Ukraine : What Went Wrong and How to Fix It /

Ukraine is at a moment of existential crisis, and through his timely research, Åslund (senior fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics) examines how it got here, what went wrong, and what might be done in the future. Ukraine experienced a long, dysfunctional, costly post-communist transition, characterized by oligarchic corruption and political errors that left the nation in Russia's shadow. Åslund analyzes five historical periods and cleverly organizes the book into main two sections: "What Went Wrong" and "How to Fix It." This gives readers clear breakdowns of the patterns of corruption, the failures of the Yanukovych experience, and what needs to happen for Ukraine to emerge stable and democratic. Major political and economic reforms are prescribed, but the author believes the political system, especially rule of law, is the critical first step. Comparisons of Ukraine with other post-communist states is illuminating, showing how moving toward Europe, the UN, and the wider international community immediately after the dissolution of the Soviet Union made all the difference for success. Now Ukrainian hopes cling to a cease-fire and negotiations holding Russia in check. Scholars may disagree with some of Åslund's prescriptions, but all would agree that this book is timely, informative, and necessary. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduate, graduate, and research collections. --Anthony R. Brunello, Eckerd College