Ukraine's Orange Revolution by Andrew Wilson (review)

Abstract

760 SEER, 86, 4, OCTOBER 2008 meaningful results in this narrative. Nevertheless, the chapter illustrates well the broad trends inRussia's multi-faceted transition by focusing on the process of state-building. Lovell then turnshis attention to the transitions of democratization and a freemarket. Like many before him, the author finds that a strong president, wayward regions, the Chechen conflict, and a lack of political parties which believed indemocracy as the 'only game in town' has left Russia with a failed democratic transition. Equally so, the failure of a freemarket was the result of half-witted privatization, poor bureaucratic input, a lack of professionalism and the lack of a stable political system. Troublingly, Lovell underplays the role of the international community (in particular the 'West') in helping Russia 'de-rail' from the destinations of democratization and marketization. Little discussion is given to the European Union and the USA's role in confirming El'tsin as a 'better than anything else' politician that did little to encourage liberal democracy except when fighting against even more illiberal political foes. These same international actors contributed to a drive towards 'shock therapy' that neither had the full support of the president or the civil administration. Rightfully however, Lovell concentrates on the problems insideRussia thatwere not the result of foreign intervention, but were often, however, exacerbated by it. Confronted with another book on Russia's failed transitions, a reader and specifically the reviewermust ask forwhom the book is intended? It does not offera thorough account of the literature or independent empirical research. Nor isany one subject so thoroughly investigated as in the case of other books with similar agendas. However, two characteristics make this a worthwhile read for active scholars and those new to the area. First, as stated before, Lovell presents a holistic approach toRussia's domestic determinants of failed transition.Although a small book, no other narrative on Russia covers such a wide scope of events. Secondly, it is wonderfully written. Lovell's prose is engaging, enlightening and enjoyable to read. Destination in Doubt is a valuable addition to the 'Russia's failed transition' literature. Department of Politics and International Relations David J. Galbreath Universityof Aberdeen Wilson, Andrew. Ukraine's OrangeRevolution. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT and London, 2005. xxiii + 232 pp. Illustrations. Figure. Maps. Tables. Notes. Bibliographical note. Index. ?18.95. The firstscholarlymonograph in any language about theOrange Revolution inUkraine (November 2004 toJanuary 2005), Andrew Wilson's 2005 book remains the best and most detailed study of this event, which has by now generated considerable literature.The book's structure is also enticing. The author grabs the reader's attention with a list of Dramatis Personae and an opening chapter on 'How theDeed Was Done', which vividly describes blatant fraud during the 2004 presidential elections. Only then does he proceed to introduce Ukraine, itspast and itsmain political forces. Such a reviews 761 structuremakes Wilson's book appealing not just for specialists but also for the general reader, even more so because the author's work features both insightful analysis and narrative verve. Wilson's main thesis is thatUkraine gained independence in 1991without a real revolution and an elite turnover. For thirteen years it was ruled by former Communist functionaries and industrial managers in collaboration with new entrepreneurs and mafia dons, who were often the same people. The Orange Revolution was thus a belated social revolution that should have accompanied the collapse of Communism. It created an opening for the establishment of true democracy, a corruption clean-up, and consistent eco nomic reforms. Wilson reserves his opinion on whether the new authorities would use thisopening (p. 198); subsequent events proved thewisdom of such restraint. The thesis about the Orange Revolution as a belated social revolution explains the huge orange-clad crowds on Kyiv's Independence Square, which in late 2004 became a familiar picture for television viewers around the world. Wilson masterfully describes the final straws that prompted people to rise in protest. Crony capitalism, all-pervasive corruption and disrespect for human rightshad existed for years, yet social discontent exploded only after a series of political scandals during 2000-04. Public outcry erupted after the killing of oppositional journalist Georgii Gongadze (mistakenly...