FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF THE STATE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF UKRAINE AND THE USA
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, KOVALCHUK Mykola 
Published: November 2024

Background . In an era marked by globalization and rapid transformation, Ukraine is actively reforming its public administration system to align with European standards and effectively tackle contemporary challenges. Concurrently, the United States, with its robust democratic legacy and sophisticated governance framework, persistently evolves to meet new global trends while preserving its institutional robustness. This article delves into the analysis of public administration systems' capacity, positing it as a pivotal factor in governmental efficacy. It operates under the premise that the success of public policy is intrinsically linked to the government's capacity for informed decision-making. Methods . This study employs an integrated approach that amalgamates both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to fulfill its objectives. Theoretical methodologies like abstraction and modeling are pivotal in distilling key concepts and constructing a coherent analytical framework for the investigation. Empirical approaches, including surveys and interviews, are crucial for amassing primary data pertinent to actual public initiatives within Ukraine. Results . The discourse scrutinizes the political, managerial, and juridical dimensions of state institutional capacity, drawing on Ukraine and the USA as case studies. It explores how their public administration systems acclimate to swift shifts and global exigencies that demand not just reactivity but also foresight. Employing a holistic methodology that integrates qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study underscores shared strategies and distinctive approaches to governance, pinpoints critical performance indicators, and evaluates hypotheses concerning their interplay. Moreover, the paper accentuates the significance of accessible, high-caliber administrative services in cultivating public trust in government, alongside the imperative for agility and innovation within public administration to navigate the flux of circumstances. The research underscores the salience of expertise, impartiality, and concerted action in empowering government entities to address issues and realize strategic objectives. It contends that the constancy of legal frameworks and the combat against corruption are vital to the predictability and integrity of administrative operations. Professionalism, impartiality, coordinated efforts, legislative and institutional stability, as well as the eradication of corruption and vested interests, are pinpointed as crucial elements influencing public confidence and administrative efficacy. Conclusions . The caliber of administrative services directly impact public trust levels, while managerial adaptability and ingenuity, coupled with societal engagement, enhance system transparency and performance. The author underscores the value of synergies with civic bodies and the private sector in bolstering efficiency and transparency. In summation, the author underscores the paramountcy of institutional capacity in the fruition of public policy and advocates for ongoing scholarly exchange and dialogue between Ukraine and the USA to disseminate exemplary practices and augment the collective capacity of public administration.