BOOK REVIEW: Zbigniew Brzezinski's book on Ukraine in the Ukrainian language (11/05/06)

BOOK REVIEW

Zbigniew Brzezinski's book on Ukraine in the Ukrainian language

"Ukrayina u Heostratyhichnomu Kontektsi" (Ukraine in the Geostrategic Context) by Zbigniew Brzezinski. Kyiv: Kyiv Mohyla Academy Publishers, 2006. 101 pp.

by Volodimir Bandera

Zbigniew Brzezinki's influential book "Ukraine in the Geostrategic Context" is now available in the Ukrainian language thanks to the publishing house of the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy. It is very timely in view of the unsettling political and socio-economic conditions involving the post-Soviet nations.

From this short but insightful publication we can learn how a renowned political scientist perceives Ukraine from the standpoint of geopolitics. Unlike some Western observers, this expert treats the newly independent state not as a pawn of the world powers but as an assertive player that defends and promotes its national interests.

Dr. Brzezinski's international reputation is based on his brilliant academic career, participation in the implementation of U.S. foreign policy, authorship of a stream of books, analytical articles and sought after appearances in the mass media.

His father was Poland's senior diplomat in Germany during the rise of Nazism (1931-1935), in Moscow during Stalin's reign of terror (1936-1938), and in Canada at the time of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact that preceded the German and Soviet attack on and the occupation of Poland.

The young Brzezinski studied at McGill University, earned his doctorate at Harvard, and became professor and director of the Institute of the Problems of Communism at Columbia University.

The book reviewed here consists of three parts. First is the translation of Dr. Brzezinski's monograph "The Geostrategic Triad: Living with China, Europe and Russia." It was originally published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (2000). As we know, the analysis provided by this and similar think-tanks plays a key role in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy. From Ukraine's standpoint, especially relevant is the analysis of interaction between the U.S. and Russia.

Dr. Brzezinski argues that, after the disintegration of the Russian-dominated Soviet empire, the strengthening of the newly independent states like Ukraine and Georgia could encourage the formation of a new Russia as a democratic country without imperialistic aims and confrontationist international policies. Not surprisingly, later in the book, this optimistic thesis was challenged when Dr. Brzezinski lectured to audiences in Ukraine.

The second part of the book consists of several public lectures and interviews which focus on the geopolitical implications of Ukraine's independence immediately preceding and following the Orange Revolution. Dr. Brzezinski's speeches and impromptu responses to questions demonstrate a deep grasp of East European conditions and will delight the readers with a masterful lively oratory.

For instance, during his lecture at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy on May 14, 2004, a student asked: "If Europe loses Ukraine now, what would it lose in the future?" Dr. Brzezinski's answer was: "If Europe loses Ukraine, it will also lose Russia; and without Ukraine and Russia, its security will be weaker. Hence Europe should be greatly interested to promote close relations with Ukraine, both since the country is important in itself and since Ukraine's entry into the EU will be conducive to the broadening of desirable relations between Europe and Russia."

Another student's question was: "What will be the Western response if the elections (in Ukraine) will be undemocratic and not conforming to European and American standards?" To this Dr. Brzezinski responded: "The relations would markedly worsen ... However, most importantly, if the elections are free, honest and legal, then regardless of who is elected, there will be positive cumulative effects on the development of a democratic society; it is in the interest of Europe and America to maintain constructive relations with the important country Ukraine."

Unlike the other parts of the book, the essays in the second part were published in Ukraine and in Ukrainian periodicals abroad, and they were usually broadcast in Ukraine by Western media like the BBC, Deutsche Welle and Radio Liberty.

The third part of the book offers several short but poignant essays which appeared as op-ed page commentaries in the Wall Street Journal and/or The New York Times during the momentous days of the Orange Revolution. Thus, the article "Russian roulette" comments on Kyiv's democratic upheaval and the rudeness of Vladimir Putin's heavy-handed meddling. Then, in his article "Imperial Russia, Vassal Ukraine," Dr. Brzezinski cautions the West that "... the defeat of democracy in Ukraine or a successful Russian-backed break-up of the country would further ignite the ambitions of those in Moscow who still dream of a reconstituted empire."

It should be noted that through these articles Dr. Brzezinski's voice in defense of freedom and democracy has been broadcast by the Wall Street Journal to millions of readers of its American, Asian and electronic editions. These articles were also carried by hundreds of other newspapers worldwide, including some periodicals in Ukraine.

Certainly, Dr. Brzezinski's insights go beyond the time frame and the context of the original publications. His broad historical and global perspective can help readers also to understand current developments like the Russia-provoked energy crisis, the challenge to Ukrainian as a state language, and the difficulties with Ukraine's entry into the World Trade Organization, NATO and the European Union.

While the author recognizes these problems for the leadership of a reborn nation, he is optimistic in that the Orange Revolution was "a revolution of hope."

The Ukrainian edition of this book is the fifth in a series of translations called "Current Global Views." Published by the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, the series includes Vsevolod Isajiw's "Society in Transition: Social Change in Ukraine in Western Perspective," a compendium of studies by 19 experts of various fields.

Slated for publication is Dr. Brzezinski's latest book, "The Choice: Global Domination or Global Leadership," and Oleh Havrylyshyn's "Capitalism for All or a Few?" This series of translations is sponsored by the Ukrainian Federation of America.

The reviewed book may be acquired for $14 via the Internet at [email protected].

Dr. Volodimir Bandera is professor of international economics at Temple University.

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