During two recent international trips, at least three evangelical ministers (one from the Czech Republic) tried to explain to me that Ukraine is an “artificial” country with a “fabricated” national identity, language, and church.
As a Ukrainian Christian, it was deeply painful to hear this — especially considering the death of my brother, who was killed by Russians while defending our allegedly (in their view) “artificial” people.
Let’s suppose Ukraine is “artificial” because historical processes and political developments shaped its current legal and internationally recognized borders. If that is the case, then we must acknowledge that virtually every nation on Earth is equally “artificial.”
Is the United States “artificial” because it emerged through revolution, territorial purchases, and the fusion of diverse populations into a collective identity that continues to evolve?
Is Canada “artificial” because it crystallized from British colonial territories through negotiation, rather than ancient inevitability?
Is Italy “artificial” because it breathed like separate lungs for centuries before unifying in the 19th century — with regions of distinct dialects, traditions, and cultural memories finding a shared purpose?
Let’s suppose Ukraine is “artificial” because historical processes and political developments shaped its current legal and internationally recognized borders. If that is the case, then we must acknowledge that virtually every nation on Earth is equally “artificial.”
Is the United States “artificial” because it emerged through revolution, territorial purchases, and the fusion of diverse populations into a collective identity that continues to evolve?
Is Canada “artificial” because it crystallized from British colonial territories through negotiation, rather than ancient inevitability?
Is Italy “artificial” because it breathed like separate lungs for centuries before unifying in the 19th century — with regions of distinct dialects, traditions, and cultural memories finding a shared purpose?
Continue reading @ About The Word.
Identifying the reality is crucial to a just resolution to any conflict. This article correctly rubbishes the claim that Ukraine is an 'artificial' country. It points out that nearly every country is artificial - constructed by man, often from disparate interests.
ReplyDeleteThe only caveat I give to this is the often-arising conflicts over national minority groups and their desire for national self-determination. That cause should be addressed, either by granting self-determination or removing the grievances that spurred the desire for independence. Applies to Ukraine - but also to Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Israel, India, Russia, etc.
What can never be justified is the conquest of a whole nation on the pretext of liberating a minority nation within it. Putin has seemed intent on the former, using the conflict in the Russian minority east of Ukraine to hide his intentions. He cannot be allowed to get away with that.
Ukraine may be wise to cede its minority Russian-speaking areas, where they are a majority. Maybe some population movement to give a lasting solution.
If secession is the chosen solution here, it will spur separatists elsewhere. So one peace may well lead to several more wars. But each situation must stand on its own.