POLITICAL ELITES AND THEIR ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores the key role of political elites in shaping civil society in Ukraine. It analyzes the impact of political elites on the development of democratic institutions, their ability to engage in institutional interaction with civil organizations, and their participation in ensuring democratic transformations. It is established that political elites act as key agents determining the direction of political transformations. However, their influence is often accompanied by challenges such as corporate interests, corrupt practices, and limited transparency in decision-making processes. The stages of the development of political elites since Ukraine’s independence are examined. In the early stages, they consisted of former post-Soviet cadres, which slowed the democratization process. After the Orange Revolution, and especially following the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, the political elite underwent a renewal, contributing to greater transparency and openness in decision-making. The study reveals that the influence of oligarchic structures remains a significant factor that complicates the implementation of reforms. The role of public consultations and open meetings with the public in the democratization of political processes is analyzed. It is found that these mechanisms are important for engaging citizens in key political decision-making, but their effectiveness is often limited by the internal pressure of political elites’ interests. The research concludes that sustainable democratic development requires further improvement of mechanisms for citizen participation in the political process, increased transparency and accountability of the government, and enhanced public oversight of political elites. It is suggested that digital platforms be more actively only expand opportunities for citizen participation in political life but also provide timely feedback between the authorities and civil society. It is identified that such platforms could serve as effective tools for improving transparency in decisionmaking processes, promoting the openness of political elites, and strengthening public control over their activities. It is argued that achieving sustainable democratic development necessitates balancing the interests of political elites and civil society by creating inclusive mechanisms for discussion and decision-making. The article concludes that future research should focus on examining specific mechanisms of interaction between political elites and civil society and analyzing their effectiveness during political crises.