CRIMEAN CRISIS 2014: DOMESTIC IMPLICATIONS
CRIMEAN CRISIS 2014: DOMESTIC IMPLICATIONS

Summary/Abstract: This article analyzes the implications of the Crimean crisis of 2014 from the perspective of Ukraine’s domestic policies. It is argued that despite the military intervention of Russia, it was Ukrainian governance that created the preconditions for domestic crisis. The weak political institutions of Ukraine, the inability of political actors to follow formal procedures, the capture of the presidential post by a political actor with a strong propensity for non-institutional behavior, and the low commitment to democratic norms and procedures characterized the political system in Ukraine, and it was therefore unable to solve the political crisis that began in November 2013. The lack of powers of Crimea and the absence of a clear delineation between the powers of the central government and the Autonomous Republic aggravated the situation. Furthermore, inconsistent nationbuilding policies resulted in the absence of a civic nation in Ukraine, instead enhancing the formation of different loyalties within the state’s regions. Finally, the failure to conduct a consistent foreign policy, the neglect of the interests of the half of the country, and mismanagement of the country’s leadership during EuroMaidan made it possible for the Crimean government to use the crisis as grounds for its separation from Ukraine.

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