Restoring Social Order Through Justice: The Social Dimension of Post-War Ukraine

Abstract

The article explores the issue of identifying a concept of justice that could serve as the foundation for the socio-political organization of post-war Ukraine. The authors argue that society needs a clear ideal aligned with European values, the historical experience, and the cultural traditions of the Ukrainian people. The categories of freedom, equality, and justice are examined as potential cornerstones of the future order. Taking into account the reactive nature of negative freedom, the specific perception of equality, and Ukraine’s course toward European integration, the authors justify the choice of justice as the most stable and universal foundation. Based on a comparative analysis of contemporary theories of justice, the conclusion is drawn that John Rawls’s theory of justice is the most suitable for implementation in the Ukrainian context. This concept is capable of ensuring a balance between individual freedoms and social responsibility, aligning both with the demands of Ukrainian society and the standards of the European democratic community. It combines theoretical soundness with practical feasibility. John Rawls’ principles of justice offer solutions to a wide range of inequality-related challenges. In the field of education, in particular, their implementation can form the basis for securing fair access to higher education, create conditions under which the education system promotes social mobility, and enable the introduction of fair and transparent mechanisms for granting draft deferments to higher education students. Thanks to its universality, interdisciplinary foundation, and alignment with European democratic values, this concept, in the authors’ view, can serve as the basis for an ideal form of socio-political organization – one that will guide and inspire Ukrainians in the post-war period.