SUBNATIONAL POLITICAL PROCESS AND LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the subnational political process in general and local self-government in particular in the context of Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. The authors analyze the optimal model of local selfgovernment for post-war realities in the context of decentralization. The main purpose of the study is to find a model of local self-government that will ensure effective management and allocation of resources in the first postwar years, taking into account the socio-economic challenges facing the country. Examples of countries with different models of self-government and the consequences of testing such models in search of positive practices are studied. The study analyzes the impact of the structure and functions of local representative bodies on local democracy and asks about the effectiveness of democracy in the first postwar years. The article focuses on establishing the role of subnational units in the reconstruction of the country in the institutional dimension. The mechanisms for attracting resources and investments for community projects and the possibility of establishing international cooperation by local authorities are identified. It is indicated that the development of communities should be based on their unique socio-economic and cultural characteristics. To ensure sustainable development of the regions, it is proposed to revise the administrative-territorial structure, support the institutional capacity of communities, and expand the possibilities of local democracy. The authors emphasize the need for coordination of efforts between the central government, communities, and international donors to ensure transparent funding and equitable distribution of resources. Attention is also paid to the international experience of EU countries, especially the Visegrad countries, which have successfully implemented territorial reforms. The importance of civil society organizations as non-political structures in controlling the government to improve its performance is analyzed.