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Abstract
Ukraine's declaration of independence, the long‐sought‐after goal of Ukrainian nationalists, has not led to nationalist ascendancy in post‐Soviet Ukraine. This article examines the weaknesses of nationalist parties and groups and tries to account for this outcome. In addition to strategic mistakes by élites and the structure of Ukrainian society, it suggests that the nationalist discourse is unable to respond to the demands of most people in Ukraine and is associated with failed policies and leaders. It highlights how in key ways the Ukrainian experience has differed from that of other post‐communist ‘nationalizing’ states.