International experience in mobilising mechanisms to combat organised crime

Вплив інституту прези­дентства на формування державної мовної політики України

Introduction. The article states, that the beginning of the ХХ century was marked by wars, the collapse of empires and revolutions, which led to significant changes in all spheres of social life of Ukrainians. Since 1923, the country has pursued a policy of indigenization, which in Ukraine was called Ukrainization and was focused on training and promotion of indigenous personnel. Beginning in the second half of the 1920s, Ukrainization became of paramount political importance as the main nuance of the party’s struggle for national policy. It should be noted at once that the process of Ukrainization of the state apparatus was complex and contradictory. One of the main tasks both in national politics and in the cultural construction of the 1920s was the Ukrainization of various spheres of life. Purpose. The purpose of the work is to study the official policy of Ukrainization, to find out the peculiarities of its implementation in various spheres of public life, including in the countryside. The research methodology includes the principles of scientific objectivity, historicism, systematics, as well as methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization, historical-comparative, historical-typological. Results. The decrees of the All-Ukrainian Central Executive Committee of the Ukrainian SSR of July 27, 1923 “On Measures for Ukrainian School Education and Cultural and Educational Institutions” and of August 1, 1923 “On Measures to Ensure Equality of Languages and Promote the Development of the Ukrainian Language” were proclaimed real practical steps to implement Ukrainization. The need to assist in the development of the Ukrainian language in order to raise it to the level of Russian was pointed out. This decree provided for the Ukrainization of schools and cultural and educational institutions, and the constant introduction of the Ukrainian language in Soviet and economic institutions. Beginning in the second half of the 1920s, Ukrainization became of paramount political importance as the main nuance of the party’s struggle for national policy. From the very moment of its introduction, the policy of Ukrainization gradually began to cover all aspects of the life of the Ukrainian people. As already emphasized, the first measures of Ukrainization were aimed at expanding the influence of the Ukrainian language, especially in the party and the government. One of the main tasks both in national politics and in the cultural construction of the 1920’s was the Ukrainization of various spheres of life. The Ukrainization of higher education was not entirely successful. Slightly better things were in secondary schools (colleges, pedagogical schools, three-year special courses). Extensive results of Ukrainization have been achieved in the field of book printing. The Ukrainian press also experienced its revival during the period of Ukrainization. It should be noted that the process of Ukrainization in the literary and artistic fields was especially sharp and contradictory. Great difficulties had to be overcome on the way to the Ukrainianization of theaters. It should be noted that from the mid-1920s, considerable attention began to be paid to the Ukrainianization of libraries. The Ukrainization of cinema was quite good at that time. It should be noted that significant successes have been achieved in the Ukrainianization of mass cultural and educational work. The originality of this research is an attempt to objectively analyze the essence of the policy of Ukrainization, to pay attention to the peculiarities of its implementation in various spheres of public life, especially in rural areas. Conclusion. The policy of Ukrainization enabled the Ukrainian people to realize themselves as a national community, to feel the importance of language, culture, and traditions as factors in the spiritual development of the nation. In literature and art, a new generation of national intelligentsia declared itself out loud, and interest in national traditions, folklore, and ethnography grew. Understanding the place and role of Ukraine in the USSR, in Europe, and in the world crystallized in the sharp controversy. As a result of the national reform, the social functions of the Ukrainian language increased, which became the language of education, court proceedings, and official office work. The language, which before the revolution was actually banned and did not have a developed socio-political vocabulary, approached the level of highly developed languages of the world. However, it did not cover all spheres of social and cultural life, in different regions the attitude to Ukrainization was different. The working language in the workplace remained Russian, and the processes of Ukrainization hardly affected the army. Even higher education institutions were Ukrainianized by only a third.

In the modern civilized world, the ideas of gender equality are actively developed and implemented in all spheres of public life. Ukraine does not stand aside from these processes. Although, unfortunately, there are still some spheres of public life in our country, which are traditionally considered "purely masculine". Until recently, military service remained one of these areas. However, in the last decade (especially after the beginning of the aggression by the Russian Federation), the processes of implementing gender equality policy in the field of public administration, including in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, have intensified. In particular, there have been significant changes in the legal regulation of relevant issues, there is an active process of formation of state institutions designed to monitor the observance of gender equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of sex. There are a number of different international legal acts in the world that determine the equality of women and men, and Ukrainian legislation is based on this international experience. However, the situation with the creation of real conditions for service in the Armed Forces for women servicemen on an equal footing with male servicemen is far from ideal and therefore requires changes in current legislation and improvement of the mechanism for gender equality in the service of women in the Armed Forces. contradictory aspects in this area. there are different approaches to the definition of the terms "gender", "gender equality", etc. The Ukrainian national legal system, ie the system of its normative legal acts, operates with the concept of "gender equality". Active research on gender equality in various fields of research began in the second half of the twentieth century, but movements for equal rights for men and women began much earlier. In Ukraine, there is a historical tradition when a woman held a fairly high status in the family, society, they played an active role in the economy and so on.

In the article the concept of state functions, realizing which the state carries out a targeted management impact on various spheres of a public life. They show that the government should do to achieve and implement the goals and tasks that lie before him in a certain historical period. Purposes of the functions of the state are the results that must be obtained in implementing the functions, goals can be immediate, intermediate, ultimate. On one stage of historical development, priority may be given to economic, the other political or socio-cultural functions, the third function of defense, etc. At the beginning of its inception, the state played a very small list of functions. The contents of most of them was of a pronounced class character. The functions manifest national characteristics of the country, because the state is obliged to provide the geopolitical interests of the ethnic group, to support the development of national culture, language, and the like. The contents and the list of functions to a large extent depend on the nature of the state, its social purpose in public life. The main duty of the state to maintain a level of social organization that would ensure not only the preservation of the integrity and prosperity of society as a whole, but also the needs of individuals. The article studies scientific approaches with respect to interpretation of the concept of functions, given the existing classification of state functions: the areas of activities of the state, duration and the like. The analysis of existing functions in Ukraine. The human rights function is currently the most relevant. Advocacy function has the expression in activities that are aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of man and citizen, the rule of law and the rule of law in all spheres of public and political life. The peculiarities of exercise of the functions of the state are divided into legal and organizational. The legal form is a homogenous activity of state bodies related to the adoption of legal acts. Organizational form is a homogenous activity of the state aimed at creating organizational conditions to ensure functions of the state. In Ukraine there are three main forms of implementation of the activities of the state depending on types of activities: legislative, Executive, judicial. The basis for this separation is the provision of the Constitution of Ukraine, which is highlighted in these branches of government. In the implementation of all main functions of the state are actively involved all types of public power in Ukraine.

Aim . The presented study aims to systematize the opportunities and limitations of using social networks for the development of society. Tasks . The authors examine the effects of social networks across various spheres of public life (social, political, economic, cultural); identify significant parameters characterizing the impact of social networks in the major spheres of public life; formulate provisions on the opportunities and limitations when using social networks for social interactions. Methods . The examination of the opportunities and limitations of using social networks in society is based on the review of scientific works, methods of analysis, comparison, and generalization. Results . The analysis shows that social networks have both positive and negative effects across all spheres of public life. The positive effect of social networks is shaped by the following potential opportunities: expansion of the boundaries of communication between individuals, development of democratic mechanisms, interaction between politicians and the electorate, formation of business ecosystems, knowledge generation and social capital formation chains, access to cultural heritage and works of art, promotion of cultural values. However, social networks also have significant limitations, including manipulative influence on individuals, misinformation, simplified and mosaic thinking, formation of protest movements, displacement of national cultures, among others, which can lead to the formation of reverse negative effects, destabilizing development and social order. Conclusions . The rapid spread of social networks across all spheres of public life has revealed many threats to public security. The authors believe that further development of social networks is associated with the need to form a strategic approach to their development on the part of the government, the business, and the population. Therefore, it is important to determine the limits to which the institution of social networks affects public relations and to comprehensively analyze the institutions of social networks.

Results of the sociological research of the Russians have been given in the article. These results are revealing their perception of a policy as one of the spheres of the public life and a kind of activity. The non-inclusion of the Russians into political processes has been established; their attitude to politics as a sphere of public life, that has no direct relationship to their daily lives, has been found. The political activity in submissions of the Russians belongs to the sphere of domination and is carried out by the sovereign and his close circle, who manipulate the ideas of the Russians, permanently activating subjective and civil discourses. The latter refers to the borrowing from another civilization some paradigm and applying it during the «election» period; first one is connected with the preservation of the basic parameters of the political system, e.g. a personified state, a non-institutionalized institutions, a traditional subordinate society, which consists of «little people» who need protection and who want to kneel before the «state». Based on the results of the research in the experimental region, the peculiarity of the views of Russian citizens on politics has been revealed: the growing interest to politics during the period of the activation of the governmental and imperial discourses by the «state», which is reviving the archaisms of the «Russian power». Interest is falling down in the period of increasing social and economic burden on the population, which is deepening the disunity of the population and social depression. At the same time, both in the first and second cases, the Russians usually remain to be passive observers. This is caused by the combination of both modern and traditional views on the political sphere of society with absolute dominance of the latter ones in their minds. The reasons and factors that influence the population’s interest in politics, as well as negative tendencies that stop the development of civil self-awareness of the Russians have been identified in the article: a) the orientation of potential transformation groups of authoritarian political ideas on distancing themselves from the political process; and the orientation of the conservative ones on the integration into it within the institution of service and (or) receivement of material benefits; b) the absence of a critical view of the population on politics under conditions of relative «stability» and satisfaction of physiological needs; c) the understanding of politics as a collective interest, rather than a private one, which reinforces the negative tendency of society’s mass and leads to the formation of a new-totalitarian milieu. The conducted research broadens the understanding of the Russians’ perception of politics and lead to the development of a set of measures for its (perception) correction.

The article is devoted to the study of the value of the idea of gender equality. Legal (gender) equality implies equal rights and opportunities for both men and women. In the context of European integration processes, the issue of ensuring and guaranteeing social and legal equality in all spheres of public life, both de jure and de facto, is important and relevant for Ukraine. With this in mind, bridging the gap and guaranteeing gender equality, including analysing the legal framework and guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for both men and women in all spheres of public life, makes this study very relevant. The purpose of the article is to study the provision of gender equality in society, analyse the legal framework, and to clarify the causes of gender discrimination and help to overcome gender gaps in the social, cultural, political and economic spheres and more. The study of this problem uses a wide range of methods of scientific knowledge: the theoretical method allows organising a variety of knowledge about gender. The sociological method helps to identify various gender parameters and compare them with social characteristics. The application of the historical method allows for a gender assessment of various historical processes. The prognostic method allowed to find out the prospects of gender development both in the region in particular and in the developed civilized society in general. Socio-psychological method allows exploring the social roles of men and women, the relationship between the sexes, their features and psychological characteristics. The article presents the results of the study of gender issues both in the world and in Ukraine; the specific features of the division of society into two social groups on the basis of gender are covered; it is clarified how the gender approach is implemented in politics, economics and social sphere; the main directions of ensuring gender equality, guaranteed by international and Ukrainian legislation, are identified. The scientific article substantiates the need to use the gender component in legislative activities, including in politics, economics, social sphere; the necessity of using the advanced world experience of ensuring and realisation of gender equality is substantiated; based on the results of systematic scientific analysis, the basic principles of gender policy implementation in modern national and foreign legislation are determined

The article investigates the phenomenon of influencers from a sociological point of view. This concept of great current interest was defined in the article on the base of multiple sources. The study integrates the main concepts of literature on social media influencers, secondary research data and the results of interview conducted by the authors. The authors give a comparison between different approaches with highlighting common features of influencers. They emphasize the trend of domestic scholars to identify an influencer and an opinion leader, as well as to refer influencers to the promotion of goods and services only. This study proposes consideration of Lazarsfeld’s two-step communication flow theory as an alternative view regarding the foregoing approach to influencers and opinion leaders (the term initially set by Lazarsfeld in the framework of above indicated theory). Therefore, the paper proposes to use a more correct term «media significant other» which is explored in this article together with interrelation to the term «influencer». The authors also question the idea that influencers can have an impact in the field of sales only. The hypothesis of comprehensive nature of influence has been confirmed by the results of a sociological interview: 72 people were interviewed, and the results of the research demonstrate that the social impact of influencers is increasing and extending to various spheres of public life. The impact of the COVID issue on social network communications is also discussed. The authors conclude that the degree of exposure to influencers depends on the age of an individual and concerns almost all spheres of life.

The article examines the diverse manifestations of digitalization development in Ukraine. It’s main trend is identified as the implementation of digital technologies across various spheres of life, despite the conditions of martial law, the occupation of a significant portion of the country’s territory, limited access to digital technologies, or the instability of their operation. These circumstances result in uneven regional digital development: it is slowed down in frontline regions and, conversely, accelerated and more successful in safer areas. Digitalization is most effectively implemented in the economic sphere, and most slowly in public administration, despite tangible achievements. Digitalization contributes to transparency in all areas, combats corruption, and fosters the development of civil society – but only under the condition of ensuring cybersecurity. Promising directions for digitalization in Ukraine include: the digitalization of public services with the subsequent use of artificial intelligence for data analysis, forecasting, and decision-making; innovative and investment-driven development of the digital economy; the use of modern information and communication technologies in education and the improvement of digital literacy; improved organization of healthcare service delivery; access to social services and the reduction of social inequality; the development of digital infrastructure in regions; enhancement of election and referendum administration through coordination and integration of various systems – both existing and potential electronic registers, and electronic voting – provided that comprehensive security measures are taken to prevent falsification and manipulation in the voting and counting processes, and that the conflict between voting secrecy and accuracy is eliminated in a way that is compatible with human rights; and the use of blockchain technology to enhance data security and transparency. Digitalization during wartime is characterized by multidirectionality and the potential for intensive development, as it enables Ukrainian society and governmental bodies at both national and local levels to adapt more quickly to changing circumstances. In the struggle for sovereignty, cutting-edge digital technologies are being created, refined, and implemented at an accelerated pace – not only in the area of military technology but also in the advancement of various spheres of public life.

In today's world it is difficult to imagine a person who would be deprived of access to information resources, because informatization has penetrated into all spheres of public life, is one of the factors of effective socio-economic, cultural and spiritual development of everyone in the future. Along with development, the information sphere also has a threat, which is a key element in the hybrid war against Ukraine, the real threat of which is not only inciting citizens, but also creating real threats to national security throughout the country. The next decades for all countries of the world will be conditioned by specific tests and development of information and communication technologies. Each country has its own laws, customs, traditions, norms of behavior and ideological values. Therefore, one of the main tasks among people, organizations and throughout the country is the protection of national security and protection of the information space is the basis for ensuring information security. Faster formation of an informatized society, its spread and rooting becomes especially important in solving information security problems. Unlike other spheres of life, information does not exist for the purpose of potential earnings, as the sphere needs significant investments to protect institutions from losses associated with the leakage of information resources. Given all the factors - threats to information security are quite common, due to the fact that criminals find vulnerabilities that can damage information resources. Citizens' mobility is daily, but not all users care about the protection of personal data, their safety and inviolability. Scientists from around the world have studied existing threats, but not everyone has been able to make a clear division of threats and their prevention, which is why the chosen research topic is relevant and needs detailed study and practical solutions. The development and implementation of practical measures to combat information security threats is possible through the constant interaction of all subjects of information interaction with public authorities, as discussed in the article. The purpose of the article is to analyze the current threats to information security of the state in the context of ensuring the national security of Ukraine.

Studied intrinsic characteristics of state information security. Determined features of the state building process interrelation in Ukraine with the need of creating a national information security system. It is noted that the specific of information security is that it is manifested in various spheres of public life as the preservation and protection of information is an important part of their operation. In turn, procuring the information security strengthens the state, allowing it to withstand dangers in this area. Analyzed the basic informational threats to national security of Ukraine. At the present domestic state building stage Ukraine became the object of powerful information attacks aimed at the destruction vital areas of our country. According to national experts on information security issues that formed based on the analysis of foreign influence on the informational media – and cyberspace Ukraine, there are signs of real threats to our country. Grounded the necessity of improving the legal provision of national information security, taking into account the international experience. For implementing effective security measures in system information area of country, we need to continuously improve the regulatory framework for preserving the balance between the interests of the state in the field of information security and information rights. It is noted that the strengthening of the legal framework in the field of information and communication aimed, primarily, to protect information sovereignty of modern states. Generalized the existing ideas about the varieties and areas of information weapon application in modern information wars. Determined that a particular danger of information war for the existence of the state is that it is usually aimed at the awareness reprogramming” for the individual social groups: the result is the value deformation of social consciousness, changes in attitudes and policy preferences of citizens who are threatening the existence of countries. Typically, in the state information wars use the so-called information weapons, which can be stopped with the defense capabilities. It should be noted that the information weapon particularly effectively acts against the country, which is in crisis in which public mind dominates ambivalence of values, socio-political uncertainty. The use of information weapon is particularly effective there is a confrontation between the political forces, the crisis of moral and legal consciousness is weak patriotic elite in all spheres of public life in the country. It is noted that further development of the Ukrainian state needs to create a system of information (including cyber) security of Ukraine, which should be aggressively focused on the protection and promotion of national interests.

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the activities of youth councils in territorial communities. Presented the definitions of the youth council, the peculiarities of their creation and functioning in the conditions of social transformations in Ukraine. It is clarified, that ensuring the coordination of youth work and active involvement of youth in the life of local communities is possible on condition of formation of youth infrastructure in territorial communities. Modern literary sources on the problem of research of the youth council in the community are analyzed. The regulatory and legal framework that governs communities when forming a youth council has been defined. It was found that the youth council should also shape youth policy in communities: create socio-economic, political, organizational, legal conditions and guarantees for the socialization of children and youth, as well as their integration into social processes in the interests of youth and youth participation. The algorithm of forming a youth council in the community is considered. It is noted that the youth council creates an effective system for collecting, processing and responding to requests and local youth initiatives. An example of the functioning of youth councils in Vinnytsia region is given. A number of regional social programs aimed at recognizing the subjectivity of young people, the need for their self-realization and development of their own potential in their country, improving the civic competences of young people and their participation in all spheres of public life have been studied. It was found that positive results can be achieved by systematic implementation of successive steps of organizing youth work at the community level.

Modern society is increasingly faced with the need to improve the transparency and accountability of public authorities in order to combat corruption. In many countries, including Ukraine, corruption remains one of the biggest challenges in public administration, negatively affecting economic development, social justice and citizens' trust in the state. Traditional forms of interaction between citizens and public administration, which involve paper-based procedures and direct contact with officials, often create fertile ground for abuse and bribery. In the context of digitalisation and the growing role of information and communication technologies in all spheres of public life, electronic services (e-services) offer an alternative way for citizens, businesses and public authorities to interact. The use of e-services simplifies administrative procedures, reduces the subjective influence of the human factor and speeds up access to necessary information. All this, in turn, contributes to reducing corruption risks and increasing the effectiveness of management decisions. In Ukraine, the fight against corruption is one of the priorities of state policy, enshrined in strategic documents such as the Sustainable Development Strategy "Ukraine 2021-2025". The implementation of digital initiatives, such as the National Agency for Corruption Prevention's electronic declaration system or the ProZorro public procurement platform, demonstrates the potential of technology to reduce corruption risks. However, the digitisation process is accompanied by challenges, including limited technical infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy, and the need to adapt legislation to new realities. Research on this topic allows us not only to assess the current state of digitisation, but also to offer recommendations for its further development in the law enforcement sphere. The aim of the work is to summarise the main scientifically based approaches to defining digitalisation processes and their characteristics as an anti-corruption tool for public administration in modern conditions. The methodology of the article is structured in such a way as to allow for the study of the development of digitalisation as an anti-corruption tool in public administration, the identification of the essential features of digitalisation in the field of public administration, the limitations of digitalisation processes in public administration, digital tools in the fight against corruption, and the identification of directions for anti-corruption strategy in the promising conditions of European integration. The study was conducted based on the principles of dialectical logic. The multifaceted and multifactorial nature of the development of digitalisation as an anti-corruption tool and public administration necessitates the use of a systematic and situational approach to its study. The work also applied methods of systemic, logical, institutional analysis, and forecasting. The development of provisions and conclusions used the possibilities of comparative studies, rational choice theory, and neo-institutionalism. The study demonstrates that digital technologies, most notably electronic registries, big data analytics systems, blockchain solutions, video surveillance, and whistleblowing platforms, possess considerable potential in the prevention and combatting of corruption in law enforcement. The effectiveness of these reforms is clearly demonstrated by Ukrainian examples, such as the NACP electronic declaration system and the ProZorro public procurement platform. These tools help ensure transparency, automate management processes and minimise the human factor, which is particularly important in an area where significant discretionary powers create opportunities for abuse of authority. At the same time, the process of implementing digital solutions is accompanied by a number of challenges, including technical limitations, insufficient digital literacy among employees, gaps in legislation, and growing cyber threats. In the context of martial law and limited resources, these challenges are becoming even more relevant in Ukraine, necessitating a gradual, adaptive approach to the digitalisation of law enforcement. Further development prospects are linked to the following key areas: integration of interdepartmental digital platforms, strengthening cybersecurity, systematic training of specialists, and deepening international co-operation. The adaptation of best international practices, in particular the recommendations of the OECD and the European Commission, as well as the updating of national legislation to take into account innovative technologies, in particular artificial intelligence, play a special role in this process. Digitalisation, provided it is accompanied by appropriate regulatory, organisational and technical support, can become the basis for a systemic transformation of anti-corruption policy, strengthening trust in law enforcement agencies and establishing the principle of the rule of law. Achieving these goals requires coordinated efforts by the state, civil society and international partners, which will enable the full potential of digital tools in the field of law enforcement to be realised.

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of gender stereotypes inherent in Ukrainian society and their impact on the observance of the principle of equality. It has been determined that, notwithstanding the legal regime of martial law and the challenges associated with it, there is a positive trend towards the establishment of the principles of gender equality in Ukraine. Concomitantly, gender stereotypes represent a significant impediment to the advancement of a democratic nation that fosters equitable opportunities. The article delineates stereotypes as a psychological and social phenomenon, predicated on their role and influence across all spheres of public life. The present study explores the historical preconditions of the emergence and rooting of gender stereotypes in the mentality of Ukrainians. The author emphasizes the necessity of distinguishing between the concepts of «sex» and «gender» when discussing gender stereotypes, since these definitions, although interrelated, possess divergent meanings and content. The author proposes a conditional classification of prevailing gender stereotypes into four distinct categories: stereotypes of masculinity and femininity; stereotypes concerning the nature of work; professional and familial stereotypes; and stereotypes of appearance. The author conducts an analysis of the primary directions of the state policy on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, as enshrined in national legislation. It has been asserted that the legal regulation of the principle of gender equality in modern Ukraine is, fortuitously, evolving away from the negative stereotypes of both Western and Eastern Europe that prevailed in the past. The author conducts an analysis of the problematic issues of gender mainstreaming in Ukraine. The present study examines the regulation of gender mainstreaming in the legal acts of the Council of Europe. The author conducts an analysis of the procedure for protection against gender discrimination by the European Court of Human Rights and national courts of Ukraine. The text goes on to reveal an insufficiency of regulatory mechanisms in place for the combating of gender stereotypes. The following recommendations are made for the enhancement of national policy in the domain of countering gender stereotypes: firstly, the experience of foreign countries and international bodies is to be drawn upon; secondly, the utilization of best international practices is to be encouraged.

The problem of Nepotism is widespread almost everywhere, not only in developing countries, butalso in many economically advanced countries. One of the most acute problems that Georgia is facingtoday is the widespread nepotism in all spheres of public life. Nepotism reduces country’s economicdevelopment and leads to weakening of effectiveness of the government institutions. In case of nepotisma wide range of legal norms and principles are violated, such as equality before the law, impartiality andequal access to civil service for all citizens.According to the research which was conducted by different non-Governmental Organizations, recruitmentprocedure in civil service is not conducted in accordance with the competition rules. This factis also confirmed by those citizens that were dismissed from civil service. The violation of competitionrules has become a common practice in civil service.After the adoption of a revised EU-Georgia Association Agenda for the period 2017-2020, Georgiangovernment has undertaken an obligation to establish a transparent, independent and impartial system ofcivil service. European Union demands from Georgia to reform the civil service and build a merit-basedand professional civil service. The requirement to reform the civil service and the inclusion of this objectivein the Association Agenda is a recognition of the fact, that the Georgian government has so far failedto create a competent and transparent civil service. The creation of a professional civil service can onlybe achieved if vicious practice of nepotism will be eradicated in all spheres of public life.