This series of articles is aimed to offer an alternative analysis of the 2014 Maidan revolution in Ukraine. We’ll look through technologies of revolution making in a particular country and analyze roles of geopolitical stakeholders of the revolution in Ukraine. In the first article we’ll discuss first stage of Maidan revolution − a peaceful warm-up.
Have you heard about Gene Sharp? His 198 steps of ‘peaceful revolution’ were implemented in Thailand, Tibet, Serbia, during split of Soviet Union, Egypt, Syria and now Ukraine… According to Sharp, revolution must start peacefully. Demonstrators should sing songs, wear white ribbons, spread flowers. This way protesters gain sympathy among neutral people especially while media shows armed police standing against peaceful demonstrators. On this stage opposition needs to draw as much demonstrators on streets as possible.
Yet it is very hard to gather mob around some idea, but a wad of cash and a basket of cookies change the mood instantaneously.
We’ll add videos and illustrations to this article to give insight into our point of view and give the you a break from text (alas not a pleasant break, in most of cases). When videos are in Russian / Ukrainian, we’ll provide comments nearby.
Not sure what were the rates for protesters. Various internet sources mention a broad negotiation corridor (depending on candidate’s motivation, experience, status and degree of commitment).
Keeping several thousands of people on streets is indeed a costly effort.
Well organized. Can I get an event manager contact?
Some experts say that Maidan costs about 2$ billions daily. We’re not implying, that no ‘idealistic’ people went to the Maidan. But one has to understand that without huge cashflow Maidan wouldn’t be possible. If you believe, that these amounts of money had been collected as charity from students and regular people, then naïve is a right word for you. Let’s not forget: 306 EUR is the average salary in Ukraine. We think, that after Maidan it will be even less.
Bearing in mind the astronomical daily costs, we ask: who’ll pay the bill for Maidan? No surprise here.
Since Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the United States has supported Ukrainians as they build democratic skills and institutions, as they promote civic participation and good governance, all of which are preconditions for Ukraine to achieve its European aspirations. We’ve invested over $5 billion to assist Ukraine in these and other goals that will ensure a secure and prosperous and democratic Ukraine. Victoria Nuland. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. Washington, DC
US geopolitical interests in Ukraine are subject for broad discussion. But at this point we just want to witness that there are clear evidences that Maidan revolution was supported financially and morally from the Western funds and political leaders. Mainly through US structures.
In the next article we’ll focus on the second stage of Maidan revolution − violent riots.
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