Embracing Political Ethnography: The Impact of Identity Constructs in Response to Ukraine

This paper explores the impact of geopolitical conflict on identity construction by analyzing the evolution of discourse surrounding Ukrainian identity in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion and situating it within broader discussions surrounding refugees. Critical discourse analysis of Ukrainian and Russian media reveals how conflicting identities are framed, reflecting divergent national, political, and sociological worldviews (Ushchyna, 2022). Drawing on identity theory, this paper analyzes the construction and reconstruction of who qualifies as 'European'. It will explain the conceptualization as a response to geopolitical conflict and its resulting impact on the behavior of political actors. It will show how imperative it is to have a nuanced understanding of race, ethnicity, culture, and identity to provide essential context for a holistic understanding of the shifting nature of responses to geopolitical events.

Furthermore, this paper discusses the value of incorporating a bottom-up and 'from within' approach across various dimensions of geopolitics. Specifically, it highlights the significance of incorporating an ethnographic understanding of identity and advocating for a more reflexive approach that acknowledges diverse perspectives and knowledge systems. Additionally, it examines the potential for reshaping methodological approaches to capture the complexities of contemporary geopolitical landscapes better, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research methodologies.