Ukraine is one of the few countries in the Nations in Transit 2024 report by Freedom House that is making progress towards democracy, amidst a decline in democratic governance in the region for the past 20 years. The report highlighted that Ukraine is the only nation in the “hybrid regime” group that saw an improvement in its democratic governance ratings. This comes at a time when countries in the region are being forced to choose between aligning with Euro-Atlantic democracies or consolidated authoritarian regimes. The report also emphasized the impact of armed conflicts on geopolitics, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and Azerbaijan’s military actions in Nagorno-Karabakh, which have highlighted the consequences of autocracy’s expansion.
The stability of the democratic bloc is further complicated by political changes in the US that raise questions about its traditional role as a security guarantor in Europe. Freedom House stressed the need for democratic countries to build stronger transnational networks to counter the gains made by authoritarians over the past two decades. Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU have been met with approval, with European leaders agreeing to accession talks in December 2023. This move was seen as a recognition of Ukraine’s long-standing efforts to align itself with the EU, dating back to the EuroMaidan Revolution. The path to EU accession for Ukraine is expected to be paved with reforms that will bring the country closer to European standards.
The geopolitical implications of Ukraine’s alignment with Euro-Atlantic democracies are significant, as it marks a shift towards a more democratic bloc in the region. The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Nagorno-Karabakh have underscored the importance of democracy and the consequences of authoritarian rule. The polarization between democratic and authoritarian regimes presents challenges for countries like Ukraine, which are navigating their path towards democracy. The report by Freedom House has highlighted the need for solidarity and collaboration among democratic nations to counter the influence of authoritarian regimes.
The recognition of Ukraine’s progress towards democracy and its efforts to align with the EU signal a positive trajectory for the country. The reforms and changes needed to meet European standards will not only benefit Ukraine internally but also strengthen its ties with European partners. The geopolitical implications of Ukraine’s alignment with Euro-Atlantic democracies will have ripple effects in the region, potentially reshaping the balance of power. As Ukraine continues on its path towards EU accession, it represents a beacon of hope for democratic progress in a region that has seen a decline in democratic governance. By supporting independent journalism in Ukraine and joining the fight for democracy, individuals can contribute to the country’s continued progress and amplify its voice on the international stage.
