A Critical Review of Frank Furedi’s The Road to Ukraine: How the West Lost its Way by Sameer Pande

paścimamitihāsaśravaṇe ||

purāṇamitivṛttamākhyāyikodāharaṇaṃ dharmaśāstramarthaśāstraṃ cetītihāsaḥ ||

[One must emphasize on reading, knowing and learning from history.]

– Acharya Chanakya (Arthashastra 1.5.13-14)

The Background

    The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia serves as a reminder of the complexities that challenge modern political narratives, such as Francis Fukuyama's "End of History" and Daniel Bell's "End of Ideology." While these theories suggest a resolution to ideological conflict and a shift towards pragmatic governance, the conflict highlights how deeply ingrained historical grievances and national identities can disrupt this vision. In this context, the Ukraine-Russia war forces us to reconsider the relevance of grand ideological narratives in an era where cultural and historical motivations remain powerful drivers of conflict. 

    To answer this, the West is caught up in several paradoxes and dilemmas. Some of these issues go deep into the heart of the civilizational narrative: presentism, historical amnesia, nationhood, identity etc.

Russia-Ukraine Relations

    The historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine is deeply complex, characterized by centuries of political domination, cultural exchange, and conflict. After Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it faced challenges in defining its national identity amid lingering Russian influence.

    Tensions escalated significantly after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, which marked a critical turning point in Russia-Ukraine relations. This event followed a series of protests in Ukraine against the pro-Russian government, known as the Euromaidan movement. In the wake of the annexation, armed conflict erupted in Eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donbas region, where Russian-backed separatists declared independence.

    The ongoing war, which intensified in February 2022 with a full-scale Russian invasion, is viewed by Furedi and Yekelchyk as both a continuation of historical patterns of Russian imperialism and a response to Ukraine's assertion of its sovereignty. Furedi critiques the West's failure to understand these historical dynamics, while Yekelchyk emphasizes the importance of a sovereign historical narrative for Ukraine, which strengthens national identity and resilience against Russian aggression.

    Both authors highlight the significance of historical memory in shaping national responses to current events, with Furedi focusing on the West's lack of historical awareness and Yekelchyk emphasizing Ukraine's struggle to assert its identity and agency in the face of Russian imperialism.

TwoStories, Two Authors, Two Perspectives

I have analyzed two perspectives on the same topic. One being, Frank Furedi (this book review) and another Serhy Yekelchyk.

Frank Furedi: On Historical Memory 

    Frank Furedi, a British sociologist, explores how historical memory impacts current events, especially in the Ukraine crisis. Drawing from his own experience as a refugee from Soviet-invaded Hungary in 1956, Furedi highlights “historical amnesia” in the West, arguing it leads to a shallow grasp of geopolitical issues. In ‘The Road to Ukraine’, he critiques Western responses to the war, noting a fixation on the present that neglects complex histories. Furedi calls for ‘moral rearmament’ through renewed historical awareness, contrasting this with Ukrainians’ strong national identity and commitment to sovereignty—values he sees as fading in the West.

Serhy Yekelchyk : On National Identity 

    Ukrainian historian Serhy Yekelchyk examines Ukraine’s complex history and its role in the conflict with Russia. In The Conflict in Ukraine, he highlights how historical memory and a ‘sovereign history’ shape Ukraine’s national identity and resistance to imperialism. Yekelchyk argues against reducing Ukraine’s struggle to ethnic strife, framing it instead as a fight over the country’s post-Soviet identity. He emphasizes the need to understand Ukraine’s history amid Russia's aggressive tactics and manipulation of historical narratives.

    In ‘The Road to Ukraine: How the West Lost its Way’, Frank Furedi argues that Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine exposes the West’s ‘historical amnesia’ and weakened grasp of historical continuity. Drawing on his own experiences as a Hungarian refugee after the 1956 Soviet invasion, Furedi contrasts the West’s detached view of history with Russia’s use of historical narratives, which Putin leverages to justify territorial claims over Ukraine. Furedi critiques globalization and "presentism" as forces eroding Western cultural cohesion, weakening national identity, and reducing the West’s ability to address crises effectively.

    He argues that the EU’s "Year Zero" approach, which limits European history post-1945, ignores the deep historical forces underlying conflicts like Ukraine's. Furedi suggests that the West must reconnect with its historical and moral legacies, enhancing its strategic depth and unity to better handle global challenges. 

Chapter 1: The Revenge of History

"After the invasion of Ukraine, there can be no doubt that history cannot be left behind. ... In reality, history never went away, and the fantasy of a post-history world has been cruelly exposed by events in Ukraine." (p. 13)

    The first chapter of The Road to Ukraine, titled "The Revenge of History," argues that the West's tendency to disregard historical continuity has left it unprepared for the implications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Furedi critiques the Western notion of "historical amnesia," where elites view history as obsolete, believing conflicts like war are relegated to less developed regions. This perspective fostered complacency, assuming that Europe had transcended such crises due to economic and political integration.

    The chapter underscores the gap between Russia and the West in their engagement with history. Furedi discusses how Russian leaders, especially Vladimir Putin, utilize historical narratives to fuel nationalist sentiment, viewing Ukraine as intrinsically linked to Russia. This contrasts with the Western approach, which often dismisses national histories in favor of a cosmopolitan ideal. The EU's ‘Year Zero’ narrative is highlighted as an example, portraying European unity as emerging from the ashes of WWII, overlooking prior cultural legacies.

    Furedi emphasizes that this neglect of history has weakened the West’s strategic foresight, causing surprise at Russia’s actions. By recounting his own history as a Hungarian refugee following the 1956 Soviet invasion, he illustrates how lived memory contrasts with the West’s abstracted, ahistorical stance. He concludes that the conflict is not merely a geopolitical crisis but also a "collision of pasts," where the West’s historical disengagement stands in stark contrast to the deep-seated historical narratives driving Russian aggression.

Chapter 2: In Search of Legitimacy

"It was as if the end of the Cold War had robbed the West of any real meaning." (p. 22)

    Chapter 2 of The Road to Ukraine, titled "In Search of Legitimacy," delves into the West’s struggle for moral and cultural legitimacy after the Cold War. Furedi argues that, during the Cold War, the West's identity and moral authority were largely defined in opposition to the Soviet Union, which provided a "negative model" against which Western values could be framed as superior. The Cold War’s ideological clarity fostered a sense of unity and purpose, allowing Western societies to overlook internal issues of legitimacy and cohesion. However, with the Soviet Union's collapse, the West lost this unifying enemy, creating a void and leading to what Furedi calls a ‘crisis of meaning’.

    The chapter suggests that Western leaders mistakenly assumed that globalization and economic interdependence would render wars and nationalism obsolete. Figures like former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich admitted to initially believing that globalization would end territorial conflicts. However, as Furedi notes, this optimism ignored the enduring power of national identities and historical grievances. This ahistorical outlook, he argues, led to strategic miscalculations, such as the failure to anticipate or adequately address Russia's expansionist ambitions, which were rooted in historical narratives that the West had dismissed.

    Furedi then examines the European Union’s post-Cold War struggles, emphasizing how its focus on economic prosperity over cultural cohesion weakened its ability to form a shared sense of purpose. The EU’s founders had long relied on economic success as the basis for unity, but Furedi argues that this approach has proven insufficient, as economic forces alone cannot build the civic solidarity necessary for political integration. This lack of a value-based foundation, he suggests, leaves the EU vulnerable to internal fragmentation and cultural tensions.

    In essence, Furedi argues that the West’s post-Cold War legitimacy crisis stems from its failure to develop a positive, enduring sense of purpose in the absence of a clear ideological adversary. This chapter lays the groundwork for his critique of the West’s inability to respond effectively to contemporary crises, like the Ukraine conflict, due to this underlying "historical amnesia" and loss of moral authority.

Chapter 3: Ukraine and the Enduring Salience of Nationhood

"The war in Ukraine has called on us to reflect on the many discussions about globalism and nationalism, stability and conflict, and unity and borders." (p. 31)

    Chapter 3, "Ukraine and the Enduring Salience of Nationhood," of The Road to Ukraine by Frank Furedi, examines how national identity, particularly in Ukraine, remains a powerful, motivating force for citizens. Furedi argues that the conflict in Ukraine has challenged globalist assumptions that national attachments and borders are outdated. He posits that national identity, pride, and sovereignty are central to Ukrainian resistance, countering Western views that downplay the importance of nationhood in favor of universalist values like democracy alone.

    Furedi highlights that many in the West underestimated Ukrainians' willingness to defend their homeland, viewing patriotism as an outdated concept. Yet, as Ukrainians resist Russian aggression, their commitment underscores the strong, enduring ties to national identity. Furedi contrasts this with the cosmopolitan perspective, which often views nationalism as divisive or outdated. He notes that Western observers sometimes interpret Ukrainian resistance as a fight for democratic freedoms, rather than for sovereignty—a distinction that overlooks the cultural and historical bonds fueling Ukraine’s defense.

    The chapter also discusses the waning appeal of globalization, noting that current geopolitical crises—like the war in Ukraine—demonstrate the limitations of internationalism and the resurgence of the nation-state. Furedi argues that the conflict has exposed globalism’s ideological weaknesses, with many international institutions failing to address such crises effectively. He concludes that Ukrainian nationalism, rather than being solely civic, embodies a deep cultural and historical sentiment that drives people to fight for their nation's sovereignty.

Chapter 4: Presentism and the Loss of the Sense of the Past

"Presentism not only cuts off the present from the past, it also collapses the distinction between the present and the future." (p. 59)

    Chapter 4, titled "Presentism and the Loss of the Sense of the Past," critiques the Western phenomenon of ‘presentism’—a focus on the present that disregards or devalues historical context. Furedi argues that this mindset, rooted in the idea that rapid change makes the past irrelevant, has led to historical amnesia in Western societies. This attitude has shaped policies and cultural attitudes, especially after the Cold War, where a sense of historical continuity was weakened. According to Furedi, the belief in the "End of History" and reliance on globalist ideologies have contributed to this diminished engagement with historical memory.

    Furedi explores how Western institutions, especially in education and policy, promote a present-focused outlook, often resulting in distorted interpretations of the past. He discusses how this ‘Year Zero’ mentality, prominent in the EU and certain academic circles, encourages people to view history skeptically. In this climate, historical events are frequently evaluated through the lens of current values, leading to the anachronistic criticism of past figures based on modern standards of morality. This ‘cancellation’ of historical heroes, Furedi suggests, reflects a cultural shift away from valorizing duty, sacrifice, and national pride, which he sees as essential to understanding the motivations behind conflicts like that in Ukraine.

    In this chapter, Furedi warns that the detachment from history leaves Western nations strategically unprepared for conflicts grounded in historical grievances. He concludes that reviving historical consciousness is necessary for the West to develop a coherent response to ongoing global challenges, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Chapter 5: Ukraine – A Focus for Moral Redemption

"At a time when many Western societies have become culturally divided ... Ukraine has unexpectedly emerged as a cause that many believe can assist it in regaining moral clarity." (p. 79)

    Chapter 5 of The Road to Ukraine, titled "Ukraine – A Focus for Moral Redemption," discusses how the West has responded to Ukraine’s resistance as a potential path to regain moral clarity. Frank Furedi argues that Western elites, facing cultural and moral divisions, view Ukraine as a chance to reassert Western values and unity. Leaders and commentators, inspired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s courage, use his example as a call to revive qualities like heroism, patriotism, and selflessness that have diminished in contemporary Western culture. This widespread admiration for Ukraine reflects a desire among Western elites to rediscover moral conviction.

    However, Furedi criticizes this tendency, suggesting that the West’s portrayal of Ukraine’s struggle as a mirror for its own redemption risks reducing Ukraine’s plight to a tool for Western self-affirmation. He refers to this as ‘cultural narcissism’, where support for Ukraine may serve more as a vehicle for Western elites to rehabilitate their own moral standing than as genuine solidarity with Ukraine. He argues that by idealizing Ukraine's battle as a symbol of their own values, Western powers overlook Ukraine’s autonomy and specific needs.

    Furedi contends that this “moral disarmament” of the West, rooted in a lack of historical and cultural unity, weakens its ability to defend itself both militarily and morally. By framing Ukraine's resistance as a “war of values” beneficial to the West, he argues, the West risks substituting realpolitik with idealistic expectations detached from Ukraine’s unique circumstances and the broader geopolitical realities.

______________________________________________________________________

Chapter 6: Ukraine and the Myth of the Great Reset

"The Great Reset narrative risks simplifying the world’s challenges, disregarding the deep-rooted historical forces that defy an easy reboot." (p. 92)

    In Chapter 6, titled "Ukraine and the Myth of the Great Reset," Frank Furedi critiques the notion of the "Great Reset"—a concept popularized by World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab, who advocated for a reset of capitalism post-COVID-19. Furedi argues that Western leaders have seized on the Ukraine conflict to champion this idea as a new global order, framing the war as a paradigm shift that could redefine geopolitics. However, Furedi warns that this outlook is rooted in a fantasy that simplifies complex historical dynamics, promoting the belief that human society can be "reset" like a machine, which disregards the intractable nature of historical forces.

    Furedi discusses how Western politicians, including President Biden, portray this so-called Great Reset as a chance to renew Western moral authority and counter authoritarianism. However, Furedi points out the inconsistencies and limitations of this perspective. By viewing the conflict in Ukraine through the lens of cultural wars and Western ideological battles, the West risks subordinating Ukraine's struggles to its own agenda. This tendency, he argues, reflects a deeper issue of "geopolitical illiteracy" and "historical amnesia," where presentism and a narrow focus on immediate political gains overshadow a genuine understanding of Ukraine’s needs and the broader historical context.

    Ultimately, Furedi concludes that the framing of the Great Reset reflects an escapist desire within Western discourse to control global events without grappling with the long-term forces of history that are beyond any instant "reset" or New World Order. He argues that the West’s focus should shift from seeking to impose a global narrative to building genuine historical consciousness and respect for the complexities of nationhood and sovereignty that the Ukraine conflict has highlighted.

What Political Scientist Can Learn

    In conclusion, the book is a compelling critique of the West's disengagement from its historical roots, which Frank Furedi argues has left it unprepared for contemporary crises like the war in Ukraine. By comparing the West's presentist mindset with Russia’s use of historical narratives, Furedi highlights a critical gap in strategic depth and cultural cohesion. He warns that without reestablishing a meaningful connection to its past, the West risks further moral and political disorientation. To navigate modern geopolitical realities effectively, Furedi advocates for a ‘moral rearmament’ - a renewed historical awareness that can reinforce Western unity, inform prudent decision-making, and strengthen the West's response to future global challenges.

The Indian Way: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam  

    A significant takeaway for India from ‘The Road to Ukraine’ is the importance of maintaining a deep, historically grounded national identity to navigate modern geopolitical challenges effectively. Furedi’s analysis shows how ‘historical amnesia’ can weaken national unity, strategic depth, and the ability to respond to external threats. For India, a country with a rich, complex history and a diverse cultural fabric, embracing and integrating historical narratives could strengthen its internal cohesion and foster a stronger sense of sovereignty.

    Indian nationalism has helped India’s engagement with globalization more balanced with preserving its cultural values and identity, ensuring that its national interests are not side-lined by globalist pressures. By building a ‘historically conscious’ policy approach, India could draw from its own legacy to inform a more independent, principled stance on international matters, while also strengthening its ability to counter external influences and assert its sovereignty in the global arena.

The Takeaway for Modern International Political Analysts

    In Frank Furedi's "The Road to Ukraine," a critical exploration of contemporary political dynamics, several key takeaways emerge for modern political analysts and international researchers. One of the primary lessons is the need to reassess the notion of the "End of History," as posited by Francis Fukuyama, and the "End of Ideology" by Daniel Bell. These ideas suggest that ideological conflicts had been resolved with the triumph of liberal democracy, yet the ongoing conflict in Ukraine starkly illustrates that ideological battles are far from over. 

    Political analysts must recognize that history is not linear, leading to some utopian wonderland. Instead, they must realize that geopolitical tensions continue to shape global relations. On the contrary, liberals must learn from the Indic way to understand International politics and related conflicts. The Ukraine-Russia war highlights how national identities, historical grievances, and ideological assertions can fuel conflict, contradicting the narrative of a stable, ideological consensus in the post-Cold War era. Additionally, Furedi's work emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding present-day conflicts, encouraging analysts to delve deeper into the historical narratives that shape contemporary politics. 

    Moreover, the book showcases the significance of national narratives and the role they play in mobilizing populations during conflicts. Researchers should pay close attention to how historical memory influences political behavior and societal cohesion in the face of external threats. Ultimately, the lessons from ‘The Road to Ukraine’ urge analysts to adopt a more nuanced understanding of political ideologies, historical contexts, and their impact on international relations, as the world navigates through complex and often tumultuous political landscapes.

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