Ukraine and the Challenges of Nationhood, Individuality and Survival

The open invasion of Ukraine by the Russian armed forces set off the largest armed conflict and multi-dimensional crisis on the European continent since the implosion of Yugoslavia and the wars in the former Yugoslav space in the 1990s. The current situation in Ukraine and its outcomes will not only shape the very nature of the country and its society but also that of Europe in general. The invasion of 24 February 2022, however, was preceded all the way back to the early 2000s by various events, critical shifts and turning points which were formative for both the country and its society.


The focus is on Ukraine’s society and societal dynamics rather than on the grand geopolitics. Different experts on - and many also from - Ukraine will offer an in-depth analysis of the following four topics, each of which will be addressed in a separate thematic day:

- identity, culture and ‘culture wars’;
- economic-ecological dynamics;
- the ‘humanitarian frontline’;
- formal and informal governance.

Course leader

Prof. Bruno de Cordier (Conflict and Development Studies, Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Ghent University)
Prof. Ben Dhooge (East and European Studies, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University)

Target group

The Summer School is aimed at second- and third-year Bachelor's students, Master's students, and starting PhD students from all over the world.

Course aim

The purpose of this multidisciplinary international Summer School is not only to provide a deeper understanding beyond the clichés of the conflict and the societies and environments involved, it is also to teach participants how to approach these clichés if they are to work with Ukraine in later professional environments or other capacities.

Credits info

3 EC
If you meet all attendance and other requirements, you will be sent a certificate (PDF) after completion of the course.

It is your responsibility to verify the validity of the Summer School for credits at your home University, ideally before applying.

Fee info

EUR 100: The tuition fee of €100 covers

- all course material;
- coffee / tea / water during all breaks;
- lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday;
- farewell drinks.

Ghent University students get a discount of 50%.

Scholarships

Ghent University is offering several scholarships, which - depending on your circumstances - can cover

- the tuition fee of €100
- travel costs to and from Ghent
- housing for the duration of the Summer School