Back Today: Why we must look back to understand the world today
When I lived in Ukraine, I took it for granted that the world knew our story.
I assumed it was common knowledge that our roots go back to Kyivan Rus’, that our history is a centuries-long marathon for independence, and that icons like Kazymyr Malevych, Andy Warhol, Alexandra Exter, and Serge Lifar are inextricably linked to Ukraine.
Then, I moved to Canada - and I hit a wall of misconceptions. I realized that, for many, Ukraine was still a “blank spot” on the map, often viewed through the distorted lens of Russian narratives. However, I also saw something else: how deeply Canada and Ukraine are intertwined, and how vital the Ukrainian experience is for the survival of the West.
I created “Back Today” to bridge this gap.
My name is Lidiia. With over 20 years of experience in journalism (radio, TV, and disinformation tracking), I’ve learned that the present is just an echo of the past. Without an understanding of history, you’ll never make sense of the headlines.
On this Substack, we will explore:
The Global Frontline: Ukraine isn’t just fighting for territory; it’s defending the democratic values that North America is struggling to hold onto.
A Mutual Lens: How the Ukrainian and Canadian experiences influence each other: from historical ties to modern geopolitical synergy.
Beyond the Headlines: Analyzing today’s geopolitical shifts through the prism of deep history.
Decolonizing Culture: Reclaiming the artists, thinkers, and innovators whose Ukrainian identity was erased or rewritten by empire.
The world as we know it is changing. To see where we are going, we must first understand where we came from.
Join me on this journey. Let’s look back together so we can see today clearly.