The European identity of Ukrainians: origins and transformations in a historical perspective

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyse the historical evolution and transformation of Ukrainian European identity, adopting a longue durée perspective and the mechanisms through which ideas of Europeanness were constructed, transmitted, and reinterpreted across different historical periods. Research methodology. The study is based on an interdisciplinary methodological framework that combines historical analysis with the theory of social constructivism and the concept of imagined communities. It demonstrates that an interdisciplinary approach enables the reconstruction of the historical origins and transformations of identity and the assessment of its impact on contemporary cultural and political orientations, as well as social relations in Ukraine . The application of social constructivist theories and the concept of imagined communities explains how Ukrainians perceived themselves as part of the European cultural space in various historical configurations. Scientific novelty. The novelty of the study is the understanding of European identity as a historically shaped and evolving phenomenon based on earlier political, cultural, and civilizational interactions with Europe, rather than as a result of contemporary European integration. Accordingly, the research provides a comprehensive perspective on identity analysis by uniting regional, social, intellectual factors within a European historical context. Conclusions. The study demonstrates that Ukrainian European identity emerged under both internal and external influences and was formed through historical events that involved inclusion and exclusion in European political and cultural domains. Therefore, the process of identity formation involves three dimensions, which include political, cultural, and value-based elements that people use to define themselves . At the same time, it is examined how historical and contemporary factors at both the local and international levels , affect the development of identity. In this context, the study shows that the formation and transformation of European identity across successive historical periods – particularly in light of the current security and political context – play a significant role in shaping Ukrainians’ contemporary foreign policy orientations.