TRANSFORMATION OF THE CONCEPT OF POLITICAL STABILITY UNDER MARTIAL LAW

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the transformation of the concept of political stability under martial law, using the example of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The study reveals how the extreme conditions of war alter traditional notions of stability, emphasizing the adaptability of institutions, social consolidation, the legitimacy of power, the balance between security and democracy, as well as the role of international support in these processes.Political stability under martial law in Ukraine is defined in the article as the ability of the system to support the functioning of institutions, maintain unity in society, effectively resist military challenges, and guarantee a balance between security requirements and adherence to democratic principles. This conceptualization is based on a synthesis of classical political science theories and modern approaches adapted to crisis conditions, takes into account Ukrainian experience and corresponds to the international situation.Based on Easton’s systemic approach, Weber and Lipset’s legitimacy theories, Coser’s conflict theory, and Keohane and Nye’s approaches, a conceptual model has been developed that combines internal resilience (institutional adaptability, social cohesion, economic resilience), external support (supply of military equipment, financing, and sanctions), and democratic mechanisms. Ukraine’s experience demonstrates the key role of civil society in strengthening national unity, countering disinformation, and facilitating the search for effective strategies. At the same time, it allows us to define political stability in wartime as a dynamic process that depends on the interaction of internal and external factors, and can serve as a basis for analyzing other countries in similar conditions. It has been proven that civil society in Ukraine mitigates the impact of restrictions on democratic freedoms caused by the martial law introduced on February 24, 2022. The active work of civil society organizations, human rights initiatives, and volunteer networks contributes to maintaining democratic control and preserving public trust in state institutions. The war, affecting global stability, changes security, economic, and energy approaches.