Civil Resistance in Ukraine: Exploring the Dynamics and Impacts of Social Emancipation Forces to Counter the 2022 Russian Invasion

Abstract

This essay examines the role of nonviolent civil resistance in Ukraine during the 2022 Russian invasion. Drawing from the notions of nonviolence strategy, resilience and people’s power, it illustrates how nonviolence can undermine an aggressor’s military and political objectives while strengthening the social emancipation forces. The essay is based on the analysis of 235 varied nonviolent actions from February to June 2022, seeking to understand key drivers, dynamics, and their influence in the Ukrainian context. It also emphasizes the impact of non-cooperation in occupied territories to prevent the institutionalization of repression and the importance of culture in safeguarding the value system of Ukrainians. The paper concludes that nonviolent strategies have significantly impeded Russian military objectives during the first phase of the invasion, contributing to the liberation of Kherson and strengthening Ukrainian social cohesion and national identity, thus contributing to the democratic state- and nation-building process.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 For more information access the interactive database: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/11006568/?utm_source=embed&utm_campaign=visualisation/11006568

2 For more information see: www.5am.in.ua/en and www.t4pua.org/en/stats

3 See: www.limu.org.ua/en) and www.dignityspace.org

4 See: https://suspilne.media/244489-u-troh-selah-geniceskogo-rajonu-vsi-vciteli-vidmovilis-pracuvati-za-rosijskou-programou-sergij-danilov/.

5 See: https://sprotyv.mod.gov.ua/en/who-are-we/.

6 See the video produced by the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3t41pv5uHc.

7 See: https://ti-ukraine.org/en/news/ukrainians-fear-corruption-in-future-reconstruction-more-than-war-sociological-survey/.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Felip Daza

Felip Daza is a professor affiliated with the Paris School of International Affairs at Sciences Po Paris and the Open University of Catalonia, centers his research on the dynamics of civil resistance and nonviolent action, the concepts of human security and resilience, and the intricate relationship between human rights and business. Of particular interest to Daza is the privatization of warfare, examining its interplay with cybersecurity and the extractive industry. Additionally, he serves as the research director at the Observatory within the Human Rights and Business Observatory in the Mediterranean region. His commitment to the practical application of strategic nonviolence action extends to his role as a member of the board of the International Institute for Nonviolence (Novact), where he has provided consultancy services to International NGOs, social movements and Human Rights Defenders across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus. E-mail: [email protected]