The author exposes theoretical substantiation as well as practical utilization of new integrative musical-dramatic activities which have become a part of the latest textbooks and methodical handbooks of musical education in Slovak elementary schools. He brings forth basic information on the method of creative drama as well as its application in both school and after-school musical education.

Since the 1960s, African states have passed through different conflicts with reasons such as politics, ethnic, religious, and resource-based conflicts such as border or land disputes, and several other causes. The Northern Senatorial zone of Plateau State, Nigeria has witnessed several violent conflicts between 2001 and 2023 with several scholars assessing the immediate causes and its impact without looking at the remote causes. This study examines the history of conflicts in the Northern Plateau Senatorial zone and its persistent nature with its root causes. The study adopted history research method, which comprised primary and secondary sources. Data was obtained by the researcher from oral interviews in the Jos metropolis and across Plateau North. Also, books and Journals from the University of Jos and the National Library Jos branch provided quality data. The conflict in the Northern Plateau comprising five out of the six local council areas evolved from instances of clashes and skirmishes as a result of spontaneous ethnic and religious provocations and reactions to planned attacks between Christians and Muslins in Jos North and South starting from 2001, guerilla-style reprisals, cattle rustling, herder/farmer clashes across Bassa, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs. The study found out that the root cause of conflicts in the Northern Plateau was the British colonial policies of the 1900s, which led to the massive influx of immigrants that settled permanently in Jos North and South, Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs. The study discovers that the conflict in Northern Plateau has led to pervasive insecurity of lives and property, as evidenced by the spate of cattle rustling, armed robbery attacks, assassinations, and ethnic and religious feuds coupled with the seeming helplessness of security agencies to handle criminal attacks on civilian populations in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bassa LGAs. The study recommends that security can be secure if freedom and justice are allowed to reign through arresting perpetrators and punishing them severely, allowing freedom of economic, political and social participation for all citizens of Plateau State without ethnic or religious discrimination.

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between the level of spouses’ Machiavellianism and tendency to use constructive and unconstructive problem-solving strategies in marital conflicts. The study involved 100 married couples. The participants completed Mach IV and the Problem-Solving Strategies Inventory in two versions: self-report and estimation of partner behaviours. Two exploratory path analyses were performed. The analysis of data coming from selfreports proved that Machiavellianism was positively associated with the tendency to use destructive strategies (Escalation and Withdrawal), and negatively with the use of constructive strategies (Loyalty and Dialogue). Higher Machiavellianism of women was related to less frequent use of Dialogue strategy by their husbands. The data obtained through estimations of partner behaviour showed that a higher level of Machiavellianism among husbands was related to their wives’ more frequent use of Escalation and Withdrawal, as well as to their less frequent use of Loyalty and Dialogue. The results support the assumption that Machiavellianism may be treated as a factor which makes constructive solving of matrimonial conflicts more difficult.

Despite the distance, Ukraine and Taiwan share parallels in the domain of geopolitical struggle and identity issues. Both are experiencing an ongoing process of national identity strengthening and redefinition. External factors, such as Russia’s 2014 occupation of Crimea and the subsequent 2022 invasion of Ukraine and China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan, have shaped both Ukrainian and Taiwanese identities and people’s attitudes. On the one hand, this paper explores the transformation of Ukrainian identity in the wake of Russian aggression, focusing on how the invasion has influenced the strengthening of civic attachment among Ukrainians. On the other hand, we explore the development of Taiwanese identity in the context of growing distinctions from mainland China, primarily focusing on Taiwan’s ongoing democratization process and developing a self-confident national identity distinct from the mainland. The rise of Taiwanese identity coincided with growing sympathy for Taiwan’s independence. Additionally, we consider the evolving nature of civic and national identities, emphasizing their fluidity and adaptability in response to political and social complexity.

The Socio-Economic Situation in Palestine in the Face of the Conflict with Israel

This article analyses the socio-economic conditions of Palestine in the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the period preceding and during the latest military confrontations. The research underscores the extensive impact of the conflict on Palestine’s economy and social fabric, highlighting the economic collapse caused by infrastructure destruction, trade restrictions, and an increasing unemployment rate, particularly among women and youth. A historical overview of the conflict is provided, with emphasis on key economic indicators such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment, drawing from both domestic and international sources. Despite brief periods of economic growth, Palestine remains heavily dependent on international aid and trade with Israel, creating significant vulnerabilities during conflict escalations. The study identifies critical social issues exacerbated by the conflict, including widespread poverty, deteriorating education, and inadequate healthcare. The analysis further points to the increasing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, where limited access to essential services and rising displacement are fueling radicalisation and social unrest. The paper concludes with a discussion on the necessity of international intervention and sustainable economic strategies to rebuild the Palestinian economy and mitigate the long-term social consequences of the conflict. This research fills a gap in the current geopolitical discourse by shifting focus from military strategies to the pressing socio-economic realities of Palestine, offering a comprehensive assessment of the conflict’s broader implications.