Dynamics of Cooperation between State and Civil Society Actors in Ukraine throughout the War with Russia

Abstract

This study investigates the complex dynamics of state and civil society cooperation in Ukraine since the February 2022 Russian invasion. The study relies on in-depth interviews with senior representatives of civil society and state actors in Ukraine and examines the performance of key actors in terms of addressing immediate wartime needs. The research identifies crucial stages in state decision-making where Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a pivotal role, emphasizing their contributions, especially to problem identification, information collection, alternative identification, and result evaluation. Furthermore, it assesses the sustainability of civil society-state actor cooperation during the conflict, emphasizing financial stability, flexibility, communication, and trust as pivotal factors. Lastly, it explores shared challenges, including divergent priorities, politicization, security concerns, and collaboration reluctance, proposing strategies centered on open dialogue, collective problem-solving, and expert advice incorporation. In summary, this research provides nuanced insights into civil society-state actor collaboration during enduring conflict, offering lessons on fostering cooperation and resilience in the face of foreign invasion.