Zasadnicze aspekty dzisiejszej rzeczywistości wyznaczone są przez dominującą odmianę systemu społeczno-gospodarczego, który zbudowany jest wokół pojęcia rozwoju (czy w ujęciu węższym – wzrostu gospodarczego). Efektem dominacji neoliberalnej wizji gospodarki stają się nierówności socjoekonomiczne, prekarne warunki zatrudnienia, wszechogarniająca niepewność ludzkiej egzystencji, jak również rzeczywiste ograniczenia praw obywatelskich poszczególnych kategorii społecznych (zbywatele) i dewastacja środowiska naturalnego. W obliczu tych zjawisk zasadne zdają się pytania o granice i następstwa pojęcia rozwoju gospodarczego z perspektywy konsekwencji społecznych albo – szerzej – o kierunek, w którym zmierza „postęp” cywilizacyjny. Niniejszy artykuł o charakterze poznawczym ma za zadanie: (a) eksplorację zagadnienia nierówności społecznych poprzez zastosowanie – swoiście ujętego – pojęcia cywirozlelizacji oraz (b) uściślenie tak przekształconego konstruktu poprzez egzemplifikację klasycznych i nowych form problemów i wykluczeń społecznych, występujących w rozwiniętych społeczeństwach.

The author examines the importance of the “Chinese factor” in today’s world from the perspective of current phenomena such as particular political and economic uncertainty, and examines them against the background of global cooperation and parallel – unprecedented competition at the same level. Globalization processes have taken place over the centuries, but have gained particular importance in our present day. However, they continue to evolve; however, we have left “the golden age” of globalization (1990–2010) already behind us and the related processes are more difficult now. They have acquired new characteristics and for a new success requires application of entirely new recipes. China ever louder talks about the need for a “new” globalization, in line with its new aspirations as a pretender for the global economy’s leadership position. The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, has been in the center of its vision. It has become the foundation for China’s foreign policy in the horizon of at least the middle of XXI century. It could be designed to re-confirm the unprecedented China’s economic success of the past four decades, which to a great extent could be derived from a skillful use of the “traditional” mechanisms of globalization. In the Belt and Road Initiative, China sees the prescription for overcoming emerging internal tensions and difficulties and the new way to a global success. The author examines the emerging at this stage, complex challenges for today’s China and the Belt and Road Initiative, that can be defined as “external” and dependent not only on own Chinese decisions. They stem e.g. from the need to overcome many barriers and cultural differences between China and its countries-partners in the Belt and Road project. On the other hand, the author identifies some “internal” challenges of systemic nature. Their reduction, and sometimes even abolition, depends mainly on mechanism applied independently by the Chinese side.

Polarization: the polemic with the article “Fanaticism as an educational problem”

The criticism of the article “Fanaticism as an Educational Problem” focuses on the selective treatment of fanaticism symptoms, ignoring the role of political polarization and age in analysing this phenomenon. Gałkowski and Gałkowski’s article (2023) presents a valuable proposal for a minimal educational program, but it requires considering a broader social, cultural, and individual context in diagnosing fanaticism and applying effective tools to counteract this phenomenon. The starting point of the debate is the observation that fanaticism remains a negatively perceived label that excludes individuals or social groups, hence the need for clarification on how cultural diversity and intercultural communication can contribute to it. Fanaticism is associated with an existential crisis, but there are also specific developmental phenomena in children that can be mistaken for fanaticism. Literary works can help in understanding this phenomenon. The proposed examples indicate that fanaticism is primarily a group phenomenon characterized by action rather than solely an attitude to the truth. In preventing and dismantling fanaticism, it is important to consider emotions related to uncertainty and develop skills to cope with it. Finding effective alternatives to psychoactive substances in emotional regulation and violence prevention poses a challenge. Fanaticism can be present in the inertia of customs and can be recognized by sensitive young people in society’s reactions to demands for social change. The situation of individuals expelled at the Polish-Belarusian border highlights the difference between uncompromising commitment and fanaticism. Human rights should be respected without exceptions, and the willingness to accept external judgment distinguishes activists from fanatics. Building relationships free from fanaticism in communities, especially in the case of refugees, requires considering the atmosphere and pedagogy of the place, which play a crucial role in combating fanaticism.

This paper examines the concept of risk and its importance in the decision-making process, using Russia as an illustration. Risk is presented as a complex and dichotomous category of phenomena. It can be understood as a probable threat and/or an anticipated opportunity. Referring to the theory of expected utility, I argue that the motives of decision-makers in a risk situation will lead them to rationally choose the value with the highest level of priority for the decision-maker, but not necessarily the highest in terms of actual value. Five decision-making situations confirm the hypothesis that Russia has a high propensity for risky actions: the war in Georgia in 2008, the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the violation of Turkey’s airspace by a Russian bomber in 2015, Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022 and the use of doping by Russian athletes during international championships. The conclusion extends these findings to imply that Russia is a key source of risk for the international community.