National security and information in the early modern state: the case of Ukraine

Abstract

The system of information support of the authorities of the Ukrainian early modern state, as well as implementing internal and external policies, contributed to protecting Ukrainian lands from external aggression and the expansion of Ukrainian interests in the world. The main purpose of the study is to analyze this statement. The methodological basis of the research is a comprehensive analysis of archival sources and historiography, which is based on the main principles of historicism and scientific objectivity. The scientific novelty of this publication is to prove the hypothesis that thoughtful information activity in its various segments was an important component of the policy of the Ukrainian early-modern state and contributed to protecting its lands and interests from foreign encroachments. Conclusions. Information activity was an important component of the security activities of the Ukrainian Cossacks and a means of implementing power policy. The principles and approaches developed in working with information will help reveal the secrets of the Cossacks' information skills and will contribute to the deepening of interest in the study and revival of Cossack traditions, which is necessary both for filling research gaps and for training specialists in the field.