Ukrainian Scientists in the Second Polish Republic Between Science and Politics: the Case of Myron Korduba

The purpose of the article is a comprehensive clarification of the issues and ideological foundations of journalistic posts by M. Korduba during 1919-1939. The research methodology relies on the use of an interdisciplinary approach. Based on the principles of objectivity and historicism, the research has implemented the structural-functional systematic analysis of historiographical facts and the comparative-historical method. The article has used the heuristic possibilities of periodisation, classification and typology methods. In conclusion, we note that Korduba-publicist demonstrated the best features of a conscious Ukrainian intellectual who, in difficult times for the nation, put the mission of historical and cultural awareness of the public above his creative interests. Therefore, socio-political journalism of the scholarly interwar period was aimed at a comprehensive understanding of the most important issues of national existence for Ukrainians. First of all, he initiated a broad discussion of the problem of overcoming the severe consequences of the defeat in the War of Independence. M. Korduba rejected the destructive calls for collective repentance, explaining the objective and subjective reasons for the loss of Ukrainian statehood in the Dnipro region and Galicia. He proposed to properly reflect on the painful experience of defeat and responsibly determine the steps to regain independence. The historian stressed that Ukrainians should take care of their destiny, rationally reflect adverse foreign policy circumstances, end internal misunderstandings and give a consolidated signal to European countries regarding the existence of a clear vision of the nation’s future. Only under this condition, argued M. Korduba, Ukrainians will regain the trust of their Western partners and establish a constructive dialogue with them. A similar optimism was contained in his journalism devoted to the understanding of the relations of Ukrainians with Poles and Russians. He emphasized the need to seek mutual understanding with our historical neighbors through building equal relations and abandoning the practice of dwelling on national grievances. In general, the analyzed journalism of M. Korduba allows us to talk about his socio-therapeutic mission, because it not only insightfully revealed the problems of Ukrainians in the interwar period, but also proposed effective means of national healing.