The concept of national security of Ukraine: relevance and structure

The article examines the urgent need to adopt the Concept of National Security of Ukraine as a fundamental document that will determine strategic guidelines and practical mechanisms for protecting the vital interests of the Ukrainian people, society and state. The authors focus on the dominant global trend of consolidating provisions on national security and defense at the constitutional level, citing examples of world constitutions. They analyze the relationship between the future Concept and the current Law of Ukraine “On National Security of Ukraine” dated June 21, 2018 No. 2469-VIII, emphasizing their different statuses, depth of legal regulation and functional purpose. It is noted that the Law is a framework document, while the Concept, if approved at the level of law, will have a more fundamental, theoretical and strategic nature, revealing the essence of national security, its philosophy and methodological approaches. The article justifies the need to adopt a new Concept of National Security of Ukraine, which will ensure the systematicity, integrity and clarity of the conceptual apparatus in the field of security. The importance of a proactive approach to threats, legislative consolidation and hierarchy of documents, as well as the integration of advanced methodological principles is emphasized. The authors consider the Concept as a basis for international cooperation, which will contribute to the deepening of interaction with Ukraine’s partners. Based on a systemic approach, the structure of the Concept of National Security of Ukraine is proposed, which includes twelve key elements: Ukraine’s position in the world, national goals and interests, allies and partners, real and potential threats, material, regulatory and spiritual bases, institutional and personnel bases, management of the national security system, activities in this area and desired results. The importance of defining in the Concept fundamental concepts, such as national security, the Ukrainian people, security objects and subjects, threats, national goal and interests, is emphasized. The proposed structure is designed to ensure the logicality, consistency and systematicity of the document, which is critically important for the effective functioning of the national security system of Ukraine in the face of modern challenges.