Lessons from Post-Conflict Nation Building Applicable to Ukraine's Post-War Reconstruction

All wars come to an end. When the war with Russia ends, Ukraine will begin the long process of reconstruction. European Union (EU) accession, a central aspiration for the people of Ukraine, is increasingly considered to be vital for the country’s long term financial, political, and geopolitical stability. Ukraine must meet seven criteria outlined by the EU to qualify for accession. This Capstone project explored two of these criteria in depth: 1) anti-corruption; 2) anti-oligarch. 

The Capstone team examined how corruption and oligarchy have a parasitic relationship within Ukraine. The state’s capacity to function for the benefit of the majority is undermined, which simultaneously erodes public trust in state institutions, weakening the state further. Ukraine has made progress in tackling this, however, many problems remain. This report puts forward seven concrete, actionable recommendations to guide Ukraine’s anti-corruption and anti-oligarchy efforts in line with the criteria set forward by the EU and explores how Ukraine’s allies can help in these efforts. Ultimately, Ukraine's effective reconstruction post-conflict, as well as its aspiration for membership of the EU hinges on combating corruption and oligarchy for the benefit of all Ukrainians.