Strategies for combating separatism implemented in post-communist countries: Lessons for Ukraine

This article examines the strategies employed by post-communist countries to combat separatism, with a focus on their applicability to Ukraine. The relevance of the study lies in the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in combatting hybrid threats instigated by Russia during war as well as in the political stability of Ukraine after the war. The purpose of the research was to identify effective strategies that can be adapted to the Ukrainian context. A comparative analysis was conducted using case studies from several post-communist states, including Georgia, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Baltic States. The results highlighted the importance of political decentralisation, economic development, and international cooperation in mitigating separatist tendencies, as well as the importance of developing effective means of fighting outside influences. In Georgia, decentralisation and power-sharing agreements have been partially successful in addressing the grievances of ethnic communities of Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Adjarians, but were unable to reach Abkhazia and South Ossetia, occupied by Russia. Moldova’s approach to Transnistria, which emphasises economic incentives and international mediation, has shown promise in reducing tensions, though Russian interference puts a roadblock on any possible reconciliation. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Dayton Agreement, while successful in ending violent conflict, has institutionalised ethnic divisions, complicating long-term reconciliation. The Baltic states, particularly Estonia and Latvia, provide valuable lessons in managing ethnic Russian minorities through meticulous citizenship policies and integration programs, which have helped prevent separatist movements. The findings suggested that a combination of political, economic, and international strategies is necessary to effectively combat separatism. The practical value of the research lies in its potential to guide Ukrainian policymakers in developing more effective strategies to counter separatism and promote national unity