THE ORGANIZATION OF UKRAINIAN NATIONALISTS AND THE UKRAINIAN INSURGENT ARMY IN THE CONTEXT OF LIBERATION MOVEMENTS: AN ATTEMPT OF COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article examines the activities of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) through the prism of anti-colonialism theory with the application of the historical-comparative method. Despite the obvious influences of fascism and national-socialism on the OUN ideology and program in the 1930s – early 1940s, the Ukrainian nationalist movement typologically is closer to the category of anti-colonial and national liberation rather than fascist movement. The OUN ideology and program had not been static and dynamically evolved from admiring authoritarian and totalitarian models to the democratic turn in 1943. While on all stages of its activities, the organization pursued one strategic goal and tasks – to fight for Ukraine's independence, to overcome the legacy of foreign rule and colonialism, and to establish a nation-state. The OUN and UPA phenomenon was inherent against the backdrop of similar national liberation and anti-colonial movements in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The article comprises a comparative analysis of ideologies, programs, and the political toolbox of various liberation movements that operates from the common comparative base – the stateless status of the respective nations and their desire to exercise their right to self-determination and to liberate from national subjugation. Most of the liberation movements were radical and practiced violence against their political opponents, and almost all developed a rigid internal discipline and hierarchy. At the same time, such typology does not eliminate all controversial issues surrounding Ukrainian nationalists' history, including the involvement of OUN/UPA members in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Keywords: the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), liberation movements, colonialism, comparative studies