The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the administrative and legal foundations of public governance in the field of defense and national security of Ukraine. It is established that national security and defense are key prerequisites for the formation of a democratic state governed by the rule of law, which is based on the principles of legality, respect for human rights and freedoms, as well as the mutual responsibility for the individual, society, and the state. Public governance in the sphere of defense and national security is defined as a systematic, legally regulated activity of state authorities and civil society institutions, encompassing state influence on social relations related to the protection of national interests, territorial integrity, and state sovereignty. The sphere of defense and national security is defined as a multifaceted system of social relations aimed at protecting statehood, the democratic constitutional order, and the vital interests of the individual, society, and the state from existing and potential threats. It encompasses political, military, economic, legal, informational, and other measures carried out by the state and society, ensures the mobilization of their potential for both armed and non-military resistance to aggression, and guarantees the sustainable development of Ukraine based on adherence to the principles and norms of international law. The article examines various approaches to defining the concept of “threat” and identifies the main threats to Ukraine’s national security in the context of full-scale war. The content and key features of public governance in the field of defense and security are outlined, with particular attention to its objects, subjects, and administrative-legal implementation mechanisms. The activities of state authorities, local self-government bodies, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other components of the security and defense sector are analyzed separately. The study emphasizes the special role of civic institutions in the exercise of governance and identifies the main forms of their participation. It is highlighted that establishing effective dialogue between civic institutions and state authorities enhances the awareness of governmental structures regarding current challenges in various spheres of public life.
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