A Discussion on Whether Change is Driven by the Leadership or by the Masses

Change can be brought on in many ways. The capacity to cause change is affected by many different variables, including the power held by the body that is trying to cause change. In the case of the recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine, it is the masses who hold the power to cause change, mostly because the government systems of the both of the countries allow this, especially Ukraine – where most of this change is taking place (Motyl 110). Ultimately, it is the government (the leaders) who employ the change so that it is made official, but it is the people who put pressure on their government and have driven the change to come to pass.

Last November, Viktor Yanukovych, the (former) president of Ukraine made a political move in which he went back on an agreement with the European Union. He and his cabinet abandoned this agreement for closer trade ties with Europe and instead sought a closer relationship with Russia.

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It is true that in this instance it is Yanukovych - a leader - who is driving the change, however it is the events that followed this decision that really made an impact. Yanukovych's actions resulted in a great retaliation from many Ukrainians. Many Ukrainians, especially in the west, are engaged in more European/western cultural and social constructs; they are not fond of Russian government or culture. These Ukrainians began to protest and riot. There was a long legal battle that took place, and there were many riots, but eventually the protesters caused Yanukovych to be removed from office, and they got what they wanted (Alexandrova 150).

From this event, it is clear that the authorities have the power to make changes to or create policy, but if the civilians are unhappy with the leadership they are able to come together and stop or change what the government is doing. However, not all Ukrainians are supportive of Westernized ideals. Those in Crimea were for the most part in favor of Yanukovych's decision to build closer ties with Russia, and they are generally more supportive of Russian culture. This social construct is reflected in the government, as Crimea - while still technically a part of Ukraine - is an autonomous republic and is rather separated from the rest of Ukraine.

Over the past few months, the question of whether Crimea will remain a part of Ukraine or not has been very prevalent. In mid-March, a general election was held to determine Crimea's future actions, and 97% of the population of Crimea voted to secede. (WXYZ.com) In this case, it was (almost) the entire population which influenced Crimea's government's decision to secede. Leaders do not drive change, but are often appointed to carry out the will of the masses and put the change into action. Leaders can, however, cause instantaneous change to occur (as did Yanukovych with his trade abandonment), but if the masses do not support the leaders in their decisions, retaliation will occur, and a more long-term change will be established.

References

• Dimitrova, Antoaneta L. "Northern Dimension Policies as Vehicles for Change and Europeanization: The Cases of the Baltic Sea Region and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council." Perspectives on European Politics and Society 9.2 (2008): 213-232.
• Alexandrova, Ekaterina. "The Wider Europe Concept: Impact on Russia's Relations with its Post-Soviet Neighbors." The Harriman Review 12.4 (1999): 50-61.