CONFLICTOGENIC POTENTIAL OF PUBLIC POLICY

Abstract

This article explores the conflictogenic potential of public policy through the lens of interactions between state institutions and civil society. The authors examine how sociopsychological, organizational, and personal factors contribute to the emergence and escalation of conflicts within the process of citizens' political participation. Particular attention is given to the issue of mobilizing supporters of social movements, which is a crucial aspect of fostering political engagement among the population and can act as a catalyst for conflicts. The paper delves into contemporary approaches to the concept of civil disobedience, an essential element in democratic societies. The authors highlight that phenomena such as social movements and protests not only increase levels of societal conflict but also serve as powerful tools to bring attention to pressing social issues. The study examines the influence of national political culture on the strategies of social movements, emphasizing how the social context shapes the nature of protest actions and the methods used by activists. The Ukrainian context is particularly relevant, given the country’s ongoing political transformation and the role of social movements in driving change. The findings underline that the development of the conflictogenic potential of public policy is contingent on the interaction between objective and subjective factors. Organizational factors, which are largely objective, define the structural characteristics of political participation. In contrast, socio-psychological and personal factors are subjective and influence individuals’ behavior in political processes, shaping their attitudes toward public engagement. The study also addresses the impact of various political decisions by both elite groups and social activists, highlighting how decisions made in the past create "path dependencies" that further amplify the likelihood of conflict escalation. Drawing on the work of P. Bourdieu, the paper discusses how public trust in political leaders is influenced not only by their ideas but also by their personal qualities, which are perceived as guarantees of the political and social values they represent. Therefore, opponents often seek to discredit these figures by challenging both their ideas and personal integrity, which adds a personal dimension to the conflict. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how public policy can be designed to mitigate conflict and enhance the effectiveness of interactions between the state and civil society. The insights presented are valuable for policymakers seeking to reduce conflictogenicity within public policy frameworks, promote constructive engagement with civil society, and support social stability by fostering an inclusive approach to political representation. This work underscores the importance of a comprehensive strategy in addressing public dissent and managing the conflict dynamics inherent in political participation, particularly within emerging democracies.