Ukrainian Elites: conflict between «kochubeizm» and «mazepynstvo» (attempt of philosophical and worldview analysis)

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of choosing the Ukrainian elites through the prism of the concepts of «Kochubeism» / «Mazepynstvo» in the historical retrospective and the prospect of the existence of an independent Ukrainian state. «Mazepynstvo» (after hetman Mazepa) in today's Ukrainian socio-humanitarian discourse refers to the movement for freedom for Ukraine, depriving the Ukrainian state of all forms of colonial and neo-colonial dependence. In philosophical terms, this problem is regarded as broadly as a matter of balance between Good and Evil for one's own Homeland and its people. The term «Kochubeism» (after colonel Kochubey) is used to describe the tendency to national betrayal and self-betrayal, servility, mental attitude to slavery and sedition to foreign rulers. «Kochubeism» was considered by Eugene Malaniuk as the worst manifestation of Little Russia, not Ukraine ideology. This ideology Malaniuk understood «always defeat, shame», loss, the inferiority of the individual and the nation as a whole. The conflict between ideological and philosophical attitudes of «Kochubeism» / «Mazepynstvo» is irreconcilable. However, working with the bearers of these ideas of «Kochubeism» can, under certain conditions, lead to a positive result for Ukraine. The author of the article concludes that not only Europeanisms but also Ukrainianism is necessary for decisive choice by the Ukrainian people in order to preserve Ukraine and to win the fight for their own freedom and independence.