The Doctrine of Ukrainian Nationalism in the Political Thought of Dmitri Ivanovich Dontsov

The idea of nationalism has long drawn the attention of philosophers and political theorists, especially as a means for nations to gain independence and resist colonial domination. However, nationalism has never been a fixed concept; It evolved based on historical and ideological contexts. One influential figure in this discourse is the Ukrainian political thinker Dmitri Ivanovich Dontsov, whose vision of Ukrainian nationalism diverged sharply from humanitarian ideals. His version—ethnic, romantic, and expansionist—was rooted in a totalitarian and fascist framework, infused with the ideologies of extremist Western thinkers. Dontsov’s nationalism emphasized power, violence, racism, and hatred as driving forces, rejecting peaceful coexistence and moral values. This vision significantly shaped the modern Ukrainian state’s political identity and policies, both domestic and foreign. It also influenced contemporary Ukrainian leaders, who, under the weight of Dontsov’s legacy, saw alignment with the West and the conflict with Russia—especially the 2022 war—as opportunities to realize nationalist ambitions. Ultimately, the study finds that Dontsov’s thought contributed not to the strength, but to the weakness of Ukraine’s state-building project, due to its reliance on divisive and inhumane principles, undermining efforts toward democratic and peaceful national development.