The Political Geography of Civic Engagement in Ukraine

Two U.S. geographers discuss the extent to which widespread dissatisfaction in Ukraine with economic and political transition in the 1990s is reflected in the level of non-governmental, mass-based political activity. A major focus is placed on detecting whether a correlation exists at the oblast level between the level of civic engagement (non-governmental organizational activity) and socioeconomic conditions and/or cultural-historical factors. The results of the analysis provide a basis for assessing the likelihood of future territorially based ethnic or nationalist unrest. The analysis is based on information from national public opinion surveys, official statistics, and other sources. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: H11, I31, O18. 3 figures, 2 tables, 113 references.