Sustainability of public administration in Ukraine: analysis of determinants

The article is dedicated to substantiating the thesis that the public administration institution in Ukraine does not exhibit characteristics of stability, meaning it is currently unable to effectively withstand changes, pressures, or contemporary challenges. It specifies that the modern interpretation of the content and essence of public administration in Ukraine has two paradigmatic aspects (scientific and normative), the difference between which significantly varies in orientation, methodological approach, focus, and goal characteristics. There is a dynamic of their gradual convergence. This indicates a balanced and effective approach to the management of public affairs. However, the public administration institution in Ukraine has not gained normative consolidation, and its further development is justified by the reform of the public service institution, optimization of specific aspects of executive and local self-government activities. In justifying the characterization of the public administration institution in Ukraine in terms of hidden stability, it is also pointed out that: 1) citizens’ trust in executive authorities and local self-government remains at a low level, with no stable increase observed; 2) the standard of living in Ukraine is extremely low, and there is no noticeable dynamics towards improvement; 3) the activities of public administrations still do not meet the standards of the SIGMA Program. It is determined that the stability of the public administration institution in Ukraine can also be assessed based on indicators of the effectiveness of managing public affairs. In summary, the apparent stability observed at first glance conceals some shortcomings and inefficiencies in the public affairs management system, resulting in a lack of clear accountability and effective monitoring, as well as a high risk of corruption, abuse of power, social tensions, etc.