POPULISM IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

Introduction. In recent years, populism in public administration has become increasingly widespread, and if earlier this term was associated mainly with elections, today we can observe it everywhere, not only in Ukraine but throughout the world. The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of populism in public administration in the world, focusing on its impact on decision-making, administrative efficiency and public trust among different segments of the population, as well as on the opposition of rich and poor through the prism of populism. Particular attention is paid to the peculiarities of populism in the Ukrainian political environment and the most prominent manifestations of populism in world politics. Purpose. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the manifestations and consequences of populist approaches in public administration, with a special focus on the Ukrainian political context and the impact on public sentiment among different segments of the population. Methods. The research is based on a combination of qualitative analysis of political discourse, comparative review of academic literature, and case study examination of specific instances of populist governance in Ukraine. Results. The study reveals that populism, while potentially enhancing short-term political support, undermines institutional sustainability, distorts policy priorities, and erodes accountability. In the Ukrainian context, populist strategies have led to fluctuating public confidence and inconsistencies in administrative policy-making. Conclusion. The study offers a number of practical recommendations to mitigate the negative impact of populism on public administration, including the introduction of transparent decision-making mechanisms, promotion of civic education, and strengthening of institutional checks and balances. These measures are aimed at ensuring a more sustainable and responsive governance system that resists populist pressure.