Mechanisms of Public Administration in Countering Hybrid Threats: The Strategic Role of Cultural Policy in Ensuring National Security of Ukraine.

Abstract

The article develops and substantiates proposals for improving the mechanisms of public administration to counter hybrid threats to the national security of Ukraine at the present stage of its development. The relevance of the topic is due to the growing challenge of hybrid warfare, Russian aggression against Ukraine and the need to adapt the national security system to modern realities. The research methodology is based on document analysis, comparative analysis, system analysis and the method of expert evaluation. A thorough analysis of the nature and classification of hybrid threats is carried out. Their impact on various areas of national security and ways of effective response are identified. Successful practices of countering hybrid threats in different countries (Estonia, Israel, USA, Finland) are presented. On the basis of the study, specific practical recommendations for improving the domestic mechanisms of public administration in the field of countering hybrid threats to national security are formulated. Attention is focused on the need to develop interagency and international cooperation, integration of technologies, improvement of the regulatory framework and analytical and prognostic tools. The author concludes that a comprehensive and systematic approach to security challenges is needed with an emphasis on continuous updating of knowledge and practices. Promising areas for further research on improving public administration mechanisms to counter hybrid threats to national security are outlined. Special attention is paid to the integration of cultural policy into public administration mechanisms as a strategic tool for countering hybrid threats. A conceptual model of strengthening information and cognitive security through the development of national identity, promotion of cultural diplomacy and raising the level of media literacy of the population is proposed. The use of an interdisciplinary approach that combines public administration, security studies and cultural analytics allows to form a holistic system of response to information and psychological influences, which is an important element of a long-term strategy for ensuring the sustainability of society.