Participatory Democratic Practices in Ukrainian Civil Society

This literature review examines participatory and deliberative democratic practices in Ukraine, focusing on the development of civil society from 2014 to 2025. It outlines the evolving landscape of Ukrainian civil society, which, despite being perceived as weak by formal metrics, has shown significant capacity for mobilization and innovation. The review introduces a framework for categorizing civil society activities, emphasizing the importance of informal networks and civic engagement. It discusses the wartime transformation of civil society, highlighting the rapid growth of humanitarian NGOs and the shift towards informal networks during crises. The review categorizes civil society activities post-2022 into humanitarian response, military support, advocacy, social services, cultural preservation, and more. It also addresses the interaction between civil society and the state, noting improvements in government responsiveness and collaborative efforts in recovery, while maintaining the watchdog role of civil society organizations. The document provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and adaptations faced by civil society in Ukraine during this period.