THE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE CONTEXT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES IN STATE NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY

Abstract

The article examines the modern development of statehood in the world, especially in the context of global challenges, hybrid threats, information warfare, and full-scale armed aggression, and establishes that it requires new approaches to the formation of national security policy. In this frame, civil society gains significance as an involved player in state formation, strategic preparation, and government oversight. Its involvement in security policymaking is a vital facet of democratic rule and upholding public order. The study aims to clarify civil society’s role as a dynamic force for state policy transformation in national security, to examine how it influences security strategy formation, and to pinpoint methods to bolster collaboration between state bodies and civil society amidst current threats and challenges. The scientific bases of civil society research are analyzed and systematized. It is contended that civil society currently shows high levels of quality expansion and functions as an efficient participant in transformational alterations within the state national security policy, an equal partner of the state. The present status of national security policy and its adjustment to the new challenges and possibilities of the 21st century are examined. The fundamental principles and framework of national security policy are defined. The primary risks to national security in hybrid challenges are identified. The specifics of the interaction between civil society and the state in the security sphere amidst transformational changes are investigated. The pragmatic facet of transformations with civil society involvement, specifically, the Revolution of Dignity: reforms in the security realm, is examined.The contribution of volunteer endeavors to bolstering the country’s defense capabilities is highlighted. Suggestions for fortifying civil society’s involvement in the area of national security are offered. Due to the endeavors of civil society, Ukraine’s security policy is progressively centered not just on protecting territorial integrity, but also on the individual, their rights, dignity and freedoms. This method aligns with the finest democratic practices and enables Ukraine to advance towards integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic security framework.