Ukraine's 1991 referendum on independence inaugurated a new era of free elections and the right to protest the results when they weren't. However, civic life - the boring part of democracy has failed to take root much less bear fruit in Ukraine. Robust civic life improves the quality of oversight a population can exercise on election day. The overly centralized Ukrainian state constricted the growth of civic life and its beneficial side effects. Consequently corruption and poor governance spread with minimal opposition. The Revolution of Dignity reacted to this failure and launched decentralization to introduce responsiveness and dynamism to the relationship between the state and citizenry. Four years since decentralization began, the questions remain - what effect has the restructuring had and will the effect last? Please join me for a discussion in which I try to answer these questions.
Speaker - Will Davis
Will Davis is a Fulbright Public Policy Fellow. For the past ten months, Will has been stationed in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration as a Special Assistant. Will's professional background includes work in the U.S. government, U.S. political campaigns, and in political advocacy. During his time in Ukraine, Will has traveled throughout the country to better understand the nation and the reform process.
**Will Davis's views are his own and do not represent the views of the U.S. Government or Ukrainian Government.**
Remember to bring your passport or driver's license.