Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Social Sciences - Berlin Graduate School of Social Science

Cohort

BGSS Generation 2025

Title

Demining Democracy: Ukraine's political challenges in wartime

Supervisor

Prof. Dr. Gwendolyn Sasse, Einstein-Professur für Vergleichende Demokratie- und Autoritarismusforschung

Abstract

This PhD project explores the impact of Russia's full-scale invasion on democracy in Ukraine. The objective of the project is to analyse the possibility that emergency wartime measures could become permanent and lead to democratic backsliding. Despite the restrictions imposed, public support for democracy remains strong in Ukraine, though trust in democratic institutions is fragile. Combining theories of democratic backsliding, wartime democracy, and social constructivism, the project investigates institutional changes and shifting public perceptions of democracy. Utilising discourse analysis, in-depth interviews, and survey data, it provides insights into the functionality of democracy during wartime, as opposed to the aftermath, thereby contributing to the ongoing academic debate about whether war ultimately helps or undermines democracy.

Institution

KIU Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) - Berlin

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