Free economic zones as an instrument of state governance in ensuring energy security: comparative analysis of international practice and implications for Ukraine, Энергетикалық қауіпсіздікті қамтамасыз етудегі мемлекеттік басқару құралы ретіндегі еркін экономикалық аймақтар: халықаралық тәжірибені салыстырмалы талдау және Украина үшін салдары, Свободные экономические зоны как инструмент государственного управления в обеспечении энергетической безопасности: сравнительный анализ международной практики и последствия для Украины

<jats:p>The growing vulnerability of national energy systems to geopolitical instability, climate change, and volatile energy markets prompted states to seek non-conventional governance instruments to reinforce energy security. Simultaneously, free economic zones (FEZs) are undergoing a paradigm shift – from trade-logistical enclaves to sophisticated tools of structural industrial and infrastructure policy. This article aims to identify and systematise mechanisms through which FEZs can purposefully shape national energy security architecture and to develop conceptual approaches to adapting the most effective international models to Ukrainian conditions, particularly in the context of post-war reconstruction. The study employs comparative public administration analysis, institutional design theory, systems analysis, and case study methodology. Three distinct governance models – the Asian dirigiste model (China, South Korea, UAE), African context case, the North American market-oriented model (USA, Canada), and the European regulated transformation model (Poland, Estonia, Netherlands) – are examined through structured cross-case comparison. The analysis reveals a key typological feature of effective FEZ solutions in the energy security domain: the principle of "dual asymmetry" – combining asymmetric regulatory conditions (preferential regimes for investment attraction) with asymmetric obligations for residents regarding localisation and technology transfer. A conceptual model of "Energy Special Recovery Zone" (ESRZ) for Ukraine is proposed, incorporating a three-tier governance structure, differentiated incentive packages, and an "energy obligation" mechanism. Post-war Ukraine possesses a unique "window of opportunity" to create next-generation FEZs simultaneously oriented toward foreign investment attraction, technology transfer, and energy autonomy reinforcement. The ESRZ model bridges EU accession commitments with urgent national energy resilience imperatives.</jats:p>