Economic Colonialism in Ukraine: Postwar Visions of Ukrainian Emigration Reflected in Publishing Heritage
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In the context of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, which represents the culmination of centuries-old imperial policy, the importance of understanding the historical mechanisms of economic colonialism becomes acutely relevant. The investigation of the narratives that have contributed to the formation of the ideological underpinnings of this policy is of critical importance for a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary resilience of Ukrainian economic consciousness. Therefore, the study focuses on the narratives of Russian economic colonialism in Ukrainian economic history and the resistance of Ukrainian economic consciousness, as reflected in the analytical publishing heritage of Ukrainian emigration, particularly in the work of Bohdan Wynar. The purpose of this scientific research is to analyse the narratives of Russian economic colonialism in Ukrainian economic history and the resistance of Ukrainian economic consciousness, as evidenced in the analytical publishing heritage of Ukrainian emigration. This study will be illustrated using the publications of Bohdan Wynar, such as "Economic Colonialism in Ukraine" (Paris, 1958) and "Ukrainian Industry: A Study of Soviet Colonialism" (1964) and "Materials for the History of Economic Experiments in Emigration" 1919–1964" (1965). The research methodology is based on a combination of the following approaches: systemic, value-based and postcolonial; and discourse analysis. These approaches contribute to the disclosure of the principles and strategies of economic colonialism as an ideology and intervention. The methodology also employs the diachronic method and historical analytics, which involves synchronising successive historical and political events and phenomena with economic decisions and cases. Bohdan Wynar’s analysis goes beyond history. They serve as a critical source for understanding how imperial powers used economic mechanisms for colonial domination. Even during periods of apparent liberalisation, such as the "Khrushchev Thaw" and the Soviet farm reforms, the Ukrainian SSR's economy continued to function as a raw material appendage of the centre. The reforms aimed to increase the efficiency of exploitation rather than grant real autonomy. The publishing heritage of studies of Soviet colonialism in the economic sector demonstrates that Ukrainian economic consciousness encompasses more than just knowledge of markets and finance; it is also a deep awareness of history and the ability to defend economic interests and counteract external influences. Today, as Ukraine builds its own economic model and integrates into the global economy, this historical memory ensures it can avoid old pitfalls and preserve national sovereignty. Thus, the conclusion of the scientific research is that the thesis concerning the colonial nature of Moscow’s economic policy towards Ukraine was preserved even under the conditions of formal decentralisation and changes to the administrative system. The research also concludes that the analytical heritage of Ukrainian emigration is valuable as it is a critical and independent source that allows for a systematic study of economic relations within the USSR. Furthermore, the research highlights the need to develop a Ukrainian economic consciousness based on knowledge of the past and the ability to counter imperial narratives. This is critically important for ensuring national security and sovereignty in the modern era.
Institution: Zaporizhzhia National University
Language: English
Topic: Soviet and Russian History
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,078
OpenAlex ID: W7117137133