Flash Points: The word that defines what it means to be Ukrainian

On “svidomy” and other words that explain the world. JULY 21, 2024  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](  |  [SUBSCRIBE](     VikaVita illustration for Foreign Policy How has an old-fashioned adjective come to signify Ukrainian identity after Russia’s invasion? What can a playful piece of Nigerian slang tell us about the country’s brain drain? And why is having “protocol” so important in today’s Ghana? We interpret these words and more in FP’s Decoder feature, which is based on the idea that language offers key insights into a particular country or culture. Read on for some of our favorite Decoders on terms that help explain global politics, from Nigeria to Ukraine.—Chloe Hadavas   [1]( [The Word That Defines What It Means to Be Ukrainian Now]( Svidomy, once used to locate people on the political spectrum, has come to signify wartime unity. By Oleksandra Povoroznyk   [2]( [The Secret to Getting What You Need in Ghana]( Special “protocol” treatment has become a way of life for the privileged few. By Anakwa Dwamena   [3]( [An Atrevida Is Best Avoided]( The Portuguese word that exposes the country’s lingering double standards on gender. By Kitty Greenwald   [4]( [The Word That Captures Nigerians’ Feelings About the Future]( “Japa” contains both the hope and the pain of wanting to leave one’s country behind for better opportunities. By Ugonna-Ora Owoh   [5]( [Wartime Russians Fall Back on an Ancient Survival Strategy]( Conformism and acquiescence have a long tradition in a culture of chaos and repression. By Alexey Kovalev [Learn How Indo-Pacific Middle Powers’ Cooperative Nonalignment is Shaping Risks and Opportunities in the Region in FP Analytics’ New Power Map]( In the face of intensifying Great Power competition from China and the U.S., the middle powers of the Indo-Pacific are making strategic economic, security, and environmental moves that resist either country’s efforts to achieve regional dominance. Explore the region’s vibrant and volatile dynamics in [FP Analytics’ new Power Map](.   [Summer 2024 Issue]( What does the future of European security and alliances look like? Nine thinkers discuss the continent's future without America's embrace. Read their takes in the newly-released print issue. [EXPLORE THE ISSUE](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Flash Points newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Interested in partnering with FP on events, podcasts, or research? [Explore FP Solutions](. [Foreign Policy]( is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2024 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.