War and Modernization in Ukraine: A Comparative Study of Systemic Education Reforms

This analysis delves into the evolution of Ukraine’s education system by examining the period preceding and following the pivotal events of 2014 as marked by the Revolution of Dignity and Russia’s aggression. The study focuses on the intersection of political shifts and educational policies, specifically within the framework of the New Ukrainian School reform initiated in 2016. The pre-2014 era witnessed sporadic and ideologically incongruent reforms influenced by post-Soviet legacies, corruption, and financial crises. Shaped by war-induced challenges, the post-2014 landscape triggered a comprehensive transformation in education. The New Ukrainian School reform aimed at redefining educational goals by emphasizing student orientation and partnership pedagogy and by fostering patriotism. Noteworthy changes include the integration of military education and a shift toward the Ukrainian language as the primary medium of instruction, reflecting a broader sovereigntization process. The study also explores international collaborations in response to the war’s educational disruptions. Initiatives such as the All-Ukrainian Online School and Ukrainian Educational Hubs exemplify cooperative efforts with global partners to mitigate the impact of internal displacement and facilitate continued learning. Additionally, the analysis delves into the controversial aspects of the reform such as the extended learning cycle by reflecting the ideological entanglements related to EU integration and the language policy aimed at de-Russification. The latter, driven by the Donbass experience, serves as a defensive strategy against separatism, showcasing the role of language as both a weapon and tool for ideological prevention.