The Ukrainian-Polish conflict of 1943 in Volhynia: analysis using the methodology of genocide studies
On the problem of Ukrainian-Polish relations during the Second World War
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15407/uhj2019.06.004Keywords:
genocide studies, Ukrainian-Polish conflict, Volyn, World War II.Abstract
Abstract. The research goal. To assess the Ukrainian-Polish conflict during World War II, in particular the events of 1943 in Volyn, according to the Genocide Studies methodology. The research methodology relies on the general scientific methods of analysis, comparison, and generalization. Comparative-historical, structural, and systemic functional methods of research have been used, as well. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the Ukrainian-Polish conflict of 1943 in Volyn has been analyzed from the perspective of how these events meet the typological characteristicsof genocidal acts: the structure of the phenomenon; the interdependence and the dynamics of development of its elements; the specific aspects manifested at the certain stages of genocide preparation and commitment. Conclusions. It is impossible to commit genocide without a lengthy period of preparation or without using specific social mechanisms that do not appear by themselves, but are the result of purposeful activities of the government machinery. The Ukrainian nationalist movement never had a well-defined anti-Polish ideology that would enforce the concept of Ukrainian domination and socio-cultural marginalization of the Polish people that would be, in its turn, an ultimate reason for the organization and propaganda justification of the genocidal acts. The Ukrainian side never took any actions that could be qualified as the preparation for the genocide (encouragement for social exclusion and discrimination of the Polish people that would make them less resistant; propaganda dehumanization and discrediting of the Poles living in Volyn; consistent shaping of the enemy image etc). The Ukrainian nationalists never tried to develop social mechanisms that could make the Poles living in Volyn more vulnerable and helpless or to shut them out of society and marginalize them. In 1943, the Ukrainian insurgents in Volyn had neither resources nor military potential to organize a systematic, wellcoordinated, and lengthy campaign of genocidal acts against the Polish people living in the region. During World War II, the Ukrainian side neither effectively controlled the Volyn territories nor claimed the monopoly on violence. It should be emphasized that during that time mass violence in Volyn was not one-sided. Therefore, there are no reasons to assess the anti-Polish acts of the Ukrainian guerrilla movement in Volyn in 1943 as a pre-planned and organized genocide.
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