State Governance under External Challenges: Lessons from the Great Patriotic War and Contemporary International Practices

Abstract

The study explores state governance under strategic external challenges, focusing on the Soviet Union’s experience during the Great Patriotic War and contemporary international management practices. Its aim is to analyze the resources, tools, and mechanisms that ensure state resilience amid global threats and to evaluate their relevance to today’s geopolitical landscape. The scientific significance stems from the need to interpret historical governance models to devise modern security strategies, particularly amid the instability of the international system. The practical value lies in the potential application of findings to bolster Russia’s state policy in addressing emerging challenges. The methodology relies on a comparative historical analysis of the Soviet experience and an examination of crisis management cases in European countries. Findings indicate that the Soviet model exemplifies the effectiveness of mobilization governance in extreme conditions, driven by centralization and rapid decision-making. Conversely, contemporary European practices reveal a mix of successes and managerial shortcomings, primarily due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and poor coordination. The study contributes to international relations theory by highlighting the critical role of emergency bodies in crisis management and offers fresh interpretations of mobilization strategies tailored to modern contexts. Its practical significance lies in formulating recommendations to enhance Russia’s resilience to external threats, drawing on historical insights and an analysis of current international approaches. The research underscores the importance of adapting historical lessons to the complexities of a globalized world, providing a framework for strategic policy development.