SPIS TREŚCI / CONTENTS / ОГЛАВЛЕНИЕ
Publikacja “Nowa Polityka Wschodnia” w języku angielskim, udostępnienie wersji cyfrowej w wolnym dostępie i zabezpieczenie oryginalności publikacji zgodne ze standardem COPE – zadania finansowane w ramach umowy 854/P-DUN/2018 ze środków Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego przeznaczonych na działalność upowszechniającą naukę.
His love Republic. The women in the life of Mustafa Kemal
Mustafa Kemal was reformer and creator of the Republic of Turkey. The first president built a new Turkey, European and secular. He also wanted to create a model of a “new” Turkish woman modern and well educated. His private life was as interesting as political life. In his life were many women, some of them were controversial for example much younger wife Latife or mistress Fikriye (they should have religious marriage). Interesting figures were also adopted, mostly adult daughters, who were well educated, and they should give a good example to other Turkish women. To make the full image of women who had a big impact on the life of the Mustafa Kemal, it should also pay attention to his mother and sister.
Mustafa Kemal Latife Uşakî Republic of Turkey Мустафа Кемаль
Chinese and Western Comedy – an Introduction into Cross-Cultural Humour Research between Taiwan, China and the West
The use of humour, both proper and improper, can influence the outcomes of meetings and shape entire relationships. Hence, although often trivial in nature, humour can play a significant role in human lives and deserves to be taken seriously. The same is true when it comes to the analysis of humour across cultures. In today’s increasingly globalized world, where people from various cultures interact on an almost daily basis it is important to understand the other persons culture, including their sense of humour. Consequently, this article provides a basic overview of humour of the world’s two biggest and most prominent cultures: the English speaking West and the Sinitic world. There is no doubt Chinese and Western humour differ in history and contemporary structure, therefore this article presents the various forms of comedic expression found in both cultures, but also provides basic explanations as to the reasons behind these differences.
China humour comedy Taiwan jokes funny stand-up xiangsheng cultural differences юмор Китай
Динамика численности этнических украинцев в УССР: на основе итогов Всесоюзных переписей населения 1959 г., 1970 г. и 1979 г.
В статье исследованы Всесоюзные переписи населения 1959 г., 1970 г., 1979 г. как основной источник для комплексного изучения динамики численности и территориального размещения украинцев в разных регионах УССР в течение 1960-х – 1970-х гг.; охарактеризовано национальную политику советской власти, которая руководствовалась приоритетом государственного общенационального единства всего «советского народа» и презирала ценность этнической нации. Выяснено, что Украина была одним из центров аккумулирования эмиграционных потоков в Советском Союзе, из-за чего многонациональное общество УССР, основу которого составляли украинцы, постепенно превращалось в двунациональное, где украинское большинство сосуществовало рядом с непрерывно растущим русским меньшинством. Такие переселения проводились прежде всего по политическим соображениям и были направлены на то, чтобы коренной народ терял свои национальные особенности – язык, культуру и тому подобное.
всесоюзная перепись All-Union census demography Ukrainians a national question totalitarian regime migration assimilation
The agreement regulating the Caspian Sea status – genesis and meaning
The aim of the article is to analyze the regulations around status of the Caspian Sea, especially considering the agreement signed in August 2018. The ongoing dispute between countries bordering the Caspian Sea is important because the sea is of great economic value, in particular due to the exploitation of the energy resources. The agreement is a significant step forward, although it does not solve all the problems. It is important to define rules for laying pipelines on the seabed to enable implementation of significant investments.
The importance of oil in the relations of the People’s Republic of China with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the second decade of the 21st century
The development of the Chinese economy in recent years and the changing international situation has led to the People’s Republic of China increasingly seeking stable sources of energy that could feed its developing economy. The countries of the Middle East, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran, occupy a significant place in China’s energy security policy, but in the second decade of the 21st century, Beijing’s intensification of relations with Arab monarchies from the Gulf Cooperation Council can be observed. This article aims to show the role of energy security in Sino-Arab relations in the second decade of the 21st century and the importance of oil imports for the development of the economy of the People’s Republic of China.
Персидский залив безопасность Persian Gulf oil Китай energy security China
The role of PPR in International Control Commisson in Vietnam
In July 1954 by virtue of Geneva Accords International Control Commission was established. This control body functioned in three countries: Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Delegations from Poland, Canada and India participated in the works of ICC in Vietnam. Its main task was supervising compliance with the bequest about Vietnam, which were enunciated in Geneva Accords.
PPR delegation in ICC in Vietnam functioned according to guidelines created in Moscow. The process started in May 1955. On 25th of May that year Ministry of Foreign Affairs PPR Stanisław Skrzeszewski held a conversation with ambassador of the USSR in Warsaw Pantelejmon Ponomarenka. Diplomatic representative of the USSR passed on „request” from Wiaczesław Mołotow for the PPR’s delegation in ICC in Vietnam to hand over information about development communist’s guerrillas acted in South Vietnam. PPR also tried supporting North Vietnam on the ICC forum through accusing South Vietnam for non-compliance with resolutions of Geneva Agreements. PPR’s delegates based their accusations on 14c article of Geneva Agreements. Additionally they tried to prove that Republic of Vietnam belonged to SEATO and actions of US military mission MAAG, TREM was contrary to Geneva Agreements.
Moreover, PPR defended NVN against allegations formulated by South Vietnam. Those were mainly cases related with leading espionage and subversive activity in South. An important activity of the PPR delegation in ICC was slowing down the works of commission when it was about to make some decisions that were unfavorable for the North Vietnam.
PPR played a role designated by the USSR in ICC, its activity was quite monotonous and the subsequent ministers of foreign affairs of PPR fulfilled it in unchanged form.
PPR International Control Commission in Vietnam South-East Asia Cold War ПНР
Barbarian from the East. From the stereotype to the mythologization of the Russians
The text presents the transformations of the image of Russia and Russians in Polish culture throughout history (from the eighteenth century to the present day). The aim of the article is to show ways to create stereotypes and national myths in order to achieve political goals. The political context of the changes taking place in the relations of Poles and Russians and its influence on shaping the image of the eastern neighbor is shown. The subject of creating stereotypes and national autostereotypes and the mythologization of one’s own history was already discussed at the moment of current events of significant importance. The text shows the relationship between politics, identity and international relations in the context of the history and aspirations of independence of the Polish nation.
Report from the IV Winter Methodological Workshops, Toruń, February 21–22, 2019
Отчет о IV методической школе, Торунь, 21–22 февраля 2019 года
SPRAWOZDANIE
Discussion about the memory. A Polish-German look into the past
Дискуссия о памяти. Польско-немецкий взгляд в прошлое
RECENZJA
Country of the cherry blossoms – contemporary depiction
Страна цветущей вишни – современная картина
RECENZJA
Tourist market in Kazakhstan – selected issues
This article concerns the modern tourist market in Kazakhstan. I focused to a large extent on the indications of the tourist industry’s characteristics in this country as well as the potential chances and threats that may be encountered in this area of the economy. The conclusions contained in the publication were based not only on source materials, but also on the author’s personal observations and memories of friends of the traveler. The aim of the article was to draw attention to the unusual tourism richness that can be observed by traveling through this country of Central Asia, as well as changing the stereotypical view of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan the image of the state tourism Central Asia Astana Казахстан Центральная Азия
SPIS TREŚCI / CONTENTS / ОГЛАВЛЕНИЕ
Publikacja “Nowa Polityka Wschodnia” w języku angielskim, udostępnienie wersji cyfrowej w wolnym dostępie i zabezpieczenie oryginalności publikacji zgodne ze standardem COPE – zadania finansowane w ramach umowy 854/P-DUN/2018 ze środków Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego przeznaczonych na działalność upowszechniającą naukę.
Safety Defense in the context of the law to local government
Presented article shows current problems regarding the lack of compliance by public authorities of the fundamental principles and values defining the democratic systemic order.Failure to obey the constitutional rules of social life, circumventing the law, and even breaking them, weakening civic institutions, inevitably threats the security of the democratic systemic worked by Poland after 1989.In this context, the right to selfgovernment ceases to be one of the most important, elementary values allowing the fullfilling of the principle of a democratic state of law.
Candidates of the Women’s Congress in the local elections 2018
The author of the article analyzed the activity of candidates recommended by the Association of Women’s Congress in the 2018 local government elections. It was argued that the key to obtaining the support of the Congress of Women were written commitments of individual candidates, regardless of which of the electoral committees started. The aim of the article was to verify the declaration of the Congress of Women that the association supports all candidates from (various) electoral committees, who are close to the idea of a congressional social movement. The issue of synonymous use of the notion of party and political character was also important in the context of activities undertaken by the Congress of Women.
Institutional and legal conditions of local elections in Ukraine in 2015
In this article the author analyzes the institutional and legal conditions of local “government” elections in Ukraine in 2015. Special attention is given to the determinants of formal elections to local government bodies. Indicates the specific nature of the local elections in 2015 (up today). The local elections in Ukraine in 2015 were held under the conditions of reforming local self-government. The main goal of the reform is the socalled decentralization. Local government reforms ensure the creation of associations of territorial communities of villages (cities, settlements). For the first time in the elections they took part association of territorial communities. In addition, the Ukrainian authorities have failed to conduct elections on the entire territory of the country. No votes were cast in Autonomous Republic of Crimea, due to the annexation of the peninsula by the Russian Federation in 2014. Elections to local self-government bodies were also not carried out in part of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, due to the ongoing armed conflict in Donbass since 2014.
Ukraine local government local elections reform decentralization Украина местное самоуправление
Implementation of the quota system in the context of women’s places on electoral lists. Elections to the Regional Council of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship
The article discusses the problem of implementing a quota system in placing gender representatives on electoral lists in local government elections. The research covers elections to the Regional Council (Sejmik) of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in years 2010, 2014 and 2018. The following research questions were posed: Was the number of women on the lists of individual committees greater than the statutory requirements? What places did women take on these lists? Which places on the lists allowed women to win tickets? The research focus concerns electoral committees that participated in the distribution of seats. After the introduction of quotas, the number of women on electoral lists has increased. The percentage of women on the lists was higher than the assumed amount. The representation of women was delivered in accordance with the requirements of the ordinance, but no attempt was made to provide such representation within particular places. The percentage of women taking the first places on the lists was actually smaller than the accepted amount. The increase in number and proportion of women present on electoral lists has not contributed to the increase of representation of women in the Regional Council. In the elections using the quota system, the number of elected women has been lower than expected.
political parties local government elections quota systems women in elections местные выборы
The Elderly and their issues in the selected electoral pleas in 2018
In the last 25 years Polish society’s aging process has been intensified what caused a constant growth of the number of people in the age 65 and more. Furthermore, according to demographic prognosis, the share of this age group will be rising in the next years, as well as the role of “silver” electorate. In the local governments selections in 2018 the Elderly were perceived as an important electorate group. Their problems were not ignored and political groups noticed the necessity of winning this group round. In campaigns and election programs candidates focused on the seniors’ needs. The main propositions dealt with safety and health issues, as well as concerns regarding institutional solutions targeted for this group specifically. It can be said the Elderly became one of the most desirable voters next to the Young on Polish political scene.
local government местные выборы municipal elections electoral committee seniors ageing process местные органы власти
Threads of Memory in Local Government Election Campaigns. Poland 2018
The use of threads of memory during election campaigns has a great political potential. Recalling the history of the community may contribute to the success of campaign activities, thanks to which the issues of remembrance of the past appear in the strategies of many election committees. And although the problem of the use of threads of memory before elections could be discussed through the prism of the various levels of elections, this article proposes a narrower perspective. The purpose of this text is to present the issue of recalling memory – using the narratives of memory and commemoration – in local government elections. What is important, the main discussed problem is based on the case of local government elections in Poland in 2018, and is presented through the analysis of three examples of the use of threads of memory during election campaigns (the content analysis of media reports). These examples came from Katowice, Warsaw and Bialystok, and its discussion contributed to the formulation of final conclusions.
election campaign local government elections местные выборы Poland in 2018 threads of memory narratives of memory мотивы памяти
Selected forms of international cooperation in the development policy of the City of Gdynia
The article describes several forms of international cooperation in Gdynia. It shows its influence on the development and promotion of the city in last years.
city local government foreign cooperation relationships of cities city development город местное самоуправление
Guilty – innocent? Candidating in local government elections and prosecutor’s charges and court verdict. Case study by Hanna Zdanowska
The article analyses the possibility of standing as a candidate and performing public functions by persons sentenced to a fine by a final court judgment. The second part of the paper concerns issues related to ethical aspects of candidacy and exercising power by convicted persons.
local government elections final judgment morality ethical norms conflict rules выборы в местные органы власти
Elections of the major of Zielona Gora in 2018
The authors analyze in the article the election of the major of Zielona Gora in 2018. They pay attention to changes in electoral law, often significant for the rivalry in a campaign. They emphasize the role of mayors who have been in office for several terms. Janusz Kubicki is such a mayor. He has held this position since 2006. The analysis of the elections in 2018 was preceded by the elaboration of the election process in the years 2002–2014.
local elections election campaign multi-term mayor Zielona Gora Janusz Kubicki выборы в местные органы власти избирательная кампания
Report from the National Scientific Conference “Memory – Identity – Consciousness. In the Meanders of Polish Independence: 1918-2018”, Zielona Góra, December 6–7, 2018
Отчёт о Всепольской научной конференции «Память – идентичность – сознание. В меандрах польской независимости: 1918–2018», Зелёна-Гура, 6–7 декабря 2018 года
RECENZJA
The evolution of the international order in theoretical and practical perspective [book review Współczesny ład międzynarodowy. Dynamika przemian]
Эволюция международного порядка в теоретической и практической перспективе [рецензия книги Współczesny ład międzynarodowy. Dynamika przemian]
RECENZJA
An alternative to the West – Eurasianism according to Alexander Dugin [book review Tradycja, imperium, geopolityka. Eurazjatyzm w ujęciu Aleksandra Dugina jako alternatywa wobec liberalizmu oraz demokracji liberalnej]
Альтернатива Западу – евразийство согласно Александра Дугина [рецензия книги Tradycja, imperium, geopolityka. Eurazjatyzm w ujęciu Aleksandra Dugina jako alternatywa wobec liberalizmu oraz demokracji liberalnej]
RECENZJA
When peace and order will be disturbed by the risks and uncertainties of the small Gulf countries [book review The small Gulf States: foreign and security policies before and after Arab Spring]
Когда мир и порядок будут нарушены из-за угроз и неуверенности малых стран Персидского залива [рецензия книги The small Gulf States: foreign and security policies before and after Arab Spring]
RECENZJA
Banjo strings cannot be dragged [book review: Shi Tiesheng, Struny życia]
Струны банждо не могут быть перетянуты [рецензия книги: Shi Tiesheng, Struny życia]
RECENZJA
SPIS TREŚCI / CONTENTS / ОГЛАВЛЕНИЕ
Publikacja “Nowa Polityka Wschodnia” w języku angielskim, udostępnienie wersji cyfrowej w wolnym dostępie i zabezpieczenie oryginalności publikacji zgodne ze standardem COPE – zadania finansowane w ramach umowy 854/P-DUN/2018 ze środków Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego przeznaczonych na działalność upowszechniającą naukę.
The aim of this article is to show the relationship between, the features (in cultural, sociological and political science terms) exhibited by contemporary Russian society and the political regime (in holistic terms by J. Linz), that existed in the Russian Federation (in the years 2007–2015). We assume that an evolution from stable contemporary Russian society to amalgams system combining elements of authoritarianism with dictatorship has taken place during this period. We point out the essential features that constitute the nature of Russian society and social behavior of political importance. Referring to the theory of “the state in society” by D. Migdal, We put the thesis that it is just the Russian way of thinking resulting in certain behavior, that causes the permanence of contemporary Russian society with a tendency to move on the line continuum toward totalitarianism. Proving that Russian society is not a civil society, but a state society, we determine the structure, the role and the modes of operation of Russian intra-system opposition.
российское общество political system of RF adaptation social communication totalitarianism Russian society authoritarianism
The article is about Turkish-Russian relationshps in the context of Syrian conflict. It is known that, this conflict has aggravated due to the coinciding reasons, even led to the emergence of the challenging crisis between the sides. Simultaneously, the chain of events has demonstrated that both states, Turkey and Russia, are forced to cooperate stem from the logic of Realpolitik. The article is devoted to the analysis of the essense of this cooperation.
Arab Spring national interests Realpolitik Astana negotiations format национальные интересы
The INF treaty, which was signed by R. Reagan and M. Gorbachev in 1987, banned ballistic and cruise missiles with a range from 500 to 5500 km. It was the first disarmament treaty that completely eliminated the entire class of already existing weapons, becoming one of the main foundations of the security of Europe. Its importance was recalled along with recurring reports of Russia’s likely violation of the treaty. If the forbidden missiles reappear on the armaments of the Russian army, and there are many indications that this has already happened, it may disrupt the strategic stability in Europe.
nuclear weapon disarmament international agreements разоружение
The article focuses on the activities of the Eurasian Economic Union. Organization can be interpreted as a further step in the integration process of the Eurasian bloc. The first detailed integration plan was announced in 2011 by the presidents of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan in the articles published in the Russian daily “Izviestia”. The presidents’ articles outlined the future alliance, the most important goals and the principles of integration. Leaders mentioned the rule of equality and sovereignty, emphasized that the organization should be non – exclusive. All presidents stipulated that the alliance will not be politicized and spoke only about the economic integration. Finally, one of the strongly stressed postulates was the cooperation with other international organizations. The analysis showed that only part of the postulates presented at that time was accomplished. The implementation of the main goal, multi-level economic integration, remains incomplete.
Eurasian Economic Union integration discourse analysis Евразийский Экономический Союз интеграция
This article presents the selected key socio-political determinants of the pro-Union aspirations of Ukraine that were important for the condition of EU – Ukraine relations. The presented events and historical outline may be the basis for further reflection and evaluation of how Ukraine was undergoing the process of accession and was located at its different stages.
Ukraine pro-Union aspirations European Union international relations Украина про-Евросоюзные устремления Европейский Cоюз
The Valley of Kashimir is a region which has been shaded by the conflict for decades and it is still far from resolution. Actually, it seems we observe its new phase in which the dispute spreads on the virtual space. The historical and social consciousness of the Kashmiris, formed on the occupational background, is a significant if not the most crucial element constituting the Kashmiri Muslim Identity. For last 20 years, local press popularized the claims to preserve tradition and language, or to write down history, which is believed to be presented falsely in the official narration. A need is uttered out loud to change the direction of the Kashmiri discourse which shall be based on oral history or other testimonies from the inside of the conflict reality. The increase in the interest in protecting the unique syncretic cultural heritage is visible in various activities of young generation of Kashmiris, both on the subcontinent and in diaspora. Currently, the main field for their grassroots initiatives became the Internet. By enabling a relatively free flow of information and wide accessibility, it became the space for building and maintaining the historical consciousness of the Kashmiri people. Websites such as “Lost Kashmiri History” and „Kashmir Lit” present how modern technologies serve for the memory preservation.
In this paper I would like to present briefly the content of the abovementioned websites. Focusing on the seer idea of their existence, I will try to answer the question what constitutes the historical consciousness of nowadays Kashmiri Muslims. The aim of this research shall be an attempt to present the hardships behind writing about history in conflicted regions such as Kashmir and reflect upon the Internet as a solution to that problems.
Kashmir memory studies identity modern technology in culture Кашмир
The aim of this article is to analyze one of the basic methods of measuring political leadership, namely the idealization method proposed by Max Weber. Although this method does not exhaust all available methods of studying the phenomenon of political leadership, it is worth paying attention to the possibility of constructing, on the basis of it, much more diverse and advanced cognitive methods, which are used not only to measure political leadership, but also to conceptualize this theoretical category. Consequently, it becomes possible to see the essence of the complex and evolving relationship between a political leader and his supporters in various aspects of the public sphere. Using the ideal type method, one should also consider the possibility of using subtypes which are located on the continuum beetwen by antinomic ideal types such as absolute power versus political leadership.
political leadership Max Weber ideal type subtype absolute power Макс Вебер
This article aims to describe and analyze the activities of the HerStory Foundation, which deals with restoring the memory of meritorious women in the history of Lublin and the way of presenting the activities of the foundation presented in local media. The analysis of the content of media coverage of both broader media in terms of the number of recipients, such as TVP Lublin and local news diaries “Dziennik Wschodni” and “Kurier Lubelski”, as well as local news portals, proved that the source database regarding the foundation’s activities is very scant. In the media, little space is devoted to promoting events related to anti-discrimination activities and reports on their course. In contrast, articles published by the media are usually limited to presenting the most important information about an event organized by the foundation without bringing the other areas of its activity closer.
In the materials available on the Internet, there are also no audiovisual reports that the sender informs about.
The article is mainly based on press materials available on the Internet, because they usually contain more information than paper editions. First of all, it should be noted how wide the area of the Herstory Foundation’s activity is, which does not translate into the amount of materials available in the media. Press articles provide information about the undertakings organized by HerStory in a selective manner. There are also missing attachments in the form of graphics that appear on the foundation’s website.
The media also do not present the characters of women who are the heroines of herstoric walks, and whose names have been highlighted in this article. Figures of the Lubliners who have made a contribution to the city by their social involvement, but for some reason the story about them has been forgotten by the HerStory Foundation and restores to them their once-lost fame.
herstory women of Lublin HerStory Foundation женщины Люблина
Partners, Rivals: Cooperation and Rivalry between Asian Countries [book review Partnerzy, rywale: współpraca i rywalizacja państw azjatyckich]
Партнеры, конкуренты: cотрудничество и соперничество азиатских стран [рецензия книги Partnerzy, rywale: współpraca i rywalizacja państw azjatyckich]
In the shadow of giants [book review Changing dimensions of international cooperation in Asia]
В тени великанов [рецензия книги Changing dimensions of international cooperation in Asia]
Women’s Lifes under the rule of ISIS [book review Slaves Wives and Brides: Women Under the Rule of ISIS]
Жизнь женщин под властью ИГИЛ [рецензия книги Slaves Wives and Brides: Women Under the Rule of ISIS]
Differently about the culture in Russia [book review Muzyka, teatr, książka w Rosji]
Иначе о культуре в России [рецензия книги Muzyka, teatr, książka w Rosji]
SPIS TREŚCI / CONTENTS / ОГЛАВЛЕНИЕ
Publikacja “Nowa Polityka Wschodnia” w języku angielskim, udostępnienie wersji cyfrowej w wolnym dostępie i zabezpieczenie oryginalności publikacji zgodne ze standardem COPE – zadania finansowane w ramach umowy 854/P-DUN/2018 ze środków Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego przeznaczonych na działalność upowszechniającą naukę.
Russian system of local government
Local democracy and local government are popular terms and they are playing as the most important dimensions in the viability of any modern democracy. Alexis Tocqueville, who wrote a major book about democracy, considered local government as the mainstay of local democracy. He also saw local democracy as a school of political education and a safety valve of democracy for the entire nation. Most of the European countries have attempted to incorporate these concepts into their political and development process. In article author analyses the role of local government in Russian political system. Objective of the article is to identify and characterize the main stages of development of local self-government in Russia.
местное самоуправление Российская Федерация Russian Federation political system local government
School education in the Russian Federation in the face of terrorist threats
The Russian Federation is the target of religious and separatist terrorism. The threat of terrorism depends on the region in which it occurs. Using a method of analysing the content of programmes and recommendations for teaching subjects on security in Russian schools, it has been found that their content includes elements of anti-terrorist education. In addition, anti-terrorist education is very active in regions exposed to increased terrorism. In addition to practical skills, the introduction of educational elements and education of patriotic attitudes of schoolchildren is a specificity.
Российская Федерация терроризм terrorism anti-terrorist education Russian Federation Basics of life safety
Modern Slavistics and the perspectives of studying Russian-Polish problems
The internal differentiation of Slavic studies (history, linguistics, literary criticism, cultural studies) loses the perspective of system integrity. The development of the humanities led to the emergence of trends aimed at a complex comprehension of Slavdom in the light of the general patterns of European civilization and the characteristics of their local refraction. In the development of such a set of problems, thinking in the categories of holism, methods of interdisciplinarity and comparative studies are especially promising.
interdisciplinarity интегральная славистика integral slavistics general patterns national specifics holism
Three boards: security, economy and the new unknown. The complicated relationship between China and Central and Eastern Europe
Two decades ago, when China economically entered Western Europe for the first time, two dominant narratives emerged. The first one claimed that China’s involvement constitutes a great development opportunity for European continent; the other one declared that it’s a serious security threat. Those two discourses on China remain dominant until now and the opportunity vs. threat dichotomy can now also be applied to Chinese’s policy towards Central and Eastern Europe. The answer for the dichotomy is both. China’s engagement means a great opportunity for development for Central and Eastern Europe. The success, however, is uncertain. It may never fulfill due to external factors and the drawbacks may overshadow the benefits.
China OBOR Central and Eastern Europe Китай Центральная и Восточная Европа (ЦВЕ) 1+16
The Belt and Road Initiative as a challenge for American interests in the Asia-Pacific region
The Asia-Pacific region occupies a key place in the international strategy of the United States. It was not without a reason that George W. Bush spoke about the “Pacific Century”, Barack H. Obama announced a strategic “pivot to Asia”, while Donald Trump went on a 12-day journey through East Asia. In particular, as the power of the People’s Republic of China increased, its importance gained a whole new dimension. At present, the USA and the PRC are conducting a sophisticated game on the “big Asia and Pacific chessboard”. China aspires to be an equal partner for economically and politically weakened United States. Assertively and unobtrusively, primarily with the use of diplomatic and economic instruments, China strengthens its international position. One of the manifestations of the expansion of Chinese influence in the world is growing and constant commitment to promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, which has become the most important symbol of the political ambition of President Xi Jinping. The article entitled “The Belt and Road Initiative as a challenge for American interests in the Asia-Pacific region” is an attempt at interdisciplinary consideration about the changing position of the Asia-Pacific region in foreign policy and US security strategy, as well as the consequences of the promoted BRI initiative for American interests. The basic research goal is to present, compare and explain the position of the administration of President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump against the Chinese concept of Belt and Road based on their adopted strategic documents, speeches and ongoing media discourse. The authors will consider how the United States reacted to the announcement by the President of the PRC of the Belt and Road initiative in 2013? Why and to what extent do the US counteract the Chinese concept of BRI?
strategy Barack Obama Donald Trump The Belt and Road Initiative The Asia Pacific Region стратегия
Terrorist attacks in the Russian Federation
The high level of terrorist threat to the security of the Russian Federation, which has been persisting for decades, is a process of many aspects. The conducted internal policy, involvement in armed conflicts in Ukraine and in Syria, the unstable situation in the Caucasus and the undertaken international co-operation have a significant impact on the activation of terrorist groups in Russia. Already in 2012, before the series of attacks in the French Republic, the on-going conflict in the North Caucasus was described as the most brutal in Europe. Since 2007, Russia has started to cope with international terrorism. What is even worse, it has undergone evolution, permanently destabilizing the internal security of the state. The recent attacks have been associated with the emergence of extremist groups from the Middle East, such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, and their cooperation with rebels from the South and North Caucasus. International terrorist groups began their expansion into the whole territory of the Russian Federation, mobilizing the local government to undertake activities counteracting terrorism. Nowadays, the situation is slowly returning to normal, but new threats are still worth noting. The past experience and new threats of attacks urge us to re-analyse the current situation and define the goals of the anti-terrorist actions of the Russian Federation. This is also important in view of the consequences for other countries which are immediate neighbours of Russia, including possible terrorist consequences for Poland.
Россия терроризм угроза Чечня ISIS Russia terrorism threats Caucasus Chechnya Dagestan anti-terrorism
The best of the best. Characteristics of selected Israeli counterterrorist units
The creation of Israel aroused many negative emotions, which over time evolved into war and terrorist activities, the aim of which was to destroy this country and push it into the sea. Israel in response to numerous attacks was forced to develop an effective defense, and its basic element was well-trained special forces. Israeli services are considered brutal: they carry out daring operations, risking diplomatic crises, never negotiating with hijackers, and often killing potential terrorists, however, they cannot be denied their effectiveness. Israeli commandos are often recognized as the best in the world and their training is as demanding as the American Navy SEAL’s. In the era of growing number of terrorist attacks, it is worth taking a closer look at Israeli counterterrorism units, their experience and answer the question whether the methods, tactics and strategies used are appropriate and should be copied by special forces of other countries.
Israel терроризм Израиль terrorism special forces Middle East
The Azerbaijani version of Islam
Azerbaijan is the only republic of the South Caucasus, the majority of its are Muslims. It is a religion deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Azeris, which is also a significant element of the identity of this nation. Although 70 years of Soviet rule in the territory of today’s Azerbaijan destroyed the role of religion among the local community (at least certainly in the public sphere), the collapse of the USSR brought a certain revival both national and religious, which was also related to the escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Islam to some extent consolidated society in the face of increasing tensions, becoming the base of the survival of tradition and rebuilding an independent state. At present, it should be stated that Islam plays a small role in the political life of Azerbaijan. The state is secular in its character as well as the local nationalist movement. However, the public debate constantly raises the question of whether Azerbaijani Islam is in the sphere of fundamentalist influence, which could lead to a religious revolution. The paper attempts to analyze the role and significance of Islam in today’s Azerbaijan, with particular emphasis on its importance to the Azerbaijani identity, financing Muslim communities, the activities of radical groups and the popularity of religion among youth.
Azerbaijan ислам на постсоветском пространстве Islam in the post-Soviet space Azerbaijani identity Islam in Azerbaijan South Caucasus
Обстоятельства формирования современной политической системы Беларуси [рецензия книги System polityczno-prawny Białorusi]
Circumstances of shaping the contemporary political system of Belarus [book review System polityczno-prawny Białorusi]
550-летие государственности Казахстана [рецензия книги Kazachstan - Polska. Wybrane zagadnienia ustrojowe, społeczne i edukacyjne]
550 years of statehood of Kazakhstan [book review Kazachstan - Polska. Wybrane zagadnienia ustrojowe, społeczne i edukacyjne]
European Union in Central Asia: Regional Challenges and Responses [book review Unia Europejska wobec Azji Centralnej – uwarunkowania regionalne i międzynarodowe]
Unia Europejska w Azji Środkowej: Regionalne wyzwania i odpowiedzi [recenzja książki Unia Europejska wobec Azji Centralnej – uwarunkowania regionalne i międzynarodowe]
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Projekt i wykonanie Pollyart
