Ukraine is divided by linguistic and regional cleavages, which manifest$\backslash$nthemselves in$\backslash$n$\backslash$nregional polarization in national elections. These divisions have$\backslash$nled to constant$\backslash$n$\backslash$nquestioning of the viability of the Ukrainian state, and predictions$\backslash$nof violence and$\backslash$n$\backslash$ncivil war. Yet secessionist movements have made few inroads, and violence$\backslash$nhas$\backslash$n$\backslash$nbeen non-existent. The state has survived, and this may hold lessons$\backslash$nfor other cases.$\backslash$n$\backslash$nBecause the äóÖminority' group in Ukraine is actually quite large, it$\backslash$nhas immense$\backslash$n$\backslash$ninfluence in the state without resort to regional autonomy or secession.$\backslash$nIn keeping$\backslash$n$\backslash$nwith classical liberal theory, the balance of power between Ukraine's$\backslash$nregions and$\backslash$n$\backslash$nethnic groups has ensured that neither side dominates. This does not$\backslash$nmake for rapid$\backslash$n$\backslash$nreform, but it has created a stable state.