Publication

This brief looks at the emergence of the ultra-nationalist 'Svoboda' party in Ukraine, it's anti-liberal program, and its place in Ukranian politics. The author argues that 'Svoboda' has become an important element of the Ukrainian political scene and that its success illustrates the growing demand in Ukraine for a new right-wing party with antidemocratic, xenophobic, pro-social and pro-family views. The party's activities have raised serious tensions between local authorities in Poland and Ukraine. However, according to the author, this will not affect bilateral relations at the state level as, in all likelihood, the current government will not allow Svoboda to influence Ukraine’s foreign policy.