Famine in the First Half of the 20th Century: Parallels between Kazakhstan and Ukraine

Abstract

The article comparatively examines the famine catastrophes in Kazakhstan (1930–1933) and Ukraine (1932–1933), considered as elements of a single transnational process of Soviet modernization. Through demographic analysis, archival sources and cultural interpretation, common mechanisms are revealed: collectivization, requisitions, violation of traditional ways of life, mass migration, destruction of identity. It is shown that famine acted as an instrument of ethno-political control and repression, covering not only the economy but also the spiritual sphere. The comparative approach demonstrates that these tragedies are part of the global history of political famines – projects of industrialization at any cost. As a result, a new understanding of famine as a strategic phenomenon of the 20th century is formed.