The Emergence of a Submerged Nation in the Soviet Union

Abstract

Most Western analysts of Soviet affairs have failed to note the changed position of the Ukrainian SSR within the communist camp. During Stalin's long reign the Ukraine became so submerged in the Russian superstate that even many Western statesmen and scholars still regard the country as an integral part of Russia. The partial decentralization of the economy and administration of the Soivet Union in 1957 has given the Ukraine a new role. In contrast to the late 'thirties when the republic had jurisdiction over only 14 secondary ministries, the Ukraine now has jurisdiction in 29 departments, including defence, foreign affairs and agriculture. After thirty years of virtual isolation, its people are making political, cultural and economic contacts with the outside world. In this respect, the foreign contacts the Ukrainian SSR has established during the last three years of peaceful coexistence both with the People's Republics and the capitalist countries have a certain meaning that sheds some light on the internal development of the whole Soviet Union.