Models and mechanisms of interaction between Cossack communities and local governments

Introduction . Cossacks as a unique socio-cultural phenomenon play a significant role in the public life of Russia. At present, in the context of the transformation of local self-government, the issue of mechanisms of interaction between Cossack societies and the system of local governments becomes relevant. This problem requires an integrated approach that takes into account the relationship between the types of interactions and the problems of their implementation. The goal of the research is to identify patterns and to develop a methodological basis for the effective interaction between Cossack societies and local governments based on the analysis of existing models and mechanisms for their integration. The materials and methods . System analysis and structural-functional approach, which makes it possible to study the interaction of the Cossacks and local authorities as a complex system, have been used. The authors’ classification of interactions by types, levels and nature of cooperation has been used. The nature of the relationship between problems and types of interactions has been determined. The research results. It has been revealed that modern integration of the Cossacks corresponds to a mixed model combining elements of self-organization and state regulation; a typology of interactions has been developed that allows analyzing: administrative-legal and autonomous forms of cooperation: economic and military-patriotic interaction; socio-cultural aspects of integration; the main problems that reduce the effectiveness of interaction have been identified. Discussion and conclusion . The conditions for sustainable cooperation have been proposed, including: improving the regulatory framework; ensuring financial transparency; differentiated consideration of regional characteristics. The research confirms that the effectiveness of interaction depends on the balance of models and management mechanisms, as well as on taking into account the diversity of regional practices of Cossack self-government.