Shifting Paradigms of Public Authority Institutions’ Legitimacy in Ukraine During the War Crisis: From Paternalism to Resilience
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation triggered a fundamental transformation in the paradigms of legitimacy for public authority institutions. This study analyzes the shift in the source of legitimacy: from traditional paternalistic expectations (Dworkin, 1988; Kleinig, 1984; Conly, 2023), which were rooted in the state’s capacity to provide benefits, to the concept of resilience – the ability of governing institutions and society to effectively function and adapt under crisis conditions (Briske et al., 2008; Hollnagel & Sundström, 2017). The article aims to conceptually analyze and empirically substantiate this transition, which is critical for understanding state functioning amidst an existential threat. The analysis draws upon classical (Weber, 1978; Lipset, 1959) and contemporary theories of legitimacy (Cohen & Toland, 2024; Van Ham et al., 2017), paternalism, and resilience (Holloway & Manwaring, 2023; Merkel & Lührmann, 2021). The empirical basis consists of data from sociological surveys (Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 2024; Razumkov Centre, 2025; Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, 2024) conducted between 2017 and 2025. Applied methods include systemic, comparative, historical-political, content analysis, and an institutional approach. Key findings demonstrate that the war has strengthened resilient legitimacy. This is evidenced by the phenomenally high trust in security and defense institutions (Armed Forces of Ukraine, State Emergency Service, etc.) and the growing horizontal trust in local self-governance and volunteer organizations. Simultaneously, a deep deficit of trust persists in traditional public authority institutions (Verkhovna Rada, Government) and the justice system (courts, anti-corruption bodies), indicating their inability to adapt to new societal expectations. The study also highlights the priority of national unity and victory over formal democratic procedures, underscoring the flexibility of the social contract in the face of an existential threat. Conclusions confirm the paradigm shift in Ukraine’s legitimacy: from paternalism to resilience as a strategic imperative. This transformation redefines citizens as active participants in building resilience, a crucial condition for Ukraine’s survival and further democratic development. Future research directions include a deeper analysis of the interplay between interpersonal trust and policy effectiveness, the impact of information fragmentation on resilience, and mechanisms for restoring trust in the judicial and anti-corruption systems.
Author: O. Bilotserkivska
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4413336757