---

The notion of identity in general and European identity in particular, has become a topic of widespread interest, both among scholars and among wider public. This interest can be explained by the fact that identity is seen as a significant component for the construction of a common European culture. However, considerations of European identity have been focused almost exclusively on the EU, which does not represent all states which define themselves as European . As the EU moves further east, it conceptually reconstructs its collective identity against the new neighbors. The idea of European identity very much derives its meaning from demarcation from an Other . The purpose of this work is to explore otherness of Ukraine and the reasons behind its difference from the rest of Europe. The book should also help shed some light on the subject of the European identity construction. It should be especially useful for students and scholars of the International Relations departments, or anyone else who takes interest in the issues of European identity, Ukrainian identity, and the future of the EU-Ukraine relations.

---

Oleksandr Olesnevych holds MS in Management from New York University and MA in International Conflict Analysis from University of Kent. His research interests include comparative European politics, collective identity formation, and national identities in Russia and Ukraine. Currently he is in management position.

---