Національна ідея як чинник формування національної ідентичності України

The purpose of the article is to analyse the main aspects in the evolution of theatrical culture in Ukraine in the context of the formation and preservation of national identity. The research methodology is based on a combination of different approaches, including historical, sociocultural and artistic analysis of theatrical events and their interaction with political, sociocultural and economic factors. The historical approach enabled the author to trace the main stages of the development of theatrical culture in Ukraine, in particular the influence of political and social conditions on the formation of the national theatre. The artistic analysis enabled focusing on the aesthetic aspects of theatrical creativity, and the socio-cultural approach – to investigate the relationship between the theatre and society. Scientific novelty. The study is groundbreaking in its analysis of the impact of contemporary events, such as Euromaidan 2014 and the full-scale invasion of 2022, on Ukrainian theatre culture, as well as exploring the process of de-Russification in theatre. In addition, the article emphasises the role of individual artists and the development of modern drama, which underlines the theme of war and national identity. Conclusions. The process of formation of national identity in Ukraine in the context of historical events and cultural transformations was highlighted. Despite the various prohibitions of the desire to destroy national identity, the activities of outstanding national figures, in particular theatre figures, have always popularised Ukrainian culture. A promising direction in the development of theatre culture is to take into account all mental and ideological differences within the framework of Ukrainian values, since every Ukrainian is currently rethinking the question of their identity. The evolution of Ukrainian theatrical culture is an integral part of the process of formation and preservation of national identity. The theatre itself is an important tool of socio-cultural development, which helps Ukrainian society to realise its uniqueness and preserve its cultural heritage.

The article examines the relevance of historical memory research as a key factor in the formation of national identity and an instrument of state policy. At the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in particular Bulgaria, faced the need to develop a balanced historical policy amid transformational processes. This study aims to identify and summarise the main political practices that shaped social consciousness in the post-communist period.The article analyses the influence of political elites on the formation of historical memory policy in Bulgaria in the context of the post-communist transformation of society. The goal is to identify and generalise the main dimensions of memory policy and political practices, and to determine their influence on the formation of historical consciousness and the national idea in the context of post-socialist changes. Special attention is paid to comparing Bulgaria’s experience with Ukrainian realities, which is relevant in the context of modern hybrid warfare and the fight against historical myths.The study is based on the analysis of historical, political, and social aspects of memory policy-making. Approaches are used that allow studying commemorative strategies, in particular regarding decommunization, revising the content of textbooks, and constructing a new national pantheon of heroes. The analysis includes the study of legislative initiatives (such as laws on the criminal nature of the communist regime and the decommunization of science), the activities of institutions (such as the Commission for the Opening of Documents and the Institute of National Remembrance), and public discussions.The influence of external factors, such as Russian information propaganda, is also taken into account. The study uses a comparative approach, comparing the Bulgarian experience with Ukrainian realities.For the first time, the influence of political elites on the politics of memory in Bulgaria after the fall of the communist regime was systematically analysed, focusing on the mechanisms and practices of decommunization, the revision of historical narratives, and the formation of a new national identity. It has been proven that these processes were not always straightforward, as society showed an ambiguous attitude towards the communist past, combining its criticism with a certain nostalgia for the past. It is studied how the politics of memory is used as a tool to ensure social unity and counter external threats. The role of historical myths in the formation of the «image of the enemy» and the manipulation of public opinion is revealed.An effective public policy of memory is an important tool for ensuring social unity and consolidation, contributing to the formation of a Bulgarian-centric national identity. Although the process of decommunization in Bulgaria was slow, it included important legislative steps, such as the recognition of the criminal nature of the communist regime. Political elites oriented towards European values played a key role in abandoning the socialist past and regaining power. At the same time, the existence of a pro-Russian political bloc indicates the use of historical memory to destabilise the country. The experience of Bulgaria shows that the revision of textbooks, the creation of a pantheon of heroes, and the fight against historical myths are key elements in the formation of a new historical consciousness.

З’ясовано чинники, що негативно впливають на формування української національної ідентичності на сучасному етапі розвитку українського соціуму, серед яких: гібридна війна Росії проти України, культурна експансія сусідніх держав в Україні, інтенсивні глoбалізаційні прoцеси, домінуючий вплив інформаційних потоків зарубіжних держав на інформаційно-культурний простір України, недосконалість освітньої, мовної та культурної публічної політики України. Проаналізовано діяльність органів публічного управління щодо забезпечення розвитку української культури, мови, відродження української національної пам’яті. Запропоновано шляхи удосконалення публічної політики у сфері забезпечення етнокультурного розвитку української державотворчої нації у контексті формування української національної ідентичності, зокрема: на основі системності та комплексності етнополітики прискорити процес формування єдиного українського мовно-культурного та мовно-інформаційного простору, української соцієтальної культури; розробити та втілити державну програму національно-патріотичного виховання, збільшити фінансування галузей освіти й науки, підвищити якість українських освітніх та наукових продуктів.

The purpose of the article is to analyse the role and place of cinema in the formation and strengthening of modern Ukrainian identity; to study the main trends observed in the development of contemporary Ukrainian cinema in the direction of state-building and geopolitical processes, in particular in the context of the war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine in 2022; to examine the shortcomings that negatively affect the quality and perception of Ukrainian cinema in Ukraine and the world. Research methodology. To achieve the set goals and solve the tasks, the researchers used such diverse approaches and methods as analysis (to study contemporary popular films) and synthesis (to identify trends in the development of Ukrainian cinema), historical method (to clarify the historical realities of Ukraine’s development), literary analysis (to study literary sources that highlight identity in cinema). Scientific novelty. For the first time, contemporary Ukrainian cinema is analysed in terms of trends in the formation of national identity through feature films. The main components of Ukrainian national identity are identified: awareness of cultural heritage, understanding of one’s role in the collective identity, and active consumption of cultural and information space, including cinema. The role and place of cinema in the formation and strengthening of modern Ukrainian identity are analysed. Conclusions. It is determined that the formation of Ukrainian national identity is conditioned by history, language, culture, religion, territory, traditions, politics and education. The article has analysed the Ukrainian cinema space and found that there is a tendency to rethink classical works and appeal to Ukrainian culture as a means of forming national identity, as well as to cover the topic of war and heroic events in the history of Ukraine, which contributes to the self-identification of Ukrainians as courageous fighters for freedom and independence. The study also has identified shortcomings, such as the use of “trouser culture”, acting unprofessionalism and instability of cinematic development, which negatively affect the quality and perception of Ukrainian cinema.

The aim of the study is to analyze the features of the formation of Ukrainian national identity across space and time, considering the aspect of preserving the historical memory of the people and the challenges of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. The methodology is based on comparative-historical and general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, along with the principles of historicism, scientific rigor, and interdisciplinarity. The scientific novelty lies in the attempt to comprehensively interpret the problem of forming Ukrainian national identity across space and time, employing a comparative interdisciplinary approach to analyzing the preservation of historical memory and interpreting the past. Conclusions. The historical memory of Ukrainian forced migrants in past centuries contributed to their preservation of ethnocultural identity while living outside Ukrainian ethnic territories. Historical memory enabled active pro-Ukrainian activities abroad, in both European and overseas regions, across several generations. Their memory and interpretation of the past differed from those of Ukrainians living in the Soviet Union. If contemporary intellectuals recognize that the function of historical memory is to shape national identity, it is essential to consider this issue in a global context, especially given the significant scale of migration from Ukraine. Today, it is crucial for the memory of Ukrainians, whether they have emigrated permanently, temporarily, or remained in Ukraine, to align within a unified system of values—centered on the memory of heroes who defended and continue to defend Ukraine from the enemy. From a temporal perspective, this could facilitate the formation and preservation of national identity not only within the state of Ukraine but also across broader spatial dimensions, encompassing various countries where Ukrainians reside.

The article addresses a pressing issue of Ukrainian education in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war – the formation of national identity among youth. This issue has gained special significance, as it is the younger generation that shapes the future of the state. The authors conduct an in-depth analysis of the concept of national and national-cultural identity based on the works of Ukrainian and foreign scholars, as well as domestic legal documents. Key challenges associated with the identity crisis are identified: the impact of globalization, erosion of national values, information warfare, and alienation – all of which call for new educational approaches. A review of theoretical approaches to understanding national identity and national-cultural identity is provided, alongside an analysis of scientific literature, legislative acts, and historical prerequisites for identity development. Special attention is given to pedagogical conditions and effective methods within extracurricular activities: cultural events, educational training, volunteer work, and project activities that foster national consciousness. Student self-governance, engagement with contemporary heroic figures, objective representation of history, the development of aesthetic taste and patriotic worldview are considered foundational for nurturing a citizen with a clear national identity. The article emphasizes that forming a Ukrainian identity means not only preserving cultural heritage but also integrating into the common European space – where values of freedom, dignity, and self-awareness are upheld. It highlights the importance of developing a "self-concept" in youth and fostering emotional-value-based attitudes toward their nation, language, culture, heroes, and national history. National identity should become part of students’ personal, civic, and professional self-awareness. This material has interdisciplinary relevance and may be useful for scholars, educators, youth mentors, and developers of educational programs in the field of humanities.

The modern world demonstrates a growing interest in the problem of identity, its definition, formation, multiplicity, fragmentation, and multifacetedness. The article analyzes the research conducted by foreign and domestic psychologists, psychoanalysts, historians, sociologists, social anthropologists, philosophers, political scientists on the concept of “identity”, “Ukrainian identity”, “identity and national security”. It is noted that “in the sociohumanitarian sphere of scholarly knowledge, identity is a term as commonly used as it is vague”.An important form of social identity is ethnicity, or identification with a particular cultural tradition or community. In this context, researchers show a great interest to “national identity”, which involves understanding the specifics of their nation and demonstrates belonging to it. Monographs and scholarly articles that reveal the essence of “Ukrainian identity”, as well as the history of its formation during the period of Ukraine’s independence are analyzed. It is noted that “Ukrainian identity is not identical to either national or ethnic one and that it still needs to be ‘rebuilt’”.Changes in identity formation are associated with the process of globalization. However, the problem of national identity in the context of globalization has not been properly understood. It is determined that the lack of a common identity that would unite the majority of citizens does not only significantly slow down the progressive development of Ukrainian society but also creates or critically increases a number of threats to national security.Researchers note that “the Ukrainian identity and national security are the basic values of Ukrainian existence”, which are interconnected, interdependent, and form fundamental foundations for the existence of the Ukrainian society and state, on which Ukraine’s future is built.

The purpose of the article is to reconstruct the history of commemoration of Shevchenko's anniversary in the context of the activities of Ukrainian public centers and organizations in Odesa in the last quarter of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Research methods have become personalistic and systemic. Sources: archival and published documents, as well as epistolaries, journalism, memoirs gleaned from Ukrainian periodicals. The main results consist in understanding the process of commemorating Shevchenko's anniversary as an important factor in the formation of Ukrainian national consciousness and identity among the population of Odesa – an important socio-economic and socio-political center of southern Ukrainian lands. It is shown that the preservation of the historical memory of the great Ukrainian poet and thinker T. G. Shevchenko had a long history in Odessa from the last quarter of the 19th century before the First World War. Commemoration of the Shevchenkiv anniversaries can be traced in the activities of various Ukrainian public centers and organizations, in particular the Odesa Ukrainian Community, the Odesa «Prosvita», the Odesa «Ukrainian Club» and the «Ukrainian House». The main forms of holding Shevchenko's commemorations were literary, musical and vocal evenings of memory; reading reports, lectures, abstracts about Kobzar; publications about T. G. Shevchenko in newspapers, magazines, brochures, bibliographic indexes, etc.; organization of appropriate memorial services. In the 1870s and 1880s, measures to perpetuate the memory of T. G. Shevchenko were held illegally, and from the end of the 19th century gained publicity and relative mass. A notable role in the organization and implementation of events to perpetuate the memory of the Ukrainian poet and thinker belonged to such figures as L. A. Smolenskyi, O. O. Andrievskyi, P. O. Zeleny, M. F. Komarov, I. M. Lutsenko, D. D. Sygarevich, A. V. Nikovskyi, S. P. Shelukhin, and others. The commemoration of Shevchenko's anniversary faced internal difficulties of an organizational and ideological nature that arose in the Ukrainian ethno-national community of a polyethnic and multicultural city. Shevchenko's measures, first of the Odesa Ukrainian community, and later of the Odesa «Prosvita» and its successors, were in the field of view of the local administration, gendarmes and police, who exerted undisguised pressure and repression on conscious Ukrainianism and its public centers and organizations, sought to block the process of spreading Ukrainian national consciousness and identity in the city. However, the punitive and protective measures of the Russian imperial regime could not stop the activity of conscious Ukrainianism in Odessa to perpetuate the historical memory of T. G. Shevchenko, which was of great importance for the revival and preservation of the historical heritage of Kobzar, the spread of Ukrainian national and cultural values in the Russified and at the same time multifaceted in ethno-cultural, ethno-national and social dimensions of the region. Concise conclusions. It has been proven that from the end of the 1870s to 1914, Ukrainian public centers and organizations accumulated important historical experience in commemorating Shevchenko's anniversaries. This activity contributed to the national consolidation of local conscious Ukrainianism, the formation of the modern Ukrainian ethno-cultural landscape.

This article explores the formative role of political rhetoric in constructing and contesting national identity in Ukraine during the post-Soviet period of 1991-2004. In a transitional context marked by institutional fragility, historical ambivalence, and regional polarization, political elites deployed rhetoric not only to reflect societal change but to actively shape collective imaginaries. Situated between the ideological legacy of the Soviet Union and the aspirational pull of European integration, Ukrainian political actors used discourse to navigate competing visions of sovereignty, identity, and geopolitical orientation. The study draws upon a broad empirical base, including presidential speeches, opposition discourse, party manifestos, electoral rhetoric, and symbolic statements. Using a combined methodology of political discourse analysis, content analysis, and sociological interpretation, the article traces identity narratives across four dimensions: memory politics (e.g., Holodomor, WWII), foreign policy alignment (Europe vs. Russia), language and cultural policy, and regional fragmentation. Special attention is given to the contrasting rhetorical strategies of Presidents Leonid Kravchuk and Leonid Kuchma, alongside opposition figures such as Vyacheslav Chornovil, Viktor Yushchenko, Yulia Tymoshenko, and Petro Symonenko. The findings show that rhetoric served as a key mechanism of political legitimation and socialization, reinforcing generational and regional cleavages while laying the semantic groundwork for Ukraine’s emerging European orientation. Kravchuk’s discourse affirmed independence while maintaining symbolic continuity, relying on notions of unity, legality, and cultural inclusiveness to stabilise the early post-Soviet state. In contrast, Kuchma institutionalised a rhetoric of strategic ambiguity: balancing Soviet nostalgia and economic reliance on Russia with growing appeals to European integration and democratic modernity. Oppositional rhetoric challenged this ambivalence by articulating alternative identity projects. Figures such as Vyacheslav Chornovil, Viktor Yushchenko, and Yulia Tymoshenko offered competing narratives grounded in civic nationalism, European orientation, and historical justice. Their discourses mobilised younger generations and regional communities in Western and Central Ukraine, particularly through the reframing of the Holodomor, advocacy for Ukrainian as the sole state language, and emphasis on democratic reform. These rhetorical strategies laid the semantic groundwork for subsequent pro-European mobilisations, including the Orange Revolution. Meanwhile, leftist and pro-Soviet actors, especially the Communist Party of Ukraine, preserved a counter-narrative centred on Soviet achievements, Russian cultural affinity, and economic stability.

Ideas of nation and nationhood in the modern world are the product of a number of forces, currents, and trends, whether political, economic, social, intellectual, cultural, or natural. Often overlooked as an influence shaping national identities are animals. This chapter argues that the formation of national identities and modern breeds were intertwined and mutually dependent processes and that sharing territory was fundamental for both. Live domestic animals are bona fide artefacts of human culture as they have been, both consciously and unconsciously, shaped by people not simply to meet material needs but also to express tastes, aspirations, and various forms of social identity. The chapter also examines three different theories that have been offered to account for the origins of the Hungarian Grey. Breed and nation are analogous modern concepts applied anachronistically, yet human and animal identities influenced one another while these categories were emerging and long before they became more or less fixed in their modern meanings.

The article focuses on the impact of transformations in exhibition spaces on the formation of national cultural identity in Ukrainian society during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The research methodology is based on a systematic approach used to highlight the peculiarities of the formation of the exhibition and exposition space of Ukraine in the period from 2014 to 2024. Among the main methods used are the method of definitional analysis to analyze the concept of national and cultural identity, the method of source research and the method of comparative analysis to compare the state of the exhibition and exhibition space of Ukraine in the specified period. The scientific novelty is that it deepens the understanding that the transformations of the Ukrainian exhibition space in 2014-2024 caused by the Russian-Ukrainian war are becoming an important factor in the formation of national and cultural identity by promoting national unity and identification of Ukrainians with a particular nation. Conclusions. At the present stage, it can be stated that the transformations of the Ukrainian exhibition space in 2014-2024 have a significant impact on the formation of national and cultural identity. The consolidation of Ukrainians during the Russian-Ukrainian war is largely reflected in the works of artists who, despite wartime, actively present their work, which reflects the national culture of Ukrainians and the consequences of Russia's destruction of our country's cultural values. The themes of the Revolution of Dignity, Russian aggression, occupation of Crimea, events in Donbas and the full-scale invasion have gained particular importance in the cultural sphere and are now widely covered at art exhibitions, where visitors have the opportunity to feel their belonging to the Ukrainian nation through familiarization with the national culture and understanding the importance of preserving it during the Russian-Ukrainian war. Keywords: culture, national and cultural identity, exhibition space, personality, Ukrainian art, values.

Background. The current problem of modern science and philosophy is the formation of national identity, considering the transformation of the value system in the context of deglobalization. An attempt has been made to identify the factors determining the future position of Russia in the emerging multipolar world. Materials and methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is the work of foreign and Russian authors devoted to the issues of globalization and deglobali-zation; information society; mediatization and networking; national identity; value orientations and life strategies. The use of the systematic, as well as a structural and functional approach enables comprehensively examining the problem of the formation of national identity with regard to the value transformations, taking into account the interconnection and interdependence of factors influencing the change in the structure of values of the Russians, including young people. In addition, the interdisciplinary approach allows including, along with philosophical concepts and categories, concepts of economics, political science, cultural studies, etc. Results. The author finds that deglobalization is a megatrend today that testifies to the changes in global development. Despite the differences in approaches to assessing the process of deglobalization, it is obvious that nowadays the processes of disintegration have affected almost all spheres of life. There is a fundamental shift in the global community towards a decentralized economic model that allows all countries to focus on their own interests and values. A mood of deep doubt has arisen in the social space regarding the flawlessness of the prospects for globalization. The threats and risks that lead to a deterioration of the position of the country in the global space are identified; the existing disadvantages that prevent the consolidation of various groups of the Russian population are outlined. The external factors that determine possible advantages and strengths, which may create favorable conditions for the formation of national identity, are determined. Conclusions. The analysis of historical, philosophical, scientific, theoretical and methodological sources shows the improvement of the social, economic and political climate in Russia. Favorable prerequisites for the formation of national identity as a condition of national security have developed in the public consciousness. Further promotion of Russian national interests in the international arena and awareness of national identity is a demonstration of the modern trend of deglobalization and therefore, despite fears and concerns of an isolationist nature, all this will contribute to strengthening national and societal security, as well as the successful development of the country, which coincides with the expectations of almost all segments of the population.

The problem of national identity requires its solution in a situation of collision and mixing of different cultures and national traditions. National identity is determined by socio-cultural, historical, religious and other factors that form the unique image of the people, their customs, traditions, culture, language, and mentality. The study of national identity in a multinational state is relevant and in demand in modern reality. The purpose of the work is to identify approaches to the study of national identity. In this regard, the characteristic of the concept of ―identity‖ is given, the definition of the category ―nation‖ is stated, the conceptual field of national identity is investigated, the political and legal approach to the study of national identity is described, and the cultural and linguistic approach to the study of national identity is characterized. The formation of national identity is the central problem of a multinational state. It is important to define approaches to the study of this phenomenon. The article examines the political, legal, cultural and linguistic approaches to the definition of national identity, substantiates the central categories associated with the conceptual field of national identity, gives characteristics to the concepts of ―identity‖, ‖nation‖, ―national identity".

The essay examines the impact of the Euromaidan protests and the subsequent Russian aggression on Ukrainian national identity. It demonstrates that national identity has become more salient vis-à-vis other territorial and non-territorial identities. At the same time, the very meaning of belonging to the Ukrainian nation has changed, as manifested first and foremost in increased alienation from Russia and the greater embrace of Ukrainian nationalism. Although popular perceptions are by no means uniform across the country, the main dividing line has shifted eastwards and now lies between the Donbas and the adjacent east-southern regions.

This chapter seeks to examine the relationship between historiography and the nation as an ‘imagined community’ in Russia's two east Slavic neighbours, Ukraine and Belarus. The focus of the analysis is on the mythic structures of national historiography as a key influence shaping evolving national identities, and on the tug on identities exercised by rival narratives of the past, here classified for convenience's sake as ‘Ukrainophile’/‘Belarusophile’ and ‘Russophile’ or ‘pan-Slavic’. The former have come to the fore since independence in 1991, but Russophile myths have proved powerful and persistent, particularly in Belarus but also amongst the half of the population of Ukraine that is either ethnic Russian or Russian-speaking (see chapter 6). The historical, or historiographical, component of national identities in the region is therefore in transition. The single narrative of the Soviet era has given way not to monolithic new national alternatives, but to a fluid situation characterised by competing myths and dissonant voices. Whereas a potentially strong, if controversial, historiographical mythology is under construction in Ukraine, a key reason for the relative weakness of the Belarusian national movement to date has been its inability to displace hegemonic Russophile myths and anchor a new Belarusian identity firmly in a rival historiography.