Acta Securitatae Volynienses

NATIONAL RESILIENCE UNDER HYBRID THREATS: COGNITIVE DIMENSION, BRANDING, AND DEFENSE POTENTIAL

2025-07-31T10:40:29+03:00

A comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of national resilience under hybrid threats has been carried out, particularly in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The study focuses on the three-pillar concept of national resilience: the cognitive dimension, strategic state branding, and an expanded understanding of defense potential. It is emphasized that modern threats are multidimensional and include military, informational, political, economic, and cultural spheres, which determines the need for an integrated approach to strengthening national resilience.The cognitive dimension of resilience is considered as the ability of society to resist information and psychological attacks by developing critical thinking, media literacy, reflexive understanding of information flows, and creating semantic autonomy. Ukrainian experience in strengthening cognitive resilience has been analyzed. The role of strategic branding as a tool for constructing a common semantic framework and consolidating society around the values of freedom, dignity, and democratic development has been highlighted. The campaign «Ukraine NOW» is analyzed as an example of successful integration of external image-building and internal cognitive mobilization, combining authentic narratives of Ukrainian identity with international communication. The importance of such factors as brand authenticity, multi-level communication with different audiences, and inclusiveness of the national image creation process is underlined.The third important aspect of the research is the expanded understanding of defense potential. It is shown that under hybrid war conditions, defense potential includes not only military capabilities but also information security, moral and psychological resilience of the population, and maintaining the continuous functioning of critical infrastructure. It is emphasized that cognitive mobilization of citizens – through the development of critical thinking, rooting national identity, and consolidating around democratic values – is one of the key factors in strengthening the state's defense potential.It is concluded that only an integrated approach, which synergizes the cognitive dimension, strategic branding, and the expanded concept of defense potential, enables Ukraine to resist hybrid threats, strengthen political subjectivity, and build a foundation for sustainable democratic development. Special attention is drawn to the fact that successful national resilience is impossible without the participation of civil society, support for independent media, flexible state communication policy, and systematic efforts to develop critical thinking skills among the general population. The Ukrainian experience of war and resistance to hybrid threats shows the importance of combining cognitive resilience, symbolic branding policies, and the development of comprehensive defense potential as key conditions for the survival and development of the state in the new security environment.

DIRECTIONS FOR IMPROVING POLICY IN THE SPHERE OF PROTECTION OF THE STATE BORDER OF UKRAINE

2025-07-31T10:47:33+03:00

The protection of state borders is a key element in ensuring national sovereignty and security. Recent global changes in political, economic, and military contexts have increased the necessity of improving border security mechanisms. This issue is especially relevant for Ukraine, particularly after the declaration of independence, as the country constantly faces external threats. Modern challenges – including military conflicts, transnational crime, and technological threats – require an integrated approach to border management. This includes optimizing control procedures, combating cross-border crime, and fostering active international cooperation.The paper examines the development of Ukraine’s border protection system, particularly emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing both traditional and emerging threats. Special attention is given to the modernization of border infrastructure, the implementation of advanced technologies, and the improvement of risk assessment systems. These measures aim to enhance the effectiveness of border control and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, terrorism, and human trafficking. The research also outlines the strategic priorities of reforming Ukraine’s state border protection system, including the integration of European security standards and improved interagency coordination. Integrating international best practices in border management is essential for effectively responding to new threats, especially in the areas of cybersecurity, illegal migration, and potential border conflicts.Another important aspect is the development of legal frameworks and strategies aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s border protection in accordance with international law. Adopting European standards and coordinating the actions of various agencies involved in border protection are necessary steps toward building a sustainable and effective security system.In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the importance of ongoing reforms, the adoption of innovative technologies, and active participation of international partners in building a reliable and adaptive system for protecting state borders. Ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the border protection system requires significant efforts at the national level, as well as close cooperation with international partners to maintain Ukraine’s security and sovereignty amid a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

SECURITY COMPONENT IN MODERN GEOPOLITICAL CONCEPTS

2025-07-31T10:51:31+03:00

The article examines the security component as a key element of modern geopolitical concepts. A number of geopolitical approaches are analyzed and the security component in these concepts is identified, which is often focused on the interests of superpowers, while smaller states, in particular Ukraine, today find themselves in the role of geopolitical objects, not subjects. In particular, the authors used a comparative method to study models of the formation of the world order based on the concept of neo-Eurasianism. The authors found that for Ukraine, the neo-Eurasian ideology poses a direct threat to national sovereignty, security, and the European course of development, as it justifies expansionism and border revision, which creates long-term risks for the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The need to update Ukraine's geopolitical strategy in the context of the ongoing war with Russia is also emphasized. The authors argue that it is important for Ukraine to take into account the potential challenges associated with the decline and disintegration of existing alliances, the growth of nationalism in the European region, and the need for strong international mechanisms of collective security. At the same time, the researchers emphasize the importance of forming Ukraine's own security-oriented geopolitical strategy, and also outline the prospects for further research in the direction of predicting transformations in the global security environment and Ukraine's role in this process.

INTEGRATION OF DIPLOMATIC INSTRUMENTS INTO THE ARCHITECTONICS OF UKRAINE’S DEFENSE POTENTIAL

2025-07-31T10:58:32+03:00

The Russo-Ukrainian war has become a powerful trigger for the rethinking of strategic priorities in the realm of national security and defense, thereby highlighting the need for a multidimensional approach to analyzing Ukraine’s defense potential. This article explores the complex nature of defense potential as an integrated system encompassing not only strictly military resources but also political, economic, social, informational, and spiritual components.Particular attention is devoted to diplomacy as a tool of preventive deterrence, coalition-building, advancement of national interests, and the creation of a favorable foreign policy environment. The author argues that under wartime conditions, diplomacy is transformed from a traditional instrument of foreign policy into one of the foundational structural elements of the national defense potential. Case studies of Ukraine’s diplomatic activity in the years 2022–2024 illustrate its capacity to mobilize international support, conclude strategic agreements, and attract vital resources, thereby strengthening the country’s defense capabilities. Special emphasis is placed on the role of diplomacy within the contemporary informational and hybrid environment, where national interests are pursued under conditions of a blurred boundary between domestic and foreign policy. The article substantiates that effective diplomacy ensures the state’s resilience not only against military threats, but also in the face of political and economic challenges, serving as a key prerequisite for achieving strategic goals in the sphere of national security. The necessity of institutionalizing cooperation between diplomatic entities and the security and defense sector is underlined as a critical factor for shaping defense policy in the context of a protracted conflict. The author proposes a conceptual model for incorporating diplomacy into the defense potential as a functional component that facilitates the integration of efforts at both national and international levels. The article contributes to the development of scholarly discourse on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of defense capacity amid hybrid threats.

CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES AND TOOLS FOR IMPLEMENTING GENDER EQUALITY IN THE SECURITY AND DEFENSE SECTOR OF UKRAINE

2025-07-31T11:02:52+03:00

The article explores conceptual approaches and tools for implementing gender equality in Ukraine’s security and defense sector. The relevance of the topic is substantiated by changes in personnel composition, namely the growing number of women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the need to reform security and defense institutions in line with modern EU and NATO standards and requirements. The study analyzes the main approaches to gender integration, in particular the concepts of gender mainstreaming and empowerment, along with key regulatory documents governing gender equality in Ukraine. Special attention is given to practical tools such as gender statistics, gender audits, and gender impact assessments. The article emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive and systematic approach, as the isolated application of individual tools cannot provide a full understanding of trends and dynamics within the sector.

THE CURRENT ROLE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CIVIL ENVIRONMENT IN THE SYSTEM OF CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION

2025-07-31T11:07:32+03:00

The article is devoted to the study of the formation and development of the system of civil-military cooperation (CMC) in Ukraine in the current historical conditions, its place and role in the national security system, and the specifics of the tasks and functions of the national CMC system.The author analyses the historical background of the creation, formation and development of civil-military cooperation in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the purpose and functions of the CMC units during the anti-terrorist operation and the Joint Forces Operation in the areas of repulsing armed aggression against our country, and in the course of repulsing the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine under the legal regime of martial law. The author describes the new tasks of the units of civil-military cooperation of military formations that have emerged in modern conditions and predicts the challenges that the system of civil-military cooperation will face in the period of reconstruction of the country.It is proved that the existing regulatory and organizational support of the processes of civil-military interaction creates a predominant direction for the implementation of the military component of civil-military cooperation. Instead, conservation of life, protection of civilians, infrastructure for the international community is a key element in the course of fighting, armed conflicts.In order to improve the functioning of the system of civil-military cooperation, both in matters of solving the problems of military operation and support of the civil environment, it is proposed to involve in such processes on a systematic basis representatives of the civil environment. In particular, it is advisable to provide for military and civilian administrations in the respective crisis regions staff of employees on civil-military cooperation, as well as to use the initiative and commitment to such issues of representatives of volunteer and other non-state structures.

СATEGORICAL PROPERTIES OF BRANDING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

2025-07-31T11:23:29+03:00

The article deals with the study of the categorical properties of political branding as a phenomenon of the modern political process, which is increasingly subject to market laws. Political actors are forced to create stable associations in the minds of voters using branding tools. The article considers political branding as a strategic tool aimed at forming a stable and recognisable image of a political actor in the public consciousness. The effective use of branding technologies allows to form an emotional and conscious connection with the electorate, which plays an important role in the struggle for the trust and support of voters.The purpose of the article is to analyse and define the categorical properties of branding in political science. The analysis of categorical characteristics allowed to identify the key aspects of political branding, in particular authenticity, emotional impact, sustainability in the public consciousness and flexibility in relation to changes in the socio-political context. Particular attention is paid to the impact of branding strategies on the political identity of voters and their electoral behaviour. It is proved that an effective political brand not only ensures the support of citizens, but also contributes to the formation of sustainable audience loyalty.The author also considers the aspects of risks associated with the use of political branding. It is emphasised that excessive commercialisation of the political process and manipulative technologies can lead to simplification of political discourse, replacement of content with symbolic images, and a decrease in the level of trust in political institutions. Political branding can increase the polarisation of society, reducing the effectiveness of public dialogue. In this regard, the author emphasises the need to adhere to the principles of ethical political branding, which implies that the declared ideas should be consistent with the actual actions of political actors.

DEFENSE POLICY AND POLITICAL TRANSFORMATIONS: WAYS TO RENEW ELITES AFTER THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

2025-07-31T11:11:58+03:00

The article examines the transformations of Ukraine's political elites during post-war recovery following the Russo-Ukrainian war. It focuses on the interconnection between defense policy, national security, and processes of renewal in power structures. The author analyzes key factors influencing the formation of new elites, particularly the role of military personnel, international support, challenges of de-oligarchization, and integration into European structures.The study emphasizes that when considering prospects for post-war elite renewal in Ukraine, both internal and external factors must be accounted for, particularly the nation's defense potential and its capacity to counter new threats. Ukraine's geopolitical position and its influence on global politics and international partnerships must be thoroughly considered. Primarily, international partners can provide expert support and fund leadership training programs.The article highlights that in prolonged war situations, a distinct military elite often emerges, which may either assume power or significantly influence politics postwar. This military elite phenomenon is characteristic of nations where armed forces prove decisive for victory.The research asserts that war and its aftermath create a unique context for political landscape transformation, particularly in defense potential and national security domains. Postwar requirements include infrastructure reconstruction, political elite renewal, and government institution reforms – all directly impacting national defense capability. Defense policy proves crucial for ensuring stability and protection against external threats.The author concludes that the postwar period demands profound political system changes, including de-oligarchization, anti-corruption measures, and transparent governance mechanisms. These steps will strengthen defense potential and public trust in government. Civil society, international support, and modernization of state institutions play pivotal roles in this process.

ACTIVATION OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY COMPONENT IN THE FUNCTIONING OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES OF UKRAINE UNDER MARTIAL LAW

2025-07-31T11:28:47+03:00

State policy on national security issues is ensured by pursuing a balanced policy in accordance with doctrines, concepts, strategies and programs adopted in the established manner in the political, economic, social, military, environmental, scientific and technological, information and other spheres. Specific means and attempts to ensure national security are selected in accordance with the nature and scale of threats to national interests. Local state administrations and local self-government bodies ensure the resolution of issues in the sphere of national security that, in accordance with the law, fall within their competence. State authorities and local self-government bodies elected by citizens of Ukraine through their participation in elections, referendums or other forms of democracy implement national interests, voluntarily and in the order of fulfilling constitutional obligations implement measures determined by the legislation of Ukraine to ensure its national security. Local self-government bodies as subjects of ensuring national security of Ukraine are involved in the process of regulating challenges and threats that are relevant at the present time, to ensure the functioning of the state, its sovereignty and territorial integrity. ational security issues are currently at the center of attention in most civilized democratic countries. Local governments operate together with military administrations created by the President of Ukraine under martial law to ensure the operation of the Constitution and laws of Ukraine.

MODERN MODIFICATIONS OF REGIONALISM

2025-07-31T11:32:44+03:00

The article examines the latest practices of regionalization that fall within the scope of neoregionalism. The study is based on a comprehensive approach to understanding the nature of neoregionalism as a complex set of interactions at the level between the regional and global. It is concluded that the development of neoregional practices entails important structural and substantive consequences for the system of international relations. It is emphasized that the essence of interregionalism/interregionalism and transregionalism is formed by a set of objective and subjective factors that depend on the general trends of the world political process. Transregionalism is made possible by the experience of democratization, the potential for spatial differentiation, and the prospects for the decline of American-centrism and the formation of a multipolar world. The deepening of globalization in terms of increasing the transparency of national borders has provided opportunities for intensive interaction between state and non-state actors from different continents, which has created an environment of transnational relations and recreated the basis for the formation of transregional associations.Current practices of neoregionalism, which manifest themselves in the emergence of certain modifications of regionalism, contribute to the formation of relatively stable functional macro-regions in the modern world, which involves the interaction of regional associations, individual states from different geographical regions, and non-state actors. Traditional interregional interaction was based on the institutionalization of relations through agreements between states of different international regions, which focused on the possibilities of obtaining economic benefits from the established cooperation. Neo-regionalism practices focus on the desire to take into account the presence and involvement of different types of international actors and to establish cooperation in order to obtain a consolidated position with joint achievement of goals and realization of interests on the widest possible range of issues.

ONLINE DEMOCRACY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DIGITAL STATE

2025-07-31T11:37:33+03:00

This article analyzes the transformation of citizens’ political participation in the era of digitalization of public governance. It examines the phenomenon of the digital state as a new form of functioning democratic institutions, which is grounded in the active use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to ensure transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in decision-making processes. The study focuses on the concepts of e-governance and digital democracy as integral elements of modern democratic systems, as well as their influence on mechanisms of political participation. The methodological foundation of the article is an interdisciplinary approach that combines political theory, analysis of digital practices, empirical data, and a comparative analysis of e-participation models across various countries. The study highlights key digital participation tools, including electronic voting (e-voting), online petitions, electronic consultations, participatory budgeting, and the use of social media for civic mobilization. A comparative analysis of digital democracy practices is conducted, which allows for identifying unique approaches and the effectiveness of implementing e-participation under different political and administrative-technical conditions. Special attention is given to identifying risks and challenges associated with the digitalization of democracy. It is argued that sustainable development of digital democracy requires a joint effort that integrates technological innovation, legal regulation, and the enhancement of citizens’ digital culture. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive rethinking of the role of the citizen within the digital state, based on ethical, inclusive, and legal foundations. Further research should focus on empirically assessing the effectiveness of digital participation tools and evaluating the impact of digitalization on political awareness and citizen engagement.

POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS AS THE FOUNDATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL CHALLENGES

2025-07-31T11:46:32+03:00

The article analyses the role of political institutions in ensuring the economic security of the state in the context of globalisation. It analyses the mechanisms through which political institutions influence economic stability by ensuring legal regulation, supporting democratic principles, the rule of law and effective response to economic crises.The article examines the classification of political institutions according to functional, organisational, territorial and historical criteria. It highlights the main functions of political institutions in creating a favourable investment climate and maintaining stable economic relations, which contributes to ensuring the economic stability of the state.It has been proven that effective political institutions are key factors in the adaptation of the national economy to internal and external economic challenges. The article assesses the ability of political institutions to respond quickly to economic shocks, including global financial crises, trade wars and sanctions.It concludes that the institutional quality of state bodies is critically important for ensuring economic security. It emphasises that the transparency, accountability and democratic nature of political institutions ensure stability and promote long-term economic growth, while centralised authoritarian institutions can only be effective in the short term.The key characteristics of political institutions that influence their ability to ensure economic security are identified: effective resource management, protection of property rights, curbing corruption, supporting social stability, and creating conditions for the development of international trade.It has been determined that political institutions must be flexible and adaptable to changes in the external environment in order to effectively manage economic processes. Directions for further research on the relationship between political institutions and economic security, taking into account different political regimes, have been proposed.

MODERN MANIPULATION TECHNOLOGIES INFLUENCE PUBLIC OPINION

2025-07-31T11:56:28+03:00

In the era of informational confrontation and the development of the information society, the study of manipulative influence technologies on public opinion holds a prominent place in the academic research of political scientists, sociologists, psychologists, journalists, and specialists in information security and digital technologies. Verbal and non-verbal techniques of influencing human consciousness and the subconscious have been studied for the past one and a half centuries. However, the consequences of these communicative processes remain insufficiently explored and thus require thorough theoretical and practical analysis – a necessity that becomes increasingly urgent amid the growing use of manipulative techniques in both traditional mass media and social networks. The issue of the role and significance of informational influence exerted by the media in shaping public opinion remains a constant focus of both Ukrainian and international scholars. Mass media are increasingly shifting away from the task of informing audiences and are instead broadcasting the views of politicians, state officials, representatives of civic organizations, or the opposition to the broader public – effectively transforming information dissemination into manipulation.In the context of ongoing informational confrontation, monitoring media content for manipulative materials allows researchers to assess the degree of influence on citizens' consciousness. Each year, the analysis of technologies used to influence public opinion becomes more advanced and accessible, and thus is recognized as one of the strategic priorities of the internal information policy of most countries worldwide, including Ukraine.By employing both empirical and theoretical methods, the authors not only described and analyzed the most widespread techniques of influencing public opinion but also established that such influence is exercised based on a hierarchical model. The use of manipulative technologies entails not only shaping attitudes toward specific ideas, events, or individuals in particular contexts, but also influencing value systems and belief structures. These technologies are applied not only to discredit socio-political institutions, but also to maintain internal order within the state.

THE IMPACT OF MAN-MADE DISASTERS DURING THE ARMED RUSSIAN AGGRESSION ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE

2025-08-11T14:11:21+03:00

In this article, the authors highlights one of the most pressing problems of our time – the impact of man-made disasters caused by the war on socio-economic processes in Ukraine. The paper analyzes in detail the consequences of Russia's armed aggression, including the destruction of critical infrastructure, industrial, energy, transportation, and life support systems, which has led to the emergence of new large-scale man-made risks. The authors argues that these risks have a long-term and systemic impact on the environment, public health, economic sustainability of the state and its ability to recover. The paper emphasizes the importance of rethinking the state policy in the field of technogenic and environmental safety, the need to integrate innovative technologies to respond to emergencies, and the development of effective tools to reduce the vulnerability of regions to catastrophic consequences. It is also important to consider the issues of strategic planning and increasing the resilience of the economy, adapting the social sphere and health care systems to the conditions of constant threat. The authors proposes an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing the situation, combining elements of economics, security, risk management, and environmental forecasting. Particular attention is paid to the issue of international cooperation, in particular the role of foreign technical and financial assistance in the reconstruction process, as well as the need to attract global experience in systemic infrastructure renewal and strengthening of protective mechanisms in case of future threats. The authors emphasizes the importance of formulating a sound public policy based on evidence-based analysis and a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused. The article is characterized by the relevance of the issues raised, the logical construction of the content, and compliance with the norms of scientific presentation. The paper draws reasonable conclusions that can be useful for further research and potentially taken into account when developing management decisions in the field of recovery and development.