies while proposing approaches wherein a state can further improve implementing potentially contentious policies using basic change management techniques that are being broadly implemented in the rapidly changing modern corporate world.

Ukraine’s language policies are assessed in the framework of Ukrainian stability using a generic rubric. Information to provide the necessary framework is derived from mixed sourcing: databases with detailed numbers for casualties and incidents are considered next to interviews, news articles, and “watch dog” reports. The concept of stability is derived from Ake’s (1975) parameters and operationalized through quantifying scores of definitive factors that affect stability. Policy process is considered, but the actualized policy (assessed as a fused understanding of policy de facto and de jure) is being compared to stability with the hypothesis that moderate permissiveness in language policy provides the best opportunity for highest levels of stability within a multi-cultural state. This dissertation will present five of Ukraine’s language policies which were passed by parliament and signed into law. The first was implemented in 1989, prior to departing the USSR, and the final law considered was the 2019 law which triggered international concern and a perception of marginalizing minority language speakers.

The academic study of language policy has historically been under the purview of those studying linguistics or education; however, is of interest for those interested in politics and stability for multiple reasons. First, language is often our initial means of communicating with others: what we say and how we say it says a lot about us. Language is often tied with our identity, and theories of linguistic determinism assert that language shapes our perceptions. Second, language is a primary means of communicating, and policies about means for communication are of utmost importance. Effective communication is one of the most challenging skills for any leader to predictably possess. Third, while Russia did assert that they did not want Ukraine to join NATO, they also extensively used the argument that they needed to protect Russians in Ukraine. Russia had used a standard of language to identify national identity within the Soviet Union, and one area of continued consideration within the sector of Political Science is the evolving applicability and understand of the Nation State and how it should be interpreted, supported, and recognized.

Results of the dissertation indicate that there appears to be a correlation between actualized policy when it has been politicized and stability within the state. However, there is no authoritative confirmation of causation; further studies should be able to use this foundation to build a greater understanding of which variables may affect probable causation.

License

This work is licensed under the University at Albany Standard Author Agreement.

Recommended Citation

Hersey, Dawn, "Effects of Actualized Language Policy on Ukrainian Stability, 1989-2022" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 116.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/116