The First Meeting of the Discussion Club “SKIF”: “Ukrainian History in the International Context”

31.3.2025

On March 27, the first meeting of the discussion club “SKIF” was held at the Educational and Research Institute of Social and Humanitarian Sciences.

The topic of the meeting – “Ukrainian History in an International Context” – brought together students, scholars, teachers and representatives of the academic community interested in a deeper understanding of the role of Ukrainian history in the global scientific space.

Students of various specialties and courses of the Educational and Research Institute of Social and Humanitarian Sciences, teachers of the Department of History and Archaeology, the Department of Sociology and Philosophy, as well as employees of the Luhansk Regional Museum of Local Lore joined the discussion. Such broad and interdisciplinary participation provided a comprehensive vision of the issues raised. The atmosphere of the event was lively and conducive to open dialogue: students willingly shared their thoughts, actively joined the discussion and reasoned their positions.

The participation of teachers and students who had experience of studying abroad or scientific work was especially valuable. Their observations confirmed that in the foreign academic community, knowledge about Ukraine often remains fragmentary, stereotypical, or superficial. This actualized the key thesis of the meeting: the study and understanding of Ukrainian history is primarily the task of Ukrainians themselves. After all, the history of Ukraine, as a science, is designed to respond, first of all, to Ukrainian national needs and shape our historical identity.

The discussion was based on the analysis of key scientific works, in particular, the article by M. von Hagen “Does Ukraine Have a History?”. The participants considered a number of important issues: from the influence of Soviet methodology on modern discourse to the prospects for positioning Ukrainian history in a global humanitarian context. Special attention was paid to the idea of ​​a national narrative, the relationship between academic analysis and state memory policy, as well as the role of the “Ukraine” brand in shaping the public image of the state abroad.

The participants came to a common conclusion: the active inclusion of Ukrainian history in the international scientific space requires not only the efforts of individual scientists, but also a purposeful state policy. Systematic support for research in the humanities, in particular history, is necessary, aimed at strengthening the presence of Ukrainian scientists in the global academic environment. This involves creating opportunities for participation in international conferences, publications in indexed publications, financing research projects and developing academic mobility. Only with comprehensive support will scientists be able to be full-fledged participants

Such events not only stimulate the development of critical thinking and analytical skills in young students, but also create conditions for professional growth and involvement in active scientific life. The discussion format allows young researchers to form their own position, practice scientific argumentation and become important participants in the academic community.

The first meeting of the SKIF discussion club was just the beginning. Ahead are even more topical topics, deep discussions, interdisciplinary and deep historical debates. The focus will remain on the most important issues related to modern humanitarian knowledge, historical memory, social transformations and the role of science in the face of global challenges. The SKIF Discussion Club invites students, teachers, researchers and all interested parties to join the following events.

According to the Educational and Research Institute
of Social and Humanitarian Sciences