About Book

This book offers an innovative interpretation of the Ukraine conflict through the lens of classical Greek tragedy. It argues that the conflict is not purely geopolitical but deeply rooted in internal identity divisions, especially between different cultural and linguistic communities within Ukraine. (De Gruyter Brill) The author suggests that a significant portion of Ukraine’s population historically identified with both Ukrainian civic identity and Russian cultural identity, and failure to reconcile these identities contributed to long-term instability. (De Gruyter Brill) A central argument is that modern political analysis often ignores emotional, psychological, and cultural dimensions of conflict. Drawing on classical Greek tragedy and thinkers like Richard Ned Lebow, the book proposes that conflicts persist when societies fail to process collective trauma and competing narratives. (De Gruyter Brill) The book further argues that classical Greek tragedy historically functioned as a social healing mechanism, helping societies confront injustice, empathy, and moral dilemmas. Applying this idea to Ukraine, the author suggests that reconciliation requires addressing both institutional and emotional dimensions of conflict. (De Gruyter Brill) • Introduces a “tragic vision of politics” as a framework for understanding modern conflicts. • Challenges dominant narratives that frame the Ukraine conflict solely as interstate war. • Emphasizes identity, narrative, and emotional reconciliation as key to conflict resolution. • Bridges classical philosophy and modern geopolitics, offering interdisciplinary insight. ________________________________________ 5. Critical Evaluation Strengths • Highly original interdisciplinary approach combining philosophy, politics, and conflict studies. • Deep focus on root causes of conflict (identity, narratives, trauma). • Valuable for understanding polarization and social division, key GRACE themes. • Strong theoretical contribution to conflict resolution and peace studies. Limitations • Interpretation of the Ukraine conflict is contested and debated in academic and policy circles. • May underemphasize external geopolitical factors compared to internal dynamics. • More theoretical and interpretive than policy-oriented or operational. • Not directly focused on extremism, deradicalization, or rehabilitation programs.