THE INFLUENCE OF THE MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE STATE USING THE EXAMPLES OF UKRAINE AND GERMANY

The topic of interaction between the state and individuals acquires special significance in the modern world, where social and political processes take place against the background of globalization, but at the same time preserve the unique cultural specificity of each country. Analysis of the mental characteristics of Ukrainians and Germans allows us to identify deep factors that affect the relationship between citizens and state institutions, the formation of civil society and the level of trust in authorities. Studying these aspects on the example of Ukraine and Germany provides an opportunity to understand how historical and cultural features contribute to the formation of different approaches to building relations between the state and citizens, which is of particular importance for a society undergoing reforms and transformations.The article aims to analyze the influence of the mental characteristics of the Ukrainian and German peoples on the characteristics of the relationship between the state and individuals in these countries. The tasks of the research include the study of key cultural and mental institutions that start the worldview of Ukrainians and Germans, comparing their approaches to state institutions, as well as determining the role of mentality in the development of civil society and the effectiveness of state structures.The work uses a comprehensive approach that includes methods of comparative analysis, historical analysis, sociological research, and text analysis. To compare the mental characteristics of Ukrainians and Germans, they used the works of leading culturologists, historians, sociologists and modern social surveys. The comparative method makes it possible to identify both common features and fundamental differences in the perception of the role of the state, the responsibility of the citizen and the attitude to the law.The experience of Ukraine and Germany demonstrates how the mental characteristics of a nation can become a support or a challenge for the development of the state and civil society. In Ukraine, individualism and the desire for freedom can serve as a source for active involvement of citizens, especially in moments of crisis. In Germany, however, compliance with laws and discipline contribute to effective interaction between citizens and the state. Such an analysis emphasizes the importance of mentality as a factor that significantly affects the efficiency and stability of state institutions, as well as the formation of an active civil society.