Post-Soviet Ukraine: In search of a constituency for reform

Journal of Communist Studies and Transition Politics

Volumn 13, Issue 3, 1997, Pages 103-126

  Kubicek, Paul ^a  

^a KOÇ UNIVERSITY   (Turkey)

Author keywords

[No Author keywords available]

Indexed keywords

POLITICAL REFORM; POST-COMMUNISM; PUBLIC ATTITUDES; REFORM PROCESS;

UKRAINE;

EID: 0031423445     PISSN: 13523279     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1080/13523279708415354     Document Type: Article

References (51)

1. For more on the problems of simultaneous transitions, see Adam Przeworski, Democracy and the Market: Political and Economic Reforms in Eastern Europe and Latin America (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991); Laszlo Bruszt, 'Transformative Politics: Social Costs and Social Peace in East Central Europe', East European Politics and Societies, Vol.6, No.1 (1992), pp.55-72; Philippe Schmitter with Terry Lynn Karl, 'The Conceptual Travels of Transitologists and Consolidologists: How Far Should They Attempt To Go?', Slavic Review, Vol.53, No.2 (1994) pp.173-85; Leslie Armijo et al., 'The Problems of Simultaneous Transition', Journal of Democracy, Oct. 1994, pp.161-75.
2. For more on the problems of simultaneous transitions, see Adam Przeworski, Democracy and the Market: Political and Economic Reforms in Eastern Europe and Latin America (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991); Laszlo Bruszt, 'Transformative Politics: Social Costs and Social Peace in East Central Europe', East European Politics and Societies, Vol.6, No.1 (1992), pp.55-72; Philippe Schmitter with Terry Lynn Karl, 'The Conceptual Travels of Transitologists and Consolidologists: How Far Should They Attempt To Go?', Slavic Review, Vol.53, No.2 (1994) pp.173-85; Leslie Armijo et al., 'The Problems of Simultaneous Transition', Journal of Democracy, Oct. 1994, pp.161-75.
3. For more on the problems of simultaneous transitions, see Adam Przeworski, Democracy and the Market: Political and Economic Reforms in Eastern Europe and Latin America (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991); Laszlo Bruszt, 'Transformative Politics: Social Costs and Social Peace in East Central Europe', East European Politics and Societies, Vol.6, No.1 (1992), pp.55-72; Philippe Schmitter with Terry Lynn Karl, 'The Conceptual Travels of Transitologists and Consolidologists: How Far Should They Attempt To Go?', Slavic Review, Vol.53, No.2 (1994) pp.173-85; Leslie Armijo et al., 'The Problems of Simultaneous Transition', Journal of Democracy, Oct. 1994, pp.161-75.
4. For more on the problems of simultaneous transitions, see Adam Przeworski, Democracy and the Market: Political and Economic Reforms in Eastern Europe and Latin America (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1991); Laszlo Bruszt, 'Transformative Politics: Social Costs and Social Peace in East Central Europe', East European Politics and Societies, Vol.6, No.1 (1992), pp.55-72; Philippe Schmitter with Terry Lynn Karl, 'The Conceptual Travels of Transitologists and Consolidologists: How Far Should They Attempt To Go?', Slavic Review, Vol.53, No.2 (1994) pp.173-85; Leslie Armijo et al., 'The Problems of Simultaneous Transition', Journal of Democracy, Oct. 1994, pp.161-75.
5. For more on regional politics in Ukraine, see Sven Holdar, 'Torn Between East and West: The Regional Factor in Ukrainian Politics', Post-Soviet Geography, Vol.36 (1995), pp.112-32.
6. In a survey of 1,600 Ukrainians conducted in autumn 1995 by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology, only 22 per cent of the respondents gave a positive assessment of Kuchma's economic policies; over 40 per cent offered a negative assessment. The survey was performed on a randomly-selected sample of Ukrainians from all regions of the country and was designed to be representative of the entire population. Unless otherwise mentioned, all data reported in this article come from this survey.
7. Mark Rhodes. 'Decisiveness and Doubt Over Economic Reform', Transitions, Vol.1, No.6 (28 April 1995), pp.39-41.
8. This survey, of 1,203 randomly drawn Ukrainians, was commissioned by William Zimmerman of the University of Michigan and conducted by Socialinform of L 'viv. I thank Professor Zimmerman for giving me access to these data.
9. Unfortunately, there are no reliable data about increasing social inequality in Ukraine, in part, no doubt, because it is such a politically sensitive issue. However, the proliferation of new Mercedes and BMWs on Ukrainian streets, juxtaposed by the Third World conditions in which many Ukrainians now live, makes it clear that social inequality is becoming more manifest.
10. 'Hromads'ka dumka: zmina aktsentiv', Uryadovyi kur'ier, 7 Sept. 1993, p.5.
11. Yevhen Golovakha and Natalya Panina, 'Public Opinion in the Regions of Ukraine: The Results of a National Poll', Polinchny portret Ukrainy, 1995, No.5, p.13.
12. Post-communist studies are awash with studies of civil society and claims that it will provide the basis for democratic stability. For examples that reflect the early optimism in civil society, see Guiseppe Di Palma, 'Legitimation from the Top to Civil Society: Politico-Cultural Change in Eastern Europe', World Politics, Vol.44, No.1 (1991), pp.49-80; Zbigniew Rau (ed.), The Reemergence of Civil Society in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1991); and Grzegorz Ekiert. 'Democratization Processes in East Central Europe: A Theoretical Reconsideration', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.21, No.3 (1991), pp.285-313; Michael Bernhard. 'Civil Society and Democratic Transition in East Central Europe', Political Science Quarterly, No.108 (1993) pp.307-26. Much of this literature, however, is open to criticism on the grounds that active civil societies did not emerge in post-communist countries, and instead politics of étatism have been followed from above: see David Ost, 'The Politics of Interest in Post-Communist Europe', Theory and Society, Vol.22, No.4 (1993), pp.453-85; and Mykola Ryabchuk, 'Between Civil Society and the New Etatism: Democracy in the Making and State Building in Ukraine', in Michael D. Kennedy (ed.), Envisioning Eastern Europe: Postcommunist Cultural Studies (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1994).
13. Post-communist studies are awash with studies of civil society and claims that it will provide the basis for democratic stability. For examples that reflect the early optimism in civil society, see Guiseppe Di Palma, 'Legitimation from the Top to Civil Society: Politico-Cultural Change in Eastern Europe', World Politics, Vol.44, No.1 (1991), pp.49-80; Zbigniew Rau (ed.), The Reemergence of Civil Society in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1991); and Grzegorz Ekiert. 'Democratization Processes in East Central Europe: A Theoretical Reconsideration', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.21, No.3 (1991), pp.285-313; Michael Bernhard. 'Civil Society and Democratic Transition in East Central Europe', Political Science Quarterly, No.108 (1993) pp.307-26. Much of this literature, however, is open to criticism on the grounds that active civil societies did not emerge in post-communist countries, and instead politics of étatism have been followed from above: see David Ost, 'The Politics of Interest in Post-Communist Europe', Theory and Society, Vol.22, No.4 (1993), pp.453-85; and Mykola Ryabchuk, 'Between Civil Society and the New Etatism: Democracy in the Making and State Building in Ukraine', in Michael D. Kennedy (ed.), Envisioning Eastern Europe: Postcommunist Cultural Studies (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1994).
14. Post-communist studies are awash with studies of civil society and claims that it will provide the basis for democratic stability. For examples that reflect the early optimism in civil society, see Guiseppe Di Palma, 'Legitimation from the Top to Civil Society: Politico-Cultural Change in Eastern Europe', World Politics, Vol.44, No.1 (1991), pp.49-80; Zbigniew Rau (ed.), The Reemergence of Civil Society in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1991); and Grzegorz Ekiert. 'Democratization Processes in East Central Europe: A Theoretical Reconsideration', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.21, No.3 (1991), pp.285-313; Michael Bernhard. 'Civil Society and Democratic Transition in East Central Europe', Political Science Quarterly, No.108 (1993) pp.307-26. Much of this literature, however, is open to criticism on the grounds that active civil societies did not emerge in post-communist countries, and instead politics of étatism have been followed from above: see David Ost, 'The Politics of Interest in Post-Communist Europe', Theory and Society, Vol.22, No.4 (1993), pp.453-85; and Mykola Ryabchuk, 'Between Civil Society and the New Etatism: Democracy in the Making and State Building in Ukraine', in Michael D. Kennedy (ed.), Envisioning Eastern Europe: Postcommunist Cultural Studies (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1994).
15. Post-communist studies are awash with studies of civil society and claims that it will provide the basis for democratic stability. For examples that reflect the early optimism in civil society, see Guiseppe Di Palma, 'Legitimation from the Top to Civil Society: Politico-Cultural Change in Eastern Europe', World Politics, Vol.44, No.1 (1991), pp.49-80; Zbigniew Rau (ed.), The Reemergence of Civil Society in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1991); and Grzegorz Ekiert. 'Democratization Processes in East Central Europe: A Theoretical Reconsideration', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.21, No.3 (1991), pp.285-313; Michael Bernhard. 'Civil Society and Democratic Transition in East Central Europe', Political Science Quarterly, No.108 (1993) pp.307-26. Much of this literature, however, is open to criticism on the grounds that active civil societies did not emerge in post-communist countries, and instead politics of étatism have been followed from above: see David Ost, 'The Politics of Interest in Post-Communist Europe', Theory and Society, Vol.22, No.4 (1993), pp.453-85; and Mykola Ryabchuk, 'Between Civil Society and the New Etatism: Democracy in the Making and State Building in Ukraine', in Michael D. Kennedy (ed.), Envisioning Eastern Europe: Postcommunist Cultural Studies (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1994).
16. Post-communist studies are awash with studies of civil society and claims that it will provide the basis for democratic stability. For examples that reflect the early optimism in civil society, see Guiseppe Di Palma, 'Legitimation from the Top to Civil Society: Politico-Cultural Change in Eastern Europe', World Politics, Vol.44, No.1 (1991), pp.49-80; Zbigniew Rau (ed.), The Reemergence of Civil Society in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1991); and Grzegorz Ekiert. 'Democratization Processes in East Central Europe: A Theoretical Reconsideration', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.21, No.3 (1991), pp.285-313; Michael Bernhard. 'Civil Society and Democratic Transition in East Central Europe', Political Science Quarterly, No.108 (1993) pp.307-26. Much of this literature, however, is open to criticism on the grounds that active civil societies did not emerge in post-communist countries, and instead politics of étatism have been followed from above: see David Ost, 'The Politics of Interest in Post-Communist Europe', Theory and Society, Vol.22, No.4 (1993), pp.453-85; and Mykola Ryabchuk, 'Between Civil Society and the New Etatism: Democracy in the Making and State Building in Ukraine', in Michael D. Kennedy (ed.), Envisioning Eastern Europe: Postcommunist Cultural Studies (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1994).
17. Post-communist studies are awash with studies of civil society and claims that it will provide the basis for democratic stability. For examples that reflect the early optimism in civil society, see Guiseppe Di Palma, 'Legitimation from the Top to Civil Society: Politico-Cultural Change in Eastern Europe', World Politics, Vol.44, No.1 (1991), pp.49-80; Zbigniew Rau (ed.), The Reemergence of Civil Society in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1991); and Grzegorz Ekiert. 'Democratization Processes in East Central Europe: A Theoretical Reconsideration', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.21, No.3 (1991), pp.285-313; Michael Bernhard. 'Civil Society and Democratic Transition in East Central Europe', Political Science Quarterly, No.108 (1993) pp.307-26. Much of this literature, however, is open to criticism on the grounds that active civil societies did not emerge in post-communist countries, and instead politics of étatism have been followed from above: see David Ost, 'The Politics of Interest in Post-Communist Europe', Theory and Society, Vol.22, No.4 (1993), pp.453-85; and Mykola Ryabchuk, 'Between Civil Society and the New Etatism: Democracy in the Making and State Building in Ukraine', in Michael D. Kennedy (ed.), Envisioning Eastern Europe: Postcommunist Cultural Studies (Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1994).
18. For a claim that former Soviet citizens do participate in politics in a manner similar to people in the West, see William Reisinger, Arthur H. Miller and Vicki Hesli, 'Public Behavior and Political Change in Post-Soviet States', Journal of Politics, Vol.57, No.4 (1995), pp.941-70. The data they use are from 1990-92 surveys and ask no questions about political efficacy, a concept central to any discussion of political participation.
19. Golovakha and Panina, op.cit., p.11.
20. For an analysis of attitudes of Ukrainians and other post-Soviet citizens on basic questions of political reform, see William Reisinger, Arthur H. Miller, Vicki Hesli and Kristen Maher, 'Political Values in Russia, Ukraine, and Lithuania: Sources and Implications for Democracy', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.24, No.2 (1994), pp.183-223, and James Gibson, 'A Mile Wide but an Inch Deep(?): The Structure of Democratic Commitments in the Former USSR', American Journal of Political Science, Vol.40, No.2 (1996), pp.396-420.
21. For an analysis of attitudes of Ukrainians and other post-Soviet citizens on basic questions of political reform, see William Reisinger, Arthur H. Miller, Vicki Hesli and Kristen Maher, 'Political Values in Russia, Ukraine, and Lithuania: Sources and Implications for Democracy', British Journal of Political Science, Vol.24, No.2 (1994), pp.183-223, and James Gibson, 'A Mile Wide but an Inch Deep(?): The Structure of Democratic Commitments in the Former USSR', American Journal of Political Science, Vol.40, No.2 (1996), pp.396-420.
22. For an earlier study that examined gender differences and also found that men tend to be more pro-reform, see Oi-Kuan Fiona Yap and Kent Tedin, 'The Gender Factor in Soviet Mass Politics: Survey Evidence from Greater Moscow', Political Research Quarterly, Vol.46, No.4 (1993), pp.179-211.
23. The latter finding may be due to the fact that leaders of collective farms have managed to place a variety of obstacles in the way of those wishing to buy or lease land. In addition, there is a lack of financing to buy basic equipment. For would-be Ukrainian farmers, privatization simply may not be worth the effort.
24. Raymond Duch, 'Tolerating Economic Reform: Popular Support for Transition to a Free Market in the Republics of the Former Soviet Union', American Political Science Review, Vol.87, No.3 (1993), pp.590-608.
25. These figures include only data for those who expressed an opinion on way or the other. The regions are defined by oblasts in the following manner; West: Zakarpatska, L 'vivska, Ternopilska, Ivano-Frankivska, Chirnivetska, Volynska, Rivenska, Khmelnytska. Central: Kiev (city), Kievska, Zhytomyrska, Chernigivska, Vinnytska, Kirovogradska, Poltavska, Cherkaska, Sumska. East: Donetska, Luhanksa, Kharkivska. South: Crimea, Odeska, Khersonska, Mykolayivska, Dnipropetrovska, Zaporizhska.
26. Vasyl' Tkachenko. 'Na ruli vlady', Demokratychna Ukraïna, 10 June 1995, p.1.
27. Paul Kubicek, 'Delegative Democracy in Russia and Ukraine', Communist and Post-Communist Studies, Vol.27, No.4 (1994), pp.443-61.
28. Yaroslav Kendzior in 'VTsSPS zhiv, VTsSPS zhivyot, VTsSPS bedyet zhit'?', Most (Kiev), 11 July 1994, p.13.
29. Valentin Pozhydayev, first deputy to the FPU president, in 'Chomu aktiv pasyvny?', Profspilkova hazeta, 25 May 1994, p.3.
30. 'Svobodnye profsoyuzy i ekonomicheskie reformy: s kem schitaetsya vlast", Most, 12-18 June 1995, p.6.
31. Author's interview with Tamara Svirus, Kiev, July 1994. In the summer of 1994 I conducted over 70 in-depth interviews with government officials and leaders of interest associations. Unless otherwise noted, references to statements by particular individuals come from these interviews.
32. 'Prezidentskie portrety: "svoy chelovek" Leonid Kuchma'., Finansovaya Ukraina, 22 June 1994, p.2.
33. 'Volodymyr Lanovy ne zaperechue mozhlyvosti ocholyty uryad', Post-Postup (L 'viv), 30 Dec. 1993-5 Jan. 1994, p.A3.
34. See interview with Pavlo Haiduys'ky, minister of agriculture, in 'Ne shukaemo osoblyvoho shlyakhu', Polityka i chas, July 1995, pp.25-9, and 'Kolhosp-livoruch, radhosp-pravoruch. A zahalom - torzhestvo vil'noho zemlerobstva', UNIAN-Biznes, 10 May 1994, p.6.
35. See interview with Pavlo Haiduys'ky, minister of agriculture, in 'Ne shukaemo osoblyvoho shlyakhu', Polityka i chas, July 1995, pp.25-9, and 'Kolhosp-livoruch, radhosp-pravoruch. A zahalom - torzhestvo vil'noho zemlerobstva', UNIAN-Biznes, 10 May 1994, p.6.
36. 'U nas fermerstvo ne vyzhyve', Holos Ukrainy, 5 August 1993, p.3.
37. Stephen Crowley, 'Between Class and Nation: Worker Politics in the New Ukraine', Communist and Post-Communist Studies, Vol.28, No.1 (1995), pp.43-69.
38. There is no official documentation to determine how often this may occur. However, this was mentioned in all my discussions with the heads of 13 independent labour unions.
39. ' "Komanda" prezidenta i VPU: Perspektivy dialoga', Most, 24-30 April 1995, p.6.
40. 'Ugol'naya promyshlenost': samoedstvo prodolzhaetsya', Most, 15-21 May 1995, p.10.
41. Crowley, 'Between Class and Nation'; David Ost, 'Labor, Class, and Democracy: Shaping Political Antagonisms in Post-Communist Society', in Beverly Crawford (ed.), Markets, States, and Democracy: The Political Economy of Post-Communist Transformation (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1995); Galina Rakitskaia. 'What the Workers are Demanding in Terms of Social and Economic Policy', Russian Labour Review, 1994, No.3, pp.15-18.
42. Crowley, 'Between Class and Nation'; David Ost, 'Labor, Class, and Democracy: Shaping Political Antagonisms in Post-Communist Society', in Beverly Crawford (ed.), Markets, States, and Democracy: The Political Economy of Post-Communist Transformation (Boulder, CO: Westview, 1995); Galina Rakitskaia. 'What the Workers are Demanding in Terms of Social and Economic Policy', Russian Labour Review, 1994, No.3, pp.15-18.
43. Many organized and 'wildcat' strikes at coal mines in Ukraine are instigated by, or at least have the approval of, management, as it too is fighting for funds from the state.
44. 'I Kongres VPU - pochatok chy kinets?', Profspilovi vidomosti, No.3 (Aug.-Sept. 1995), pp.19-25.
45. 'Perezhivaem vtoruyu kollektivizatsiyu', Liberal'naya gazeta, 27 Jan. 1994, p.5.
46. See Peter Rutland, 'Thatcherism, Czech-Style: Transtion to Capitalism in the Czech Republic', Telos, No.94 (Winter 1992/1993), pp.103-29.
47. This split had become apparent by 1994: see 'Kuchmy boitysya - v rynok ne khodyty', UNIAN-Biznes, 12-18 April 1994, pp.1-2 . Another report can be found in Chrystyna Lapychak, 'Back on Track', Transition, Vol.1, No.3 (15 March 1995), pp.44-5. Lapychak notes that those in the military-industrial complex and mining have tended to be the strongest advocates of reform because of their potential for greater profit. Notably, there is no sign that this split is regionally based, although most of the heavy industry is concentrated in eastern regions.
48. This split had become apparent by 1994: see 'Kuchmy boitysya - v rynok ne khodyty', UNIAN-Biznes, 12-18 April 1994, pp.1-2 . Another report can be found in Chrystyna Lapychak, 'Back on Track', Transition, Vol.1, No.3 (15 March 1995), pp.44-5. Lapychak notes that those in the military-industrial complex and mining have tended to be the strongest advocates of reform because of their potential for greater profit. Notably, there is no sign that this split is regionally based, although most of the heavy industry is concentrated in eastern regions.
49. Przeworski argues that the technocratic approach to reforms adopted in Poland eroded public confidence in democratic institutions: see Adam Przeworski, 'Economic Reforms, Public Opinion, and Political Institutions: Poland in the East European Perspective', in Luiz Carlos Bresser Pereira, Jose Maria Maravall and Adam Przeworski (eds.), Economic Reform in New Democracies: A Social-Democratic Approach (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993). Duch argues that the public will not lose confidence in democracy, but only in the incumbents associated with failed policies: see Raymond Duch, 'Economic Chaos and the Fragility of Democratic Transition in Former Communist Regimes', Journal of Politics, Vol.57, No.1 (1995), pp.121-58.
50. Przeworski argues that the technocratic approach to reforms adopted in Poland eroded public confidence in democratic institutions: see Adam Przeworski, 'Economic Reforms, Public Opinion, and Political Institutions: Poland in the East European Perspective', in Luiz Carlos Bresser Pereira, Jose Maria Maravall and Adam Przeworski (eds.), Economic Reform in New Democracies: A Social-Democratic Approach (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993). Duch argues that the public will not lose confidence in democracy, but only in the incumbents associated with failed policies: see Raymond Duch, 'Economic Chaos and the Fragility of Democratic Transition in Former Communist Regimes', Journal of Politics, Vol.57, No.1 (1995), pp.121-58.
51. Thomas Graham, 'Novyi russkyi rezhim', Nezavisimaya gazeta, 23 Nov. 1995, p.1.