Institutionalization of public policy as a determinant of the adaptability of the political system in the context of political, security, and economic threats

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of political system adaptability through the prism of public policy institutionalization in the context of modern crises. It is argued that in the 21st century, democracy is not a static model, but a dynamic system capable of transformation under the influence of external and internal determinants. Particular attention is paid to the risks of narrowing the space for freedom and public control even in liberal regimes while formally preserving democratic procedures. The work is based on a comprehensive analysis of leading scientific approaches: political neo-institutionalism: considers the autonomy of institutions and their dominant role in shaping PP; historical and structural neo-institutionalism: focuses on contextual features and the influence of public institutions on decision-making; rational choice and managerial approach: analyze the effectiveness of political strategies and the search for rationality in management; systemic approach and the theory of “external shocks”: explain the ability of a system to construct its elements in response to crisis factors. The article defines the essence of institutional adaptability not as an inertial reaction, but as the ability to maintain functionality, legitimacy, and institutional trust in conditions of uncertainty. It is based on a combination of procedural flexibility and adherence to basic democratic values. Adaptability is an integral characteristic of a political system, reflecting its capacity for structural and procedural transformation without losing its core values. In the context of institutionalizing PP, adaptability emerges as a result of the ability of institutions not only to accumulate and redistribute resources in response to political, security, and economic threats, but also to reproduce legitimate rules of interaction between the state and society. It is institutionally enshrined mechanisms of coordination, participation, and control that ensure a balance between stability and change, which determines the resilience of the political system in the face of multidimensional challenges. It also involves combining flexible procedures, openness to revising norms, involving new actors in the decision-making process, and simultaneously adhering to the basic values of democracy: accountability, tolerance, pluralism, and separation of powers. The specifics of Ukraine, which faces “dual” institutionalization (the coexistence of post-Soviet and new institutions) and the personalization of power, are analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on the period after the full-scale invasion of 2022, which requires a rethinking of the functions of the state. The threat of “trading freedoms for security” has been identified, creating space for extraordinary powers that are difficult to revoke after a crisis. It has been proven that a higher level of institutionalization of public actors and channels of their interaction directly correlates with the effectiveness of public policy in the face of systemic threats. The study offers new scientific approaches for analyzing public policy in conditions of external aggression and instability. The results can be used to model risks, update governance models, and strengthen dialogue between the authorities and civil society.