Local Democracy in the Context of Ukraine’s Transformation and Recovery: Interdisciplinary Research and Project-Based Approach

This article explores the development of local democracy in Ukraine amid transformation, postconflict recovery, and European integration. It emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach that combines political science reflection with managerial practice, particularly project-based strategic management. Such an approach enables the integration of theoretical foundations with complex applied solutions, which is especially relevant under conditions of global uncertainty.The study examines the evolution of interdisciplinary research in scientific inquiry, highlighting the growing role of political science and management in Ukraine’s transformation and recovery. It identifies the characteristics of the European research space shaped by the need for interdisciplinary synthesis, tracing its development from empirical science to modern interdisciplinary studies.Key challenges are addressed, including the implementation of European standards for local governance, citizen participation in decision-making, adaptation of global models to local contexts, and the increasing role of local authorities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Special attention is given to the insufficient integration of local contexts in research and the need for relevant governance models that consider the social, economic, and security dimensions of Ukrainian communities.The article analyzes the potential of interdisciplinary research in political science and management, particularly a project-based approach, in the context of Ukraine’s integration into the European research space. It substantiates the importance of a systemic vision that combines theoretical and applied perspectives, as well as the need to enhance the institutional capacity of the state in the face of global challenges and threats.The proposed approaches contribute to the formation of a new quality of local democracy based on trust, participation, and resilience, enabling local communities not only to respond to risks but also to contribute to the global agenda.