The Relevance of Publicness in an Era of Democratic Backsliding

Public administration in the context of digitalization of public relations requires digital transformation and reform of the existing system. One of the key tasks for public authorities today is to move away from established stereotypes of carrying out their activities and transition to new models that correspond to radical changes in social reality. One of the important areas of public administration in the context of digitalization of public relations is the formation and correction of the personal information space of citizens and public servants.The article examines theoretical approaches to the modernization of public administration: public-administrative, political-sociological, social-legal, information-communicative. Problematic issues that may serve as an obstacle to digitalization in public administration are identified.The factors of modernization of public administration and the features of the implementation of tools for the formation and correction of citizens’ personal information space are summarized.The modern approach to the modernization of public administration in the context of digitalization of public relations should take into account: factors that influence the modernization of public administration; ways propaganda enters the personal information bubble through advertising and recommendations, bots that take personal preferences into account, bloggers and pseudo-experts, pseudo-local media, pseudo-patriotic media; algorithmization and personalization of the personal information bubble.

The course towards modernization of public administration in the Republic of Moldova describes a new stage in the development of the rule of law, of the democratic system and effective provision of constitutional rights and freedoms in the Republic of Moldova. From this perspective, the concept meets the motivations, objectives and criteria necessary for the creation of a lean, efficient and appropriate to the objective of Moldovan modernization and Europeanization, system, in the context of EU-Moldova Action Plan implementation, and expansion, starting with 2007 of EU to the western borders of the Republic of Moldova.The need for a strategic vision for the development of local and regional public administration system defines political effort to speed up internal changes and consolidation of the rule of law, optimization of public authorities system, and clearly defining the role of state and local administration in the society. Local and regional public administration system reform complements previous effort of developing and implementing the Strategy on central administration reform (2005), identifies main strategic development objectives in the context of previously ratified conventions related to international community, reevaluates previous recommendations provided to central authorities by Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, at the same time, estimating the effort required for setting up a modern system of public administration in the Republic of Moldova. Decentralization leads to establishment of a political and administrative environment consistent with the principle of subsidiarity. Decentralized and autonomous local authorities can contribute more effectively to poverty reduction by providing social services to the most vulnerable groups, in a more efficient, flexible and innovative way. Decentralization is a tool for conflict mediation, providing democratic structures and methods of participation in the governance. Decentralized administration is defined, as well, as a transfer of tasks, resources and powers from the state to the primary and intermediate level within cooperation and solidarity relations.The importance of Fiscal Decentralization reform in the Republic of Moldova is clearly envisaged in the pursued strategic objectives.Decentralization can only be effective if the LPA can collect a significant amount of revenues directly from beneficiaries of public services on administered territory. The connection between the beneficiary and taxpayer is relevant from public finances perspective and illustrates the direct link between taxes and benefits for the local community. This provides additional leverage to LPA, including attracting investors and respectively, local economic development.

Open government is a term that has been built socially for a long time; however it is from the promotion that the Obama administration from the United States realizes that it has achieved a high penetration in the political and public agenda of the various countries. The main concern of open government is to articulate efforts of government capacities and modernization of public administration, following the principles of transparency with high openness, participation and collaboration. The aim of this article is to analyze from philosophy the principles that should guide the model of governance and public administration to meet the ultimate goal of the state cosmos.

The first half of the title of Michael Spicer's book, Public Adminis tration and the State is problematic at the outset because there is no distinction between public administration and the state; public adminis tration is the state. The second half of the title, A Postmodern Perspec tive, further confuses the issue because there is little, if any, distinction to be made between modernity and modern public administration, which, as Michel Foucault and others have recognized, was born of mo dernity and the associated requirement that a growing population, whose labor was necessary for the proper functioning of the capitalist state, be controlled. Given that Spicer asks us to begin with the assump tion that public administration can be distinguished from the state and distinguished from modernity, the terms according to which we are asked to proceed from this title are already false. However, perhaps an exploration of how and why such a statement is being made might pro vide us with an understanding of what is presently problematic about the supposed postmodern analysis of modern public administration in a now ravenously capitalist state. I argue that the how and why of Spicer's statement is neglect of over 100 years of critical theories of the state in the service of the stabilization of public administration through pseudo-engagement with critique. The idea that public administration can stand apart from the state is achieved by Spicer through the very simple employment of and, which creates the illusion that there is a boundary between public ad ministration and the state. This false distinction disguises that public administration is the modern state apparatus and also that, as they pen the field, public administration scholars are part of the state apparatus. No distinction can be made between university-based public adminis tration scholarship and the modern state and thus public administration scholarship belongs to what Louis Althusser (1971) called the ideologi cal state apparatus. Public administration is a field dedicated to preserv

This research discusses the role of information technology in the modernization of public administration. Information technology has become a major driver in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of public services through the automation of administrative processes and e-government systems. In addition, information technology supports transparency and accountability by facilitating public access to information and public services digitally. Data-based decision making is also enhanced by information technology, enabling more accurate and evidence-based public policy. However, the implementation of information technology in public administration faces challenges such as data security, digital divide, and changes in work culture. The results of this research conclude that modernization of public administration through information technology offers great potential for improving the quality of public services and more responsive government governance. Recommendations include investments in data security, reducing the digital divide, staff training, continuous monitoring, multi-sectoral collaboration, and developing innovation to maximize the benefits of information technology in public administration.

The article explores how advanced digital tools are reshaping public administration and democratic governance. The author highlights that in the era of globalization and digital transformation, the state must adopt new approaches to respond effectively to modern challenges. The article begins by emphasizing the role of digital government initiatives, such as e-government and online platforms, in making state services more accessible and transparent. The author further delves into the role of big data analytics in modern public administration. Advanced data analysis techniques enable governments to identify public needs, track social dynamics, and optimize resource allocation. Automation of administrative processes is another key focus. Chatbots and AI-driven systems are streamlining public services by providing instant responses to citizen inquiries, automating document workflows, and improving accessibility. Such technologies not only reduce costs but also improve the overall user experience for citizens interacting with state institutions. The article also explores the application of blockchain technology in public administration. Blockchain is presented as a transformative tool for ensuring transparency, securing digital identities, and enabling tamper-proof records of transactions. Cybersecurity is another critical issue discussed. The increasing reliance on digital systems necessitates robust measures to protect sensitive data and ensure secure communication channels. Finally, the article examines the role of digital democracy in fostering citizen participation. Tools like online petitions, e-consultations, and social media platforms empower citizens to engage directly with policymakers. In conclusion, the article underscores the dual nature of digital transformation in governance. While these technologies offer immense opportunities for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement, they also pose challenges such as digital inequality and data privacy concerns. The article calls for a balanced approach that combines innovation with ethical practices and regulatory oversight to ensure that digital tools serve as a force for democratic progress.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the necessary conditions for modernizing the public administration system. The article, in particular, showed that the vibrations of modernizing the modern public administration system come from the understanding of public administration concepts and their precise implementation. Vibrations activate the vitality of the system, the necessary conditions of which are state building, bureaucratic organization and stability in the context of continuous democratic reforms. The study of the subject has highlighted that without creating these conditions, it is not possible to achieve the establishment of a modern system of public administration. The article used the results of theoretical and empirical studies on the problem, and also referred to the assessments of the conditions undermining the viability of the modern public administration system. As a systemic condition of modern public administration, managerial culture was presented, as an institutional condition, the institutional establishment of state administration and local self-government bodies, and as a value condition, the activity of spreading and circulating new ideas. As a result of data collection and analysis, it was concluded that the systemic, institutional and value-based conditions ensuring the establishment of modern public administration have synergy, that is, their total result exceeds the sum of individual results. Synergy provides long-term effects, and the provision of individual conditions provides short-term effects. The results of the article can be applied in humanitarian and social science research, public administration and public policy development.

Introduction: This research is relevant because it needs to study the impact of innovative technologies on cybersecurity in modern public administration. With the constant development of the digital environment and the increase in cybersecurity threats, maintaining information security becomes a critical task for public institutions. Objectives: The research aims to analyse and systematise data regarding the impact of innovative technologies on cybersecurity in modern public administration. Methods: In the course of this research, the method of expert analysis was used to assess the impact of innovative technologies on cybersecurity in public administration. Based on the results of a survey of academic experts in the field of public administration (8 persons) and IT specialists (7 persons), a correlation analysis was conducted between the assessments of the level of cyber protection and the significance of innovative technologies for ensuring cybersecurity. Results: According to the results of the correlation analysis, a significant degree of correlation with current cybersecurity challenges was found between blockchain technologies and the implementation of remote work (r=0.77 at p<0.05), biometric systems and the shortage of qualified specialists (r=-0.86 at p<0.05), as well as the Internet of Things and the transition to remote work (r=0.93 at p<0.05). Conclusions: The expert survey results showed that academic experts in public administration (Group 1) focus on adapting national security policies, developing complex cyberattack methods, and needing a systematic approach to digital literacy. At the same time, IT experts (Group 2) emphasise the need to prevent the negative consequences of using cryptocurrencies in financial pyramids and the low level of users’ knowledge of basic cybersecurity principles.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND CIVIL LEGAL REGULATION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BODIES' ACTIVITY IN THE SPHERE OF ELECTRONIC MONEY TURNOVER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PUBLICITY AND TRANSPARENCY PRINCIPLES

The article attempts to differentiate between public administration as a subject of legal relations and as a relevant activity, a function that is inherent in it. It is stated that public administration as a separate legal institution within the framework of administrative law is at the stage of development in post-Soviet countries, including Ukraine, competing with theories and sciences of public administration, which a large number of experts recognize as inappropriate with modern public administration. and administration. At the same time, there is no unanimity of views, terminology is used, which has a double meaning. In the administrative law of Western European and North American countries, public administration is mainly defined as a set of bodies and institutions that exercise public power through the implementation of laws, regulations and other actions in the public interest. There are a large number of scientific definitions of public administration and public administration. The definition of "public administration" has the following closely related meanings - an integrated state apparatus (policies, rules, procedures, systems, organizational structures, staff, etc.), which is funded by the state budget and is responsible for managing and coordinating the executive branch and its interaction with other stakeholders in the state, society and the external environment; - management and implementation of various government measures related to the implementation of laws, regulations and decisions of the government and management related to the provision of public services. Thus, it would be logical to follow a structural approach, according to which public administration will be considered primarily as a set of state bodies and other public institutions designed to organize the effective functioning of society.

In this article has been considered the levels of communication in the public administration system. It is noted that communication issues in public administration remain relevant despite the numerous studies dedicated to this topic. This is because modern public administration is oriented towards the concept of "Good Governance" and therefore must meet the requirements of social and humanitarian significance, being open, accessible, accountable, transparent, interactive, and responsive to citizens' demands, adhering to the "subject-subject" principle of communication participants. An attempt has been made to analyze the concept of public administration from the perspectives of communicative and activity-based approaches, which helped to examine the levels of communication and provide examples.Public administration, first and foremost, is an open system of human interactions, which involves feedback, engagement of broad segments of the population in social participation, allowing considering public administration as a communicative process and communicative activity. From the perspective of the activity paradigm, public administration is a collective action of subjects aimed at achieving consensus. In this context, communication in public administration involves information exchange through various channels and at different levels, interaction, and mutual assistance, which encourages the development of creative non-standard solutions, contributing to the effectiveness of public administration. All these processes occur at horizontal and vertical levels, which can also be considered as mega, meso, macro, and micro levels, or institutional, interpersonal, and societal levels of communication between subjects of public administration. The conclusion is drawn that the public administration system operates at different levels of communication, facilitating interaction with the public and civil society institutions, establishing effective cooperation between government officials and local government officials, transparency, and public involvement in decision-making. Therefore, dialogical relations, based on principles of tolerance, mutual respect, and equality of parties, should be prioritized in this system, ensuring the consolidation of society around addressing urgent issues and trust in the public administration system.

China’s practices and knowledge of administrative sciences have a long history, but modern public administration, as a relatively new discipline, has been established for less than a century. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the historical development of modern public administration education in China. This paper reviews and analyzes the development of China’s modern public administration education in two different periods, namely, before and after reform and the opening up of China. Finally, it dissects the current problems and challenges facing China’s public administration from an academic perspective and considers possible future trends for modern public administration in China.

The importance and necessity of the extensive research of the chosen theme is that the democratization of the social activity of Ukrainian society and the development of a modern system of public administration require the modernization of public administration, the identification of new principles, values and effective governance mechanisms. The public authorities are faced with the task of introducing into the public administration system effective forms of management, capable of ensuring the possibility of each citizen to realize and satisfy his own needs and interests. The capabilities and opportunities of public authorities to deal with citizens’ problems depend on the effectiveness of the public administration system. Ensuring communication relationship between subjects and objects of public management, free access of citizens to information at all stages of decision-making causes need of modernization of a current system of public management, for the purpose of increase in its efficiency, effectiveness and improvement of quality of provision of services to the population. The implementation of this process is considered in the provision of public control, electronic governance, the possibility of taking direct participation of civil society institutions in the work of expert and public councils, in consultative and advisory bodies for the expression and protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens. The justification of these events is preceded by scientific research on modernization of public administration in developed countries of the world and practice of implementation of principles of public management. The use of advanced information and communication technologies in the field of public administration; increased control over the activities of state authorities; improvement of the single-window system; improving the quality of public and administrative services; development of a system of public control over budgetary expenditures; obtaining feedback in the field of public administration, decentralization of power as a tool for democratization of public administration are proved to be the main trends of modernization of public administration in foreign countries. The possibilities of using advanced progressive foreign experience in the practice of modernization of public administration in Ukraine have been studied, ways of solving existing problems taking into account the experience of the countries of Europe and the USA have been proposed.

It is indicated that modern public administration is characterized by a desire for openness, transparency and active interaction with the public, which is consistent with the principles of democratic governance. However, in the activities of public authorities, the use of silence as a special means of managerial communication is increasingly observed - in the form of refusal to provide comments, delaying response or deliberate avoidance of discussing problematic issues. The article explores the phenomenon of “silent trust” as an unconventional, but increasingly relevant communication strategy in public administration, which is formed at the intersection of management practices, political culture and public expectations. It is found that in conditions of hybrid threats, information crises, a deficit of public trust and high vulnerability of the communication space, silence itself can acquire the meaning not only of a passive reaction, but also of a conscious management tool. The types of authoritative silence are analyzed and their functional role in the system of public authority is determined. The Ukrainian context of the use of communicative silence is revealed, where excessive openness could create additional threats. It is emphasized that uncontrolled silence can create an information vacuum, provoke the spread of rumors and disinformation, reduce the level of legitimacy of the authorities and destroy public dialogue. At the same time, it is shown that managed silence, supported by transparent frameworks of responsibility and subsequent communication compensation, can perform a productive function, ensuring a balance between security, the effectiveness of management decisions and social stability. A comparative analysis of European practices of strategic silence in public administration is conducted, which allows us to identify both potential resources and the limits of its use. It is substantiated that “tacit trust” is a context-dependent phenomenon that can act as a manifestation of responsible managerial minimalism or as a sign of communication weakness, and requires clear ethical, legal and managerial regulators to maintain the trust of citizens and the stability of public authorities. The author concludes that «tacit trust» in public administration should be considered as a potential resource that requires a fine balance between the interests of information security, transparency and democratic legitimacy.

In consideration of the fact that public administrations worldwide face a number of challenges, many governments are dedicated to improving the ethical climate in public administrations. The same issue is also the focus of the attention of many transnational associations. The basic goal is to ensure the development of comparable ethical climates, ethical behaviour in different public administrations and to develop comparable, suitable ethics infrastructures to enable this. Modern public administrations must bring ethical conduct to the fore and resist unethical behaviour. There are different ideas on how to build ethics infrastructures in public administrations, and examples of good practice that could facilitate the development of such infrastructures are found in the public and private sectors of different countries. In this paper, we connect ethics infrastructures and ethical climates. The evaluation of Slovenia’s ethics infrastructures is based on the framework prepared by the OECD, using its questionnaire developed by Victor and Cullen. The results show that there is no general relationship between ethics infrastructures and ethical climates in public administrations. Nevertheless, some determinants of ethics infrastructures correlate to a high degree to the ethical climate, the strongest impact on ethics climates being the ethical infrastructure’s determinant “public involvement and scrutiny”.