COALITION STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING PARTY ATOMIZATION IN UKRAINE


DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2415-881x.2026.100.2.178-192

Oleh Horai

Abstract


A comprehensive analysis of party coalitions as a tool for overcoming the atomization and fragmentation of the Ukrainian party system through mechanisms for consolidating electoral support and institutionalizing inter-party interaction has been carried out. The nature of the atomization of the Ukrainian party system has been characterized and the historical experience of the formation of party blocs has been traced. It has been found that the Ukrainian party system is characterized by a high level of atomization due to low institutionalization of parties, electoral volatility, personalization of politics and oligarchic influence. It has been established that party coalitions in Ukraine were formed mainly as instrumental pre-election alliances without long-term programmatic integration. The key factors of the instability of Ukrainian blocs have been identified: the dominance of the leader over partners, the absence of clear coalition agreements, conflicts over the distribution of resources. The factors of success and failure of coalition strategies have been identified. On this basis, the potential of party coalitions for structuring the political space is assessed. The prospects for using party coalitions to consolidate the party system in the post-war period are determined. The institutional prerequisites for successful blocking of political parties are characterized (clear legal framework, mechanisms of coalition discipline, culture of compromise, etc.). Instead, it was found that the following prerequisites for the successful functioning of party coalitions can serve: reform of electoral legislation, mechanisms of coalition discipline, transparency of party financing, stimulation of the development of party organizations, institutionalization of inter-party consultations, integration into European party federations. Military experience and fulfillment of conditions related to European integration will contribute to the consolidation of the party system in the future.

Keywords


party coalition; atomization of the party system; fragmentation of the party system; bloc of political parties; party-political consolidation; electoral alliance; institutionalization of political parties; personalization of politics; European integration

References


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