CIAO DATE: 04/05

An Analytical Overview of Democratic Oversight and Governance of the Defence and Security Sector in Ukraine

Abstract

Since independence, the Ukraine has made progress in establishing a system of democratic civilian control over the Armed Forces. The regulatory-legal basis which governs the activity of security structures and which defines the different aspects of civil-military relations has basically been established. These regulatory-legal structures co-ordinate and oversee the activity of these security structures. Co-operation between different authorities in matter pertaining to the formation of the defence budget and the development of state programmes in the military sector is gradually improving. Ideological indoctrination has loosened its hold on Ukraine's security structures and democratic values are formally now the foundation of their activity.

Security co-operation with western democracies made a noticeable difference by encouraging the Ukraine to declare its adherence to universal democratic principles: the rule of law, respect for human and civil rights, democratic accountability, transparency, the depoliticisation and de-ideologisation of civilian control. This co-operation also provided opportunities for Ukraine to gain foreign experience and to educate military and civilian personnel.

Full Text (PDF, 173 pages, 672.5 KB)