Industrial Heritage and Identity Politics: Structural Roots of the Separatist Mobilizations in the Donbas

Pok Yik Cheung

doi:10.54097/qkd4xf29

Authors

Pok Yik Cheung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/qkd4xf29

Keywords:

Industrial Heritage, Identity Politics, Structural Roots of the Separatist Mobilizations.

Abstract

The Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in eastern Ukraine, has been the epicenter of the battle between separatists, starting from 2014 to the full-scale invasion in 2022. This paper goes beyond such oversimplified geopolitical narratives, which exaggerate Russian interference, and explores both the structural conditionings and the historical foundations of such separatist tendencies. It explores the impact of differing patterns of Soviet-era industrialization, ethnic Russian demographic predominance, and post-Soviet oligarchic control of the economy on creating a regional identity different from what much of Ukraine sought through nation-building. Based on historical sources, commentaries, and comparative perspectives, the paper contends that the industrial past of Donbas promoted a worker hero mentality linked to Russian cultural traditions, which stood the test of time despite the economic crisis. This legacy, combined with hybrid identities that mix Soviet nostalgia with regional pride, provided fertile soil for separatist mobilization. These dynamics were exploited by oligarchs to maintain their power, and also led to some economic dependence on Russia, driving anti-Kyiv sentiments. As such, as something that challenges essentialist ethnic conflict models, the research shows the persistence of civic Ukrainian identities together with pro-Russian ones. Post-Soviet regions have lessons to learn from its vision of post-conflict policies using industrial heritage to support inclusive development. Knowledge of these structural roots are key to sustainable peace and reconciliation.

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