About the project

The Impact of the Political System’s Structure on the Quality of the State Institutions’: Polish and Ukrainian Experiences and Perspectives

The project aims to understand how Poland’s constitutional arrangements—shaped by historical developments leading to key constitutional milestones—have tangibly affected the performance of state institutions. We posit that these arrangements directly influence how effectively these institutions operate.

We analyze the impact of various elements of the system and their interconnections on state functioning over the long term (considering variations in indicators) to identify the strengths and weaknesses of Poland’s constitutional model. We also examine whether Polish experiences can be used in a different historical and social context, particularly in relation to Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Our assumption is that Ukraine and Poland share common interests in shaping the Ukrainian state during the post-war reconstruction period. Strengthening the Ukrainian state contributes to regional security and peaceful coexistence on the European continent.

We take into account the historical experiences of the Polish state after 1989, particularly following the adoption of the 1997 Constitution, as well as those of the Ukrainian state after 1991. We also analyze the historical and social context, which, in Poland’s case, has been shaped by the accession process and the consequences of European Union membership for the political system and state institutions. In Ukraine’s case, this context includes both the process of transformation and the formation of state identity, as well as the experience of Russian aggression—including the full-scale invasion in 2022-and the challenges of post-war institutional reconstruction.

Polish experiences allow us to analyze the impact of various system elements and their interrelations on the actual functioning of institutions. Particularly valuable insights come from the more than 25 years of the 1997 Polish Constitution’s operation. During this period, different configurations of constitutional elements have emerged (including the composition of the parliament and the relationship between its chambers, the cohabitation of the government and president, the activities of the Constitutional Tribunal, and other constitutional bodies) as well as several critical areas, such as the judiciary and the legislative process.

Our project, scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026, encompasses a wide range of topics, necessitating an interdisciplinary methodology. The research integrates insights from three primary academic domains Sociology, with a focus on the sociology of law and political sociology; Legal studies, emphasizing constitutional law. Political and administrative sciences, concentrating on the political system, legislative processes, state administrative efficiency, and evidence-based public policies.

The findings are principally directed toward both Polish and international scholars specializing in these fields. Additionally, the project’s outcomes are pertinent to policymakers and public administrators in Poland, especially those involved in public administration, foreign affairs, and European Union collaborations. Moreover, the research holds significance for Ukrainian political figures engaged in designing the nation’s political framework during the post-war reconstruction phase.

As part of the project, scientific seminars and study visits are organized for Ukrainian scholars in Poland and Polish scholars in Ukraine. We study the functioning of state institutions in the host country and establish connections with a broader academic community of partner institutions.

In 2026, an international conference will be held at the University of Warsaw, where we will present our research findings and submit them for open discussion among leading scholars from various countries.