The transition from a “weak state” to a “powerful state”: Ukrainian case

Abstract

In this study, the authors consider differences in the definitions of "powerful" and "strong" states and prove that Ukraine, having left the ranks of weak states, has not yet acquired the status of a strong state, but has the signs of a powerful one. It is also noted that the conditions and terms of such a transit of the state and political system are unique. In the authors' opinion, three main requisites of the fast transit of Ukraine to the status of a powerful state have been substantiated: the presence of a strong political leader and a particular mentality of the Ukrainian people. The research by Guillermo O'Donneland Philip Schmitter with their idea of the resocialization of citizens, i.e., adoption and assimilation of new democratic values, norms, and behavior models by the population of the state as an essential factor in obtaining durability and democracy by the state, served as the methodological basis for choosing these categorical characteristics. Furthermore, therole of the "aggressive neighbor" factor in acquiring a new status by a political agent has also been substantiated.