Volume 45 (2016)

Editorial

  • Author: Arkadiusz Żukowski
  • Institution: Polish Political Science Association (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 7
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy201600
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016000.pdf

Dear Readers, I am very pleased to present you the 45th volume of the Polish Political Science Yearbook (2016). From the beginning, the journal was connected with the Polish Association of Political Science (established in 1957) and in fact, played a role in its organ. At first, the periodical was published under the title Polish Round Table, and then the name was changed into the current one. The fundamental aims of the Polish Political Science Yearbook for the last 45 years and even earlier have not changed. The authors have made an effort to maintain and even increase the quality of publishing papers. These aims were and are the priority tasks. In the near future the deepened emphasis will be directed towards theoretical and methodological background of every paper. The PPSY will be more open for scientific discourse on various vital challenges and threats of contemporary political science in Poland and in the World.

PTNP Polish Association of Political Science editorial polish political science yearbook

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Remembrance, Identity Politics and Political Transitions: a Comparative Study

  • Author: Patryk Wawrzyński
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) & WSB University in Bydgoszcz (Poland)
  • Author: Joanna Marszałek-Kawa
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 11-21
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016001
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016001.pdf

The paper presents findings of the comparative study on relationships between remembrance story-telling and the transitional reconstruction of political identities. It identifies in which areas and fields of impact governments tend to use interpretations of the past to promote new leadership visions of society. Moreover, it verifies theoretical hypotheses related to the politicised remembrance and its role as a political asset during transformations, as well as it considers the theoretical framework of democracy-building (and a common prediction of its universal character). As a result, the study offers a detailed picture of the way remembrance narratives are transformed into explanations, justifications or legitimisation of new, post-authoritarian identities based on qualitative-to-quantitative analysis of the intensity of story-telling and its links with transitional identity politics. In the conclusion, the Authors present their consideration of research findings, and they discuss it with reference to the nature of transitional government’s remembrance policy as a sphere of social influence. 

symbolic roles social stratification new elites rememance policy transformations democratisation collective memory transitional justice

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Significance of the Social Vision of Great People in Times of Political Transition

  • Author: Konrad Wyszkowski
  • Institution: University of Warsaw (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 22-31
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016002
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016002.pdf

The author offers a new approach to a phenomenon of social legends of great individuals from a philosophical point of view. He starts with a presentation of his interpretation of the concept of the Platonic tradition of a divine man and a cult or hagiography of such men in the ideal Platonic state, alongside with an explanation, inspired by Platonic authors. He collates this concept and its justification (rationalization) with today’s social and political reception of axiology, in order to present it as an epiphany of higher values. He collates it also with the results of philosophical reflection on a ductility of history, in order to show it as a prototype of something real in its historical efficiency. The author ends with summary and explanation of his proposal. 

modern reception of axiology moral education Platonism Neoplatonism nihilism philosophy of history political philosophy

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Cultural War and Reinventing the Past in Poland and Hungary: The Politics of Historical Memory in East–Central Europe

  • Author: Attila Ágh
  • Institution: Corvinus University of Budapest (Hungary)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 32-44
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016003
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016003.pdf

This paper has been based on three assumptions that have been widely discussed in the international political science: (1) there has been a decline of democracy in East–Central Europe (ECE) with the emergence of “velvet dictatorships”, (2) the velvet dictatorships rely on the soft power of media and communication rather on the hard power of state violence that has provoked “cultural wars“ and (3) the basic turning point is the transition from the former modernization narrative to the traditional narrative with “reinventing the past” and “reconceptualising modernity” through the reference to the historically given collective national identity by launching the “politics of historical memory”. The velvet dictatorships have been using and abusing the national history as an ideological drug to consolidate their power. The (social and national) populism and Euroscepticism are the basic twin terms to describe the soft power of the new (semi)authoritarian regimes. They are convertible, the two sides of the same coin, since they express the same divergence from the EU mainstream from inside and outside. Soft power means that the political contest in the new regimes has been transferred from the hard to the soft fields of politics as the fight between the confronting narratives. The victory of the traditionalist–nativist narrative carries also the message that the people are only passive “subjects” and not active citizens, so the field of politics has been extremely narrowed in the “new brave world” in ECE. 

reinventing the past cultural war historical memory Hungary politics of memory Poland

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Securitization of Past: Analysis of the Katyń Issue in the Context of EU Integration

  • Author: Olga Sebina
  • Institution: Jilin University (China)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 45-59
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016004
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016004.pdf

This paper provides a theoretical explanation of what causes historical issues to impact bilateral relations between two states. The case which was chosen for analysis – popularly known as the Katyń issue – involves changes in Polish foreign policy towards the Russian Federation due to the remembrance of the Katyń Massacre. The main assumptions are based on the concept of securitization and its analytical framework, particularly the societal portion, which is proposed by the Copenhagen School of security study. The process of European integration can be seen as the main causal factor leading to a complex of vertical and horizontal competition between Poland, the EU, and Russia over the construction of their historical identities with a referent object of securitization in Poland. The main conclusion of this paper suggests that significant differences in the understanding of various nations’ roles in WW2 between the EU and Russia have led to the securitization of the Polish historical image of WW2. The Polish audience considered it important to accept the historical truth. The Katyń issue in Polish–Russian relations has become a case that reflects the process which leads to securitization of disputes between historical victims and victimizers on a state–to–state level. 

Polish foreign policy the Katyń issue securitization

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The Uncompleted Revolution? The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia in the Post–Communist Reality

  • Author: Marcin Czyżniewski
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 60-72
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016005
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016005.pdf

The change of the political regime in Czechoslovakia, called the Velvet Revolution, is considered as a success story of transformation after 1989. However, in nowadays Czech Republic, the Communist Party still exists – this is the only such case among democratic countries of Central Europe. It makes us ask the question: is the Velvet Revolution completed? The author treats the activities of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia as a criterion for the assessment of changes in the Czech Republic after 1989 and wonders how strong for the assessment of the transformation influences the relics of the former regime. He stresses that transformation in the Czech Republic can’t be assessed on a comparative scale, because pace and effects of changes were different in different countries, as different was the nature of the previous regimes. The author concludes that the existence of the Communist Party is the natural element of contemporary political reality of the Czech Republic, which negates the achievements of transformation in no way. 

Central Europe the Velvet Revolution communist parties the Czech Republic political transformation

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Post–Yugoslav Collective Memory: Between National and Transnational Myths

  • Author: Magdalena Rekść
  • Institution: University of Łódź (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 73-84
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016006
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016006.pdf

The aim of this paper is to analyse the image of Yugoslavia in the collective memories of the post–Yugoslav societies. The author of this text, basing on an assumption that every society has a great number of collective memories, highlights the fact that among the Balkan nations one can find both supporters and opponents not only of the SFRY but also of the idea of the cooperation among the Southern Slavs. Both positive and negative opinions of Yugoslavia in the collective memories are based not on the sober assessment of the historical facts but on collective emotions and historical and political myths. The anti–Yugoslav discourse in primarily based on the national mythology. The discourse of the supporters of the Yugoslav tradition one the other hand, goes back in a large extend to the transnational myths. By discussing these two types of ideas about Yugoslavia, the author of this text tries to show their impact on the current political decisions.

Yugo–nostalgia collective identity myth Yugoslavia collective memory

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The Political Myth of Margaret Thatcher in Scotland

  • Author: Tomasz Czapiewski
  • Institution: University of Szczecin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 85-98
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016007
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016007.pdf

The article describes and explains the phenomenon of the political myth of Margaret Thatcher – her anti–Scottish attitude and policies and its impact on the process of decomposition of the United Kingdom. The author indicates that the view of Margaret Thatcher’s dominance in Scotland is simplified, stripped of complexity, ignoring significant information conflicting with the thesis, but that also plays an important role in current politics, legitimizing secessionist demands and strengthening the identity of the Scottish community. In the contemporary Scottish debate with its unequivocal defence policy of Thatcher is outside of the discourse, proving its sanctity status. Thatcher could see this special Scottish dimension within the United Kingdom, but treated it rather as a delay in the reforms needed in the country. There are many counterarguments to the validity of the Thatcher myth. Firstly, many negative processes that took place in the 80s were not initiated by Thatcher, only accelerated. Secondly, the Tory decline in popularity in the north began before the leadership of Thatcher and has lasted long after her dismissal. The Conservative Party was permanently seen in Scotland as openly English. Thirdly, there is a lot of accuracy in the opinion that the real division is not between Scotland and England, only between southern England and the rest of the country. Widespread opinion that Thatcher was hostile to Scotland is to a large extent untruthful. She has never retreated radically from any of the Scottish privileges, such as the Barnett formula or the Scottish Development Agency. 

independence devolution Thatcherism Margaret Thatcher Scotland United Kingdom political myth

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Sites of Memory in the Public Space of Chile and Georgia: the Transition and Pre–Transition Period

  • Author: Anna Ratke-Majewska
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University (Poland)
  • Author: Joanna Marszałek-Kawa
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 99-116
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016008
  • PDF: ppsy/45/2016008.pdf

By undertaking discussion on the aspect of special forms of commemoration, we may obtain a lot of useful information about the remembrance policy of a given country. That is why the analysis of the issue of the sites of memory seems to be of key importance for understanding problems related to the state’s interpretation of the past from the perspective of an authoritarian regime, political transition and democracy. The aim of this paper is to address one of the elements of a broader issue, i.e. the study of the politics of memory. This element focuses on the presentation of the most significant sites of memory in two countries with the experience of authoritarianism – Chile and Georgia – emphasizing changes which took place in the sphere of commemoration from the beginning of democratic transformation to the moment of achieving full democracy. By describing these places we are showing the main directions and framework assumptions of the remembrance policies of Chile and Georgia, reflected in the form of spatial and visual objects of the “living history”. 

Georgia Chile democracy democratic transformation sites of memory politics of memory

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The European Court of Human Rights on Nazi and Soviet Past in Central and Eastern Europe

  • Author: Grażyna Baranowska
  • Institution: Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland)
  • Author: Aleksandra Gliszczyńska-Grabias
  • Institution: Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 117-129
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016009
  • PDF: ppsy/45/2016009.pdf

The article demonstrates how references to Nazi and Soviet past are perceived and evaluated by the European Court of Human Rights. Individual cases concerning Holocaust and Nazism, which the Court has examined so far, are compared here to judgments rendered with regard to Communist regime. The article proves that the Court treats more leniently state interference with freedom of expression when memory about Nazism and Holocaust is protected than when a post–Communist state wants to preserve a critical memory about the regime. The authors of the article agree with the attitude of the Court which offers a wide margin of appreciation to states restrictively treating references to Nazism and Holocaust, including comparisons to the Holocaust, Nazism or fascism used as rhetorical devices. At the same time they postulate that other totalitarian systems should be treated by the Court equally. 

memory laws European Convention on Human Rights ECHR European Court of Human Rights ECtHR

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Decommunisation of the Public Space in Post–Euromaidan Ukraine

  • Author: Antonina Kozyrska
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 130-144
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016010
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016010.pdf

The problem of thorough and ultimate decommunisation in Ukraine got suddenly valid during Euromaidan on the turn of 2013/2014 and after its termination. It became a component of post–revolutionary reforms in the field of policy of memory. A year after Euromaidan Ukraine’s parliament adopted four “decommunisation laws” on 9 April 2015. One of them concerns the condemnation of the Communist regime and prohibition the propaganda of his symbols. The author analysed contents of the law and focused on the results of decommunisation, which included the cleansing the public space from Soviet–era legacy. Full implementation of the law was planned for the year. During this time the goal was almost fully implemented regarding the renaming of many locations and districts. The communist names of thousands streets, squares, urban districts were changed, although this process was delayed. The process of renaming of many institutions, industrial plants and press titles was very slow. 

decommunisation Euromaidan politics of memory Ukraine

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South African Post–Apartheid Transitional Remembrance Policy (1994–1999)

  • Author: Alicja Stańco-Wawrzyńska
  • Institution: War Studies University in Warsaw (Poland) & Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Author: Patryk Wawrzyński
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) & WSB University in Bydgoszcz (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 145-154
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016011
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016011.pdf

The paper presents results of the qualitative–to–quantitative narrative analysis of the transitional remembrance policy in South Africa during Nelson R. Mandela’s presidency. It refers to findings on the structure of political applications of historical interpretations to the issue of national identity reconstruction during democratisation. Therefore, the paper considers a degree in which remembrance story–telling was used to legitimise, justify, explain and promote the Rainbow Nation, the inclusive and non–racial vision of South Africa’s ’ideal self’ based on Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s theology of Ubuntu hoping. It investigated these relationships on eight levels – legitimisation of new elites, presence of former elites, transitional justice, social costs of transformations, promotion of new standards, the symbolic roles of democratisation, need for national unity and the new state’s identity in international politics. Moreover, the paper introduces a draft comparison with other cases of transitional remembrance policy – Chile, Estonia, Georgia, Poland and Spain – and it offers the structural model of the use of historical interpretations in South African transition, as well as discussing it with reference to the general model of the transitional remembrance policy. 

reconstruction of society political narratives remembrance narratives Desmond Tutu Nelson Mandela Truth and Reconciliation Commission Rainbow Nation democratisation

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The State of Democracy in Poland and Europe

  • Author: Lech Wałęsa
  • Institution: President of Poland, 1990–1995 & the Noble Peace Prize Laureate in 1983
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 157-165
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016012
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016012.pdf

The exclusive interview with Mr Lech Wałęsa, the legendary leader of “Solidarity” Trade Union, the Noble Peace Prize Laureate in 1983 and the President of Poland from 1990 to 1995, on the state of democracy in Poland and Europe, presents Mr Wałęsa’s perspective on challenges that contemporary political leaders have to face. It discusses four major areas: a historical consideration of Poland’s post-communist transformation, a today’s perspective on democracy in Poland, an evaluation of country’s role in united Europe and a discussion of processes that threaten democracy in Poland and Europe. In the interview, Mr Wałęsa shares his hopes and fears, and he presents main ideas for the new political times. His assessments do not focus only on the today’s state of democracy, but he also tries to consider how the democracy may look like in the future. As a result, the Polish Political Science Yearbook publishes a unique conversation with the legend of the struggle against Communist dictatorships in Europe that shows Mr Wałęsa’s personal remarks on the democracy, the globalised World and modern technologies. 

new technologies global economy Solidarity post–communism transformations democratisation globalisation the European Union

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The Role of NGOs in the Development of Societies and Overcoming the Consequences of Crises: Case Studies of Poland and Russia

  • Author: Elena V. Kucheryavaya
  • Institution: University of Warsaw (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 166-177
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016013
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016013.pdf

The aim of the article is to present the results of the research conducted by author in Poland and Russia last years, as well as to analyse the ways for improvement the situation in civil society in these countries. The author postulates the need of new understanding of the role of non–governmental organizations in times of crises, which happened in Europe and in the world in recent years (the world financial crisis, migration crisis, political crises in Poland and Russia, the crisis of European integration, etc.). Presented in this article research demonstrates, that mass–media, governments and ordinary people in Poland and Russia see the role of non–governmental organisations primarily in the social problems solving. Moreover, different other studies analysed in the article demonstrate the weakness of non–governmental sector and civil society in these countries. Author concludes that non–governmental organizations have to work in coalitions, because this way they can receive support from other institutions in the network and promote their activities on a larger scale. Networking, federations and coalitions of non–governmental organizations are the significant force in society. It is very important especially in a context of social development of Poland and Russia and overcoming the consequences of crises. 

crises comparative analysis public opinion civil society non–governmental organisations Russia Poland

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Compensation Liability for Damages Incurred while Exercising Public Authority: a Basic Pillar of Democratic State Ruled by Law

  • Author: Aleksander Wróbel
  • Institution: Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland) & Uppsala University (Sweden)
  • Author: Agata Cebera
  • Institution: Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 178-190
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016014
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016014.pdf

The leading aim of this paper is to portray the constitutional institution of compensation liability for unlawful acts of public authorities in Polish law related to the development of general principle concerning democratic rule of law. Compensation for damages brought upon the citizens by civil servants constitutes a basic pillar of contemporary democratic state, because it guarantees acting by public authorities in compliances with law and deepen trustfulness. It is also said that the state of the above–mentioned institution indicates the development of democracy. 

investment arbitration state liability democracy

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Political Parties and Trade Unions in the Post–Communist Poland: Class Politics that Have Never a Chance to Happen

  • Author: Patrycja Rozbicka
  • Institution: Aston University in Birmingham (United Kingdom)
  • Author: Paweł Kamiński
  • Institution: Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 191-204
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016015
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016015.pdf

Trade unions in Poland have not built the stable and long–term relations with political parties as are observed in Western democracies. By analysing the historical and symbolic background of the transformation to a democratic civil society and free market economy, political preferences of working class, trade union membership rates, and public opinion polls, we argue that, in case of Poland, the initial links between political parties and trade unions weakened over time. Polish trade unions never had a chance to become a long–term intermediary between society and political parties, making the Polish case study a double exception from the traditional models. 

party politics social cleavages trade unions Poland

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The 2015 Elections to the Senate of the Republic of Poland

  • Author: Krystyna Leszczyńska
  • Institution: Maria Curie–Skłodowska University in Lublin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 205-218
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016016
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016016.pdf

The discussion about justification for the very existence of Senate, as it was the case in previous years, also took place prior to the 2015 parliamentary elections. Postulates for the second chamber of parliament to be abolished are the inseparable element of election campaigns in Poland. Announcements of total abolishment or change of: form, competencies or number and the election principles for members of Senate, although they found their expression in the 2015 election programs of some of the political parties, but they were never applied after elections. The single member Senate constituencies secured seats almost exclusively for candidates supported by one of the two strongest political parties, that is the Law and Justice (PiS) and the Civic Platform (PO). Even if in the result of 25 October 2015 elections four independent candidates were elected for senators, three of them used support of political parties, using a rule well proven four years earlier: there is not senator without a political party protector. The 40% support for PiS which turned into 61% of seats indicates that the election system for Senate leads to overrepresentation of election winners. 

overrepresentation of the winning party deformation of election result single member constituencies election campaign Senate

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Major Dilemmas and Increasing Dysfunctions of the Polish Local Government Model on the Basis of an Electoral Law and Metropolitan Act

  • Author: Beata Słobodzian
  • Institution: University of Gdańsk (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 219-230
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016017
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016017.pdf

The right for electing the representatives of authority bodies is one of the fundamentals of democracy. This right entitles citizens for active public participation through expressing their support (votes) for candidates, which will respectively represent their voters in certain institutions. Polish electoral law, which regulates the local self–government elections is very controversial. The existing legal rules were changed many times since 2011. Among the subjects being discussed one can mention electoral campaigns, candidate registration rules and organization of elections. Frequent changes in the electoral law result in misunderstandings and unwillingness to participate in elections. Their effect is low voter turnout and a large number of invalid votes. To sum up considerations over a political model of large cities, it is worth to indicate that during the last 25 years of operation of Polish local government none of political models of big cities was adopted. 

metropolis local self–government electoral law

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Shaping Public Space by the Local Community: Development of Legal Mechanisms

  • Author: Elżbieta Kocowska–Siekierka
  • Institution: University of Wrocław (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 231-241
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016018
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016018.pdf

Over the last few years the idea of civil society in Poland have grown substantially. This increase allowed local communities to influence the legal and administrative changes leading to a gradual shift in the decision–making processes of local governments. The article presents system of public participation in spatial planning, Revitalisation Statute and Participatory Budget to show how legal changes increase possibilities of local community participating in Poland. 

common space local communities spatial planning revitalization public consultation participation budget

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Peace Science: Orientation and Reorientation

  • Author: Egon Spiegel
  • Institution: University of Vechta (Germany)
  • Author: Cheng Liu
  • Institution: Nanjing University (China)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 245-256
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016019
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016019.pdf

Peace is non–violence and there is only one way to achieve it: peace as structural and interpersonal non–violence. The daily non–violence is as instructive as the spectacular actions of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Peace education is better based on demonstration what we “can” than to postulate of what we should do. The Peace Studies prefer a resource–oriented approach to education instead of a deficit–oriented. Our central thesis is that the youth is living in a kind of transculturality, the best conditions for peacebuilding. Considering the increasing sensitivity we expected that latest in 2075 we will make the war a taboo. The central key to solve conflicts nonviolently is conflict transformation in trusting a spiritual third power in between the opponents, even secularized people. The peace education has to help us to discover the third in nonviolent activities. There is a lot of difficult issues that the non–violence has to reflect in future, including elimination of the extreme violence, reconciliation, an impact of economy, the peacebuilding’s relevance of structural measures. 

conflict transformation transculturality war sensitivity peace education non-violence peace

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Fundamentalism in the Light of Selected Psychological Concepts

  • Author: Anna Zasuń
  • Institution: University of Jan Długosz in Częstochowa (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 257-271
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016020
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016020.pdf

The aim of the article is to present the psychological roots of fundamentalism, which can be found in each type of the phenomenon, and also an attempt to show fundamentalism, as the configuration of certain personality traits. As the basis for such an interpretation of fundamentalism, serve the psychological approach, which relate to the personality, cognitive style, refer to the prejudices, as well as to the concept of authoritarian personality and its constitutive characteristics. Article raised the question of so–called “fundamentalist personality” on the basis of diversity of manifestations of this phenomenon and its correlation with the concepts of authoritarianism and dogmatism. Author also addresses psychological category of attitude, which is the starting point in the discussion of the phenomena, such as fundamentalism or nationalism. In the background of considerations is an attempt to organize knowledge on fundamentalism, taking into account the historical roots of the phenomenon, and also, as a complementary reflection, a legitimacy of identifying fundamentalism with terrorism. 

religion personality modernity dogmatism authoritarianism fundamentalism

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The Aristotelian Criticism of the Liberal Foundations of Modern State

  • Author: Marcin Gajek
  • Institution: Collegium Civitas in Warsaw (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 272-287
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016021
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016021.pdf

The paper discusses some fundamental differences between Aristotelian and modern conceptions of the state. It focuses its attention on the early liberal thinkers, such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, and contrasts the theory of state developed by them with the classical republican ideal described by Aristotle. As I will demonstrate main differences come down to (1) distinct ideas concerning the state’s origins (and especially human motivations behind establishing the state), (2) divergent convictions about the role of the state and its ethical dimension; and finally (3) different beliefs concerning basic feelings and passions which sustain existence of political community. I argue that on the basis of Stagirite’s philosophy it is possible to question whether civic association described by the precursors of liberal political thought is actually the state. In conclusion, I signalize the problem of serious limitations of contemporary liberal democracies (or even their internal contradictions) resulting from their attempt to follow an ideal of an ideologically neutral state. 

republicanism John Locke Thomas Hobbes Aristotle liberalism state

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The Consequences of the Nagorno–Karabakh War for Azerbaijan and the Undeniable Reality of Khojaly Massacre: A View from Azerbaijan

  • Author: Ismayil Isayev
  • Institution: University of Vienna (Austria)
  • Author: Shamkhal Abilov
  • Institution: Qafqaz University in Baku (Azerbaijan) & Leipzig University (Germany)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 291-303
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016022
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016022.pdf

This article seeks to study the consequences of the Nagorno–Karabakh war for Azerbaijan: thus analyzes findings on occupied territories, casualties, and damages of the war from economic, political, and social perspectives. The utmost brutality and atrocity of the overall conflict is memorized with Khojaly Massacre committed against Azerbaijani civilians on 26 February 1992. Hence, the article unveils evidences through the scrutiny of secondary data from academic sources, publications, and news materials published by international media. The particular focus of the study is concentrated on to what extend special plan was prepared deliberately for ethnic cleansing in Khojaly during the Nagorno–Karabakh war. 

Azerbaijan Khojaly Massacre The Nagorno–Karabakh War Armenia

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Ping–Pong Diplomacy and its Legacy in the American Foreign Policy

  • Author: Michał Marcin Kobierecki
  • Institution: University of Łódź (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 304-316
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016023
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016023.pdf

The aim of the paper is to investigate ping–pong diplomacy between the Unites States and China, which was used by both countries as a diplomatic tool, aimed at achieving political rapprochement despite ideological dissonance and conflict over Taiwan. Both governments were seeking a way to establish closer relations but the circumstances prevented them from traditional diplomatic contacts. Sports exchange proved to be a convenient solution. In the paper the Author attempts to verify a hypothesis on a subsequent legacy of the ping–pong diplomacy in American foreign policy. The study allowed to determine reasons for the need to employ sport in order to establish closer relations between two hostile actors of international relations. It is an attempt to answer a question concerning the intentional or coincidental character of the analysed sports exchange. The paper is an empirical case study on one of the prime examples of positive sports diplomacy and was conducted with the use of decision–making. 

politics and sport China-USA relations ping-pong diplomacy sports diplomacy international relations

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The American Military Strategy to Combat the ‘Islamic State’ in Iraq and Syria: Assumptions, Tactics and Effectiveness

  • Author: Ewelina Waśko-Owsiejczuk
  • Institution: University of Białystok (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 317-336
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016024
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016024.pdf

The American strategy to combat the ‘Islamic State’ rests on four pillars. The first is to conduct systematic air campaigns against the terrorists. The second involves increasing support for forces fighting the jihadists on the ground. The third is based on the strengthening of international cooperation in counter–terrorism operations. The fourth involves the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians displaced from the territories occupied by the jihadists. This article analyzes the assumptions, tactics, the most important decisions and actions of the American administration to combat the ‘Islamic State’. It is an attempt to provide answers to the questions: why has there been a growth of extremism in the Middle East? Why is the ‘Islamic State’ a new form of terrorist threat? How does it differ from other terrorist organizations? How was the ‘Islamic State’ created? What actions have been taken by the international coalition led by the United States in the fight against the jihadists in the Middle East? Is the strategy taken up by the United States effective? Does the defeat of the ‘Islamic State’ require the involvement of US ground forces in Iraq and Syria?

extremism Syria Iraq United States Islamic State terrorism

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Member States as Strategy–Maker or Strategy–Taker? Analysing Polish Involvement in the Development of the EU Global Strategy

  • Author: Monika Sus
  • Institution: Hertie School of Governance (Germany) & European University Institute (Italy)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 337-350
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016025
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016025.pdf

The drafting process of the EU Global Strategy published in June 2016 has differed distinctively from the formulation of the European Security Strategy in 2003 mainly because of its consultative character. The coordination of the process was ensured by the High Representative who brokered between interests of individual Member States. Looking through the lens of deliberative intergovernmentalism, the paper examines patterns and channels of the cooperation between Poland and the EEAS throughout the strategy–making process. It attempts to shed light on the officially repeated claims on the Member States’ ownership of the document and their active participation in the consultations. The article argues that only with national diplomacies as strategy–makers, the document would have a chance to enhance the EU’s ’will to project power’ in its neighbourhood and beyond. However, the salience of the new strategy among the high political level in the Member States reveals to be crucial for a sustainable contribution to the deliberative policy formulation. 

EU's foreign policy deliberative intergovernmentalism European External Action Service Member States High Representative EU Global Strategy

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Political Dimension of Welsh Identity after Devolution: Fact or Fiction?

  • Author: Bartłomiej H. Toszek
  • Institution: University of Szczecin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 353-366
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016026
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016026.pdf

The Welsh identity is undisputable in national (i.e. ethnic), social, cultural and even economic dimensions however it is doubtful in political sphere because vast majority of the Welsh still cannot decide if they are more Welsh or British. The ’double identity’ dilemma was visible especially during devolution referendums voting in 1979, 1997 and 2011 when non–political motives were often much more determinative then the factor of belonging to the Welsh community in political meaning. Thus, answering to the question about devolution referendum role in shaping political dimension of Welshness requires thoroughly analyse of the mentioned referendums results as an evident figures of public support for establishing legal and institutional guarantees of maintaining and developing all aspects of national identity. In the article has been contained description how the Welsh relations to the idea of self–determination (in frames of the wide internal autonomy) have changed by last 35 years. An author shows also barriers and factors fostering this process. 

Welsh language Welshness national identity Wales devolution United Kingdom

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Right to the City as a New Paradigm within the Concept of Human Security

  • Author: Agnieszka Szpak
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 367-381
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016027
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016027.pdf

Cities have been researched mostly in terms of its economic, technological, and social value and significance. Despite some changes in this respect, there is still a need to research cities as a fascinating phenomenon, also in respect of its capabilities to increase human security on a local and global scale. In this context, the article examines the new paradigm of urban development within the human security, namely the right to the city. The author indicates to the growing role of cities for human security and to mutual relations between the right to the city and the concept of human security. The subject matter is indeed as fascinating as fascinating are cities themselves. They are dynamic, energetic, innovative and constantly evolving. The general thesis of the article is that cities adopting the adequate model of urban development such as the one envisioned in the right to the city may and do greatly contribute to human security. 

urban development human security right to the city city

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International Law and the Nagorno–Karabakh War: Opinion on Political Aspects

  • Author: Sadir Surkhay Mammadov
  • Institution: Baku Slavic University (Azerbaijan)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 385-390
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016028
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016028.pdf

The opinion report considers relations between international norms, Azerbaijan’s national legal system and political understandings of the Nagorno–Karabakh conflict. It discusses classification of Armenian actions in a context of the international law’s development and an impact of international regulations on national criminal codes. Therefore, it presents the Azerbaijani perspective on major political aspects of the Nagorno–Karabakh War and international response to Armenian occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories. Moreover, it evaluates Armenian actions in the region with reference to the definition of genocide and international policy of its prevention. In general, the opinion report shows how the Azerbaijani society understands the conflict and how it may be classified on the basis of the Soviet law (as acts of terror has started in the late 1980s), the international law and the contemporary Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. As a result, it is not only a report that introduces the Azerbaijan’s perspective on the issue, but it can also be recognised as an interesting source to understand how the Azerbaijani people label actions of their neighbouring nation. 

criminal code legal system genocide international law The United Nations Nagorno–Karabakh War Azerbaijan opinion Armenia

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The New Journalism: an Attempt at the Model Reconstruction

  • Author: Iwona Hofman
  • Institution: Maria Curie–Skłodowska University in Lublin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 391-398
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016029
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016029.pdf

An attempt at reconstruction of the New Journalism model results from the observation of the crisis symptoms of journalism as a profession and mission (social responsibility). On the grounds of journalists’ and theoreticians’ statements, it is possible to establish a hierarchy of values of the serious journalism, which a social demand is growing for. The New Journalism is most frequently described as the conscious journalism, which provides spectrum of needs and views of recipients. This type of journalism is committed, independent, functioning in the public sphere, credible, realizing educational role. These attributes pertain to journalism. The paper includes standpoints, for example, of S. Michalczyk, B. Hennessy, P. Mancini, S. Russ–Mohl, S. Bratkowski, R. Kapuściński. 

crisis of media professionalism serious journalism opinion

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The Political Leadership Section of the Polish Political Science Association: Origins and Activity

  • Author: Maciej Hartliński
  • Institution: University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 399-403
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016030
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016030.pdf

One of the most important aspects of academic life is cooperation between researchers from different centres. Different levels of experience, approaches and paradigms enable researchers to observe the complete image of categories. The Political Leadership Section of the Polish Political Science Association has been formed during the Second Nationwide Congress of Political Science in Poznań (2012). The Association’s Board has established it on February 7, 2013. Since that day the section integrates scholars from different universities interested in issues of political leadership, it supports development of this research field in Poland, it collects published monographs, editions and papers relevant to this field and it coordinates development of teaching standards in education on political leadership. The section’s activity and its role in Polish academic community proves that this topic has become a significant aspect of social sciences in the country. 

political science in Poland research section leadership political leadership opinion

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Experiencing Asia

  • Author: Waldemar Wojtasik
  • Institution: University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
  • Author: Rafał Glajcar
  • Institution: University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
  • Author: Agnieszka Turska-Kawa
  • Institution: University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 404-407
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016031
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016031.pdf

The 3rd International Asian Congress The Changing Role of Asia in the Contemporary World
Toruń, (18–20 May, 2016), Towarzystwo Azji i Pacyfiku. 

Asian culture Asian politics Asian studies Asian Congress conference report

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Debating Rapa Nui in Poland

  • Author: Joanna Siekiera
  • Institution: Warsaw School of Economics (Poland) & Victoria University in Wellington (New Zealand)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 408-410
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016032
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016032.pdf

The 8th Conference of the Australia, New Zealand and Oceania Research Association Rapa Nui – Between Two Cultures
Kraków, (3 December, 2015), The Australia, New Zealand and Oceania Research Association (ANZORA). 

ANZORA Isla de Pascua Easter Island Rapa Nui Oceania conference report

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Debating the Electoral Law in Poland

  • Author: Jagoda Wojciechowska
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 411-414
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016033
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016033.pdf

The International Conference Challenges of Contemporary Electoral Law
Toruń, (12 June, 2015), Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. 

electoral code elections in Poland electoral law conference report elections

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Introducing Polish History to Understand Poland’s Present

  • Author: Marcin Czyżniewski
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 417-419
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016034
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016034.pdf

Book Review: Jarosław Kłaczkow, Andrzej Radzimiński & Stanisław Roszak, The History of Poland. A Nation and State between West and East. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek 2014 (pp. 315). ISBN 978–83–7780–857–3. Price: 42.25 PLN. 

Stanisław Roszak Andrzej Radzimiński Jarosław Kłaczkow book review

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An Alternative for the International Order: The Chinese Perspective

  • Author: Magdalena Łagiewska
  • Institution: University of Gdańsk (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 420-422
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016035
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016035.pdf

Book Review: Lin Jingzhi, Pu Pin, Wybór Chin. Pokojowy rozwój i budowa harmonijnego świata. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek 2013 (pp. 186). ISBN 978–83–7780–620–3. Price: PLN 33.81. 

Pu Pin Lin Jingzhi book review

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Rebalancing of Power. The Case of China’s Global Strategy

  • Author: Mikołaj Lisewski
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 423-426
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016036
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016036.pdf

Book review: Wang Yiwei, Jeden pas, jedna droga. Co rozwój Chin oznacza dla świata. Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Toruń 2016 (pp. 247), ISBN: 978–83–8019–427–4. Price: PLN 33.81. 

Wang Yiwei book review

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The Polish Perspective on Japanese Politics and Society

  • Author: Natalia Gburzyńska
  • Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 427-428
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016037
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016037.pdf

Book Review: Joanna Marszałek–Kawa (ed.), Japonia widziana z polskiej perspektywy. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek 2016 (pp. 197). ISBN 978–83–8019–364–2. Price: 27.00 PLN. 

book review Joanna Marszałek-Kawa

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The Identity of Security Studies

  • Author: Tomasz Czapiewski
  • Institution: University of Szczecin (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 429-432
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016038
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016038.pdf

Book Review: Stanisław Sulowski (ed.), Tożsamość nauk o bezpieczeństwie. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek 2015 (pp. 217). ISBN 978–83–8019–120–4. Price: PLN 33.81. 

Stanisław Sulowski book review

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Can Poland Respond to the Terrorist Menace?

  • Author: Alicja Stańco-Wawrzyńska
  • Institution: War Studies University in Warsaw (Poland) & Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 433-436
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016039
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016039.pdf

Book Review: Krzysztof Masiul, Bezpieczeństwo Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej wobec współczesnego zagrożenia terroryzmem. Szczytno: Wydział Wydawnictw i Poligrafii Wyższej Szkoły Policji 2014 (pp. 292). ISBN 978–83–7462–414–5. Price: PLN 38.00. 

Krzysztof Masiul book review

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Europeanization and Poland’s Foreign Policy: the First Decade

  • Author: Wojciech Michnik
  • Institution: Jesuit University Ignatianum in Kraków (Poland)
  • Year of publication: 2016
  • Source: Show
  • Pages: 437-439
  • DOI Address: http://dx.doi.org/10.15804/ppsy2016040
  • PDF: ppsy/45/ppsy2016040.pdf

Book Review: Joanna Kamińska, Siła zmiany. Polska polityka zagraniczna po 2004 roku. Toruń: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek 2014 (pp. 321). ISBN 978–83–62363–99–5. Price: 36.23 PLN.

Joanna Kamińska book review

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