Nr 4(65)/2020

Tadeusz Klementewicz

Uniwersytet Warszawski

Narratives on political science: types, structure, truthfulness. Between textualism and moderate cognitive realism

Abstract

The aim of the article is reconstruction of the semantic structure of narrative on political science. A turnaround occurred in the contemporary philosophy of the humanities under the influence of post-modernism it shifted from logic to rhetoric. The broader background for this turnaround was the crisis of cognitive realism. Language was considered part of the cognitive apparatus shaping the picture of the examined phenomena. The data perceived by senses are grouped in categories and notions being constructs of the exploring subject. The same subject also produces general models of the examined phenomena, always represented by words, notions and linguistic utterances. This is why, in line with the constructivist standpoint, the researcher inhabits a world of texts and interpretations. And the forms of discourse play a fundamental cognitive role. From the perspective of analytic philosophy the focus of attention was the truth as the goal of cognitive activities and the logical procedures leading to the truth, especially the procedure of explaining. But constructivism or narrativism focuses on the text, the narrative, the discourse and the linguistic and literary means that make the reader believe in the picture of the phenomenon the researcher paints, that is, rhetoric. A more detailed narrative structure – thus closer to research practice – comprises three layers: informative, rhetorical and theoretical-ideological ones.

Keywords: narrative, semantic structure, narrativism, cognitive realism.

JEL Codes: Y8

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a01

Artur Laska

Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy

The narrative nature of the theory as an implication of the specificity of the subject of political science research

Abstract

The aim of the article is to verify the assumption that human understanding of the surrounding reality, including politics, is based on the natural construction of theoretical narratives. The author points out that this also applies to scientific cognition, which can be treated as a specific form of creativity of the telling mind. Representing the deductive-nomological approach, related to the humanistic interpretation, he proves that the specificity of the subject of political science research additionally strengthens the importance of narration as a tool of cognition. The arguments presented in the article are based on the presentation of epistemological assumptions, the operationalization of narration as a cognitive and analytical category, the narrative characteristics of the specificity of politics and the resulting research implications.

Keywords: narration, discourse, political narrative, theory of politics, political science research.

JEL Codes: Y8

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a02

Piotr Borowiec

Uniwersytet Jagielloński

On the application of critical approach to the studies of contemporary socio-political situation in Poland

Abstract

The dynamic character of political changes necessitates the use of various scientific paradigms, research approaches, techniques, methods and methodologies. The following paper constitutes a reflection on the application of critical approach and examines how the critical approach and attitude can be applied more broadly to study a socio-political situation. Making this approach more popular should help to expand the potential of political science with research methods, reflection and attitudes that can help address numerous problems of contemporary Polish situation and meet the expectations of the proponents of applied political science as well. The paper explores the reasons behind the reluctance in the use of this approach in Poland and presents arguments supporting the change in this state of affairs. The reasons why a critical stance towards contemporary socio-political phenomena should be employed more often are also provided.

Keywords: critical approach, Karl Marx, political studies, neoliberalism, social crisis.

JEL Codes: B49

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a03

Mirosław Karwat

Uniwersytet Warszawski

Democracy, democratic, democratism, democratization as a syndromic terms

Abstract

Democracy, democratic, democratism, democratization are syndromic terms. Both in themselves, as Simple terms, when we indicate the definition criteria, and in complex terms - such as, for example, liberal democracy or the democratic state of law. The syndromic nature of these concepts lies in the fact that their content is not one-dimensional (reduced to the method of the emergence and legitimation of power, the method of governing, the relationship between the ruling and the ruled), but is determined by a combination of ideological, ethical, socioeconomic and legal characteristics. "Adjectival" democracy is a different quality than "pure" democracy understood literally, but also in blank form. This is reflected in the doctrinally diverse models of democracy.

Keywords: democracy, democratic, democratism, democratization, syndromic.

JEL Codes: Y8

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a04

Jerzy Szczupaczyński

Uniwersytet Warszawski

Between politics and ideology. The concept of corporate citizenship as a new CSR paradigm

Abstract

The article criticizes the concept of corporate citizenship, which is treated in the literature on CSR as an influential theoretical project referring to the anti-positivist paradigm of scientific knowledge. The critical arguments presented relate to difficulties in using two categories: the concept of corporate citizenship and the discourse concept borrowed from the Habermas’s theory. The counterfactual nature of the assumptions is signaled, as well as disregarding political and economic contradictions of the global world. The research goal of the article is to question the key theorem on taking over the responsibility of transnational corporations in underdeveloped countries, consisting in supporting thc development of democratic institutions and dissemination of political, social and civil rights.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility, corporate citizenship, discourse, deliberative democracy.

JEL Codes: F54, F55, J83, M14, N30, 019, P16, P48

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a05

Brygida Kuźniak, Piotr Obacz

Uniwersytet Jagielloński

Political Science-Legal Narrative: Problems, Challenges, Opportunities. Some Remarks by the Example of Research from the Borderline of Political Science and Public International Law

Abstract

By the example of research from the borderline of political science and public international law, the authors examine problems, challenges and opportunities facing common political science-legal scientific narrative. The aim of this article is to stimulate discussion on opportunities for political science-legal research in Poland, as well as on opportunities for formulating coherent common narrative. The argumentation is based on the assumption, according to which integration of research methods and techniques, perspectives and theories, political science and legal knowledge, and synergy of narratives, present in indicated disciplines, could increase their scientific potential, explanatory potential. Among five main conclusions from their research experiences and considerations, the authors claim i.a. that: political science-legal narrative has a chance to fully develop only in the conditions of consequent, institutionalized cooperation between representatives of both disciplines; political scientists and legal scholars must be aware of transgenicity of their disciplines; common political science-legal narrative must be grounded in substantively and methodologically justified research plan, it must relate to empirical and/or theoretical findings being the result of common research, and it must be recognized as logical consequence of acceptance of complementarity of social sciences’ disciplines.

Keywords: law, methodology, narrative, political science, public international law.

JEL Codes:  C18, D72, F59, K30, K33

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a06

Mirosław Dobrzyński

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

Filia Akademia im. Aleksandra Gieysztora w Pułtusku

A narration about a future

Abstract

The author of the article, through a cross-sectional analysis of the most famous studies on forecasts about the predicted future of humanity and the current civilization, makes a Meta theoretical narrative that indicates the multidimensional essence of the described problems. At the same time, through own comments in conjunction with examples from incl. the work of L.R. Brown, the Reports of the Club of Rome or the Polish Committee of Prognoses Polska 2000 Plus, the author shapes the view that we actually know everything that needs to be done, but one can get the impression that we are acting contrary to this knowledge, because we continue to repeat the same mistakes regarding human qualitative development and the use of natural resources and even more so to protect the ecosystem. In conclusion, the author outlines alternative forecasts for the development of the new socio-economic order.

Keywords: meta theoretical narrative, forecasts in political science, new socio-economic order.

JEL Codes: F5

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a07

Wojciech Kostecki

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

Orwell was right: Metaphors, politics and political science revisited

Abstract

Studying why politicians show a tendency to colour the description of reality and try to organize the achievements of researchers following this activity is a domain that is still far from being exploited. However, numerous threads are repeated continuously in it. The observations and advice contained in George Orwell's 1946 essay Politics and the English Language are becoming more relevant nowadays. In the analysis, however, it is necessary to distinguish "metaphor" as a meta category of a specific field of knowledge from metaphors in the form of the construction "society as". Following the threefold logic of contemporary politics: power, profit and identity, and modelling on the already deeply rooted notion of "anarchophilia", three "great metaphors" should be forged and included in today's science of politics: powerphilia – to describe the pursuit of power; profitophilia – to describe the purpose of profit; communityphilia – to describe a radical struggle for identity.

Keywords: George Orwell, the language of politics, metacategories, political actions, great metaphors.

JEL Codes: Y9

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a08

Nancy E. Wright

Scholarship on United Nations Peace Operations. The Case for Dissolving Dichotomies of Time, Place, and Disciplines

Abstract

Scholarly literature on United Nations (UN) peace operations has increased both in volume and complexity since the first peacekeeping mission was implemented shortly after the UN’s creation. Early scholarship focused on efforts to build a conceptual and theoretical framework for peacekeeping; later studies assessed the successes and failures of individual missions. Throughout the Cold War era, both peace operations and studies of them focused on interstate conflicts, albeit with acknowledgment of internal dimensions. With the end of the post-Cold War era, both a short-lived optimism about new peacekeeping possibilities, coupled with a normative shift from a focus on sovereignty to the inclusion of human rights protection and post-conflict peacebuilding, led UN peace operations into complex situations with equally complex mandates, and complications that frustrated the overall effectiveness sought in the absence of superpower gridlock. This brief conceptual article highlights a selected few studies of UN peace operations that took place both during and after the Cold War era to illustrate that the dichotomies of Cold War and post-Cold War time periods, as well as the distinction between interstate and intrastate conflicts, is not as salient to the conflicts as it is often deemed, and in fact may obscure other characteristics of peace operations more important to valuable analyses.

Keywords: United Nations peace operations, international security, peacebuilding, conflict resolution.

JEL Codes: Y8

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a09

M’hammed BELARBI

Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco

Narratives of public policies and logics of power in a hybrid context: the case of Morocco

Abstract

Instead of focusing on the question of the validity of the transfer of the theoretical apparatus between the North and the South, in this contribution we aim to enrich the analysis of public policies through reflection around the narratives of public action in Morocco. The argument of this article is that the narrative of public policy in a hybrid context can be a resource used by actors and stakeholders as well as it provides the structure in which the action is circumscribed. In this sense, the COVID-19 crisis was a godsend to push the political game more towards an apolitical logic.

Keywords: public policy narrative; hybrid context; logics of power; social cohesion; COVID-19.

JEL Codes:  L38

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a10

Anna Bączkowska

Uniwersytet Gdański

The theme of coronavirus in Polish online press – a corpus-assisted study

Abstract

The aim of the study presented in this paper was to analyse how the topic of coronavirus was described by the Polish quality newspaper “Gazeta Wyborcza” in the period between the 1^st of March and the 12^th of July 2020, i.e. the day of presidential elections in Poland. The methodology used in the investigation follows a corpus-assisted analysis, which allows one to conduct a quantitative study of large collections of data (language corpora). The methodology is typically used in linguistics, yet the study shows that it can be successfully employed in a quantitative analysis of press and political discourse. The data were analysed automatically by computer software dedicated to Polish language (Korpusomat) and by tools available in the Sketch Engine system that allow one to examine English language data. The study demonstrates that the theme of coronavirus presented in March and April focused largely on the description of the virus and the consequences of being infected (hospitalization), whilst the articles published between May and July contain more information about possible vaccines and, contrary to facts, they emphasise a declining trend in morbidity rates.

Keywords: language corpora, press discourse, political discourse, coronavirus, Polish quality press.

JEL Codes: C8, I1

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0420.a11

Nr 3(64)/2020

Paweł Bielawski

Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie

Revolt against the unilateral world – anti-colonialism ‘from the Right’. The perspective of Alain de Benoist’s New Right

Abstract

The topic of the article is the concept of ‘Right-wing Third-worldism’ by Alain de Benoist. The leader of the New Right movement states that Europe is in fact a (cultural) colony of the United States. He believes that an alliance with the USA is not in Europe’s best interest. He is an advocate of a Europe-Third World alliance. In his view, both Europe and the Third World could benefit from such an agreement, as only their combined potential could enable to end the domination of USA. The text outlines the genesis of the contemporary, American identity, the critique of the unilateral model of globalisation and an alternative model of Europe-Third World relations.

Keywords: colonialism, de-colonisation, new right, GRECE, Third-world.

JEL: Z13

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a01

Marek Delong

Politechnika Rzeszowska

Polish Bishops’ Conference and lustration of clergy

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse the stance of the Polish Bishops’ Conference on the subject of lustration of clergy. The issue emerged in Polish public debate, due to allegations that certain clergymen co-operated with communist secret service. In the after-war period, the Polish Church was a subject of repressions and advanced surveillance from the Security Service functionaries. The issue of lustration of clergy emerged mainly in connection with the case of archbishop Stanisław Wielgus. The research approach and methods appropriate to political and administrative sciences were used, including source analysis, system analysis and a genetic-historical method. The stance of Polish Church hierarchy towards the lustration of clergy was often criticised. There are many opinions implying that the problem was not clarified entirely and properly.

Keywords: lustration, Polish Bishops’ Conference, Security Service.

JEL Codes: Z12

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a02

Kateryna Derhachova

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

The social and political model of the Ukrainian as nation country

Abstract

The modern Ukrainian country is based on the centuries-old popular idea of creating an independent, conciliar, free, democratic, fair, legal and social state. Along with the development of Ukraine as a country, social-educational and political nationalist organizations also developed. In May 2009 political party "Svoboda", under the guidance of a professor of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Doctor of Law Alexander Shevchenko presented their vision of the National Constitution of Ukraine. The appearance of this draft marks the transition from revolutionary liberation nationalism to the forming state. The purpose of the article is a comparative analysis of the political system of modern Ukraine and in the political thought of nationalist parties, using the example of the political party “Svoboda”.

Conceptual article.

Keywords: Ukrainian nation state, the Constitution, nationalism, the All-Ukrainian Union “Svoboda”.

JEL Codes: E10

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a03

Iga Kleszczyńska

Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie

The concepts of American foreign policy during the presidency of Donald Trump . Review of the allied military and economic assumptions

Abstract

The purpose of this science article is to analyze the role of the United States in the international system during the presidency of Donald Trump. Due to the above considerations, the hypothesis of the article indicates that American leadership in world affairs during the presidency of Donald Trump is weakened due to the strategic foreign policy and foreign economic policy’ assumption. The article distinguishes four of the most important research questions that points the importance of the role and position of the U.S. in the international system in historical terms, an analysis of Donald Trump's strategic foreign policy priorities, the American defense concept and the allied network, and the main assumptions of the foreign economic policy strategy.

Key words: world liberal order, U.S. foreign policy, global leadership, Donald Trump, trade policy, international security.

JEL Codes:  E10

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a04

Zbigniew Klimiuk

Instytut Pracy i Spraw Socjalnych w Warszawie

Methods of financing the real economy in Germany. Reichsbank’s Monetary and foreign exchange policy in the period 1929-1939

Abstract

The article analyzes the monetary and foreign exchange policy of the Reichsbank in the period 1929-1939 with particular attention given to the bank’s dual role in this period: as a source of money used to finance the state treasury’s needs and as the most effective actor affecting the money market and treasuries’ market. The main task of the Reichsbank’s monetary and exchange rate policy was to restore confidence in the German currency (the Reichsmark) to maintain its exchange rate at the level of parity. The main objective of such a policy was to gain and maintain the trust of foreign financial circles, since domestic ones did not play any role because of the devastation of capital caused by hyperinflation. Dewes' plan created the possibility of an inflow of foreign capital, which provided foreign exchange serving as legal collateral for the issuance of the Reichsbank’s notes. On June 15, 1939, the Reich’s Chancellor signed a new act on the Germany’s Reichsbank. This act was an expression of changes that have taken place in the previous years in Germany concerning the views on the central bank’s role.

Keywords: Germany, Reichsbank, monetary policy, foreign creditors, economic condition.

JEL Codes: E52, E58, F31, F32, N14

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a05

Andrzej Michalak

Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie

The roots of the institutionalization of German sociology and  the professionalization of the social research

Abstract

The main purpose of the article is to analyze the reasons for the establishment of the German Sociological Society in 1909 and the coincidence of the events preceding the first congress in Frankfurt am Main, which took place a year later. According to the author of the text, the main source of the institutionalization process of German sociology was Max Weber's pursuit of the professionalization of social research in Germany. Although he was not the initiator of the establishment of the society, thanks to him the course of institutionalization of sociology was factually oriented and continues to this day. The main conclusions were derived from the analysis of archival materials documenting the discussed topic. In addition, the available literature on the subject was reviewed in terms of the problem being analyzed. Thanks to this, condensation was possible in one text and source knowledge, but also outside the source.

Słowa kluczowe: German sociology, institutionalization of sociology, history of sociology, professionalization of knowledge.

JEL codes: A13, A14, J24, N01

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a06

Tomasz Waśkiel

Uniwersytet Wrocławski

Central Asia as a region? Analysis of the regional elites discourse

Abstact

The aim of the article is to present the approach of Central Asian elites to the region. The analysis was based on the statements and the official documents defining foreign policy strategies. Discourse analysis was the main research tool, semantic fields analysis was used for the statements’ categorization.

I argue that the Central Asian presidents use the term Central Asia and identify with the region. Nonetheless, their narratives about the region differ significantly and do not form one consistent representation. There is no agreement at the level of defining the fundamental challenges that the region is facing, as well as choosing forms of cooperation within the region.

Keywords: Central Asia, regionalization, region, discourse analysis.

JEL Codes: F59

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a07

J. Paweł Gieorgica

Uniwersytet Przyrodniczo-Humanistyczny w Siedlcach

An Intergenerational Conflict or a Subsequent Chapter of the “Poland Against Poland War”?

Abstract

The presented here in review article constitutes an attempt to provide a more in-depth view as to causes of the emerging cumulation of the intergenerational conflict that appears to be taking place in Poland. The Autor’s thesis contained within are built through an reference to thesis presented in the monographic work titled “The invisible intergeneration war” (eds. G. Nowacki, E. Dąbrowska-Prokopowska, Publishing House UwB 2020), which was published contemporaneously to the mass protests an social unrests of the young generation, particularly young women, that were demanding a broader access to abortion and respect for their human rights. The so called “state of cultural war” that appears to be taking place in catholic Poland has deeper roots, that are imbedded in the conflict of values that are ascribed to by the younger, more liberal generation, and the majority of older, more traditional and conservative, generations, which is represented by the right-wing, authoritarian government led by one party. Due to the current ruling system the young generation has a very limited opportunities to articulate its points of view and the express and stand for its own interests as population and as equal participants in the state ruling scheme. The way of resolution of what appears to be an unavoidable confrontation and what happened in the aftermath of the crisis will have a significant impact on the future of Poland following the end of the pandemic and the results of the 2023 elections.

Keywords: Social Conflict, New Generations, Conflict Resolution, Migration, Economic Sociology.

JEL Codes: D74, J15, O15, Z1

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0320.a08

Nr 2(63)/2020

Adam R. Bartnicki

Uniwersytet w Białymstoku

Power in Russia – the logic of self-reconstruction of the system

Abstract

In Russia potential for “change” and its social acceptance by the year 1993 have long since expired. The following years mark a stronger and more open “continuity” – that is, the revival of mechanisms of the past. Each political system has, of course, it’s own specific circumstances of leadership, however, this article intended to display those factors, which played a crucial role in building of a political position of the leader in rule as well as those, that determined the collapse of the democratic project in Russia. In this context a special attention was given to cultural and social circumstances, president’s features of character, and the legacy of the communist regime. The last question played a crucial role first in building of a semi-authoritarian and later, after the year 2000, an authoritarian system. The Russian revolution of the 90’s displayed a paradox. In the struggle of the old and the new, both the state power and the elites insisted on implementing as many Soviet mechanisms in new Russia as it was possible. Russia was supposed to be a reformed continuation of the communist state free of a few flaws of the past regime. Political changes that took place between 1991 and 1993 did not shatter real foundations of the political system of the Soviet Union, and turned out to be a more or less successful adaptation of the existing system to the changing circumstances. This meant that many elements that the Russian state consisted of were merely a simple continuation of the tradition and solutions from before year 1991.

Key words: Russia, authoritarianism, Putin.

JEL Codes: N4

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a01

Aleksandra Kuczyńska-Zonik

Instytut Europy Środkowej w Lublinie

The potential of Russian political emigration in the process of democratization of Russia on the example of the Baltic States

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to indicate the circumstances and the character of emigration from Russia, particularly to pay attention to Russians who have left Russia for ideological and political reasons over the past decade, and have chosen Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia as a place of their residence. Currently, in the Baltic States, due to their geographical proximity and critical attitude towards Russia, many Russian immigrants have been continuing their opposition activities. The aim of the paper is to analyse if Russian emigration activities may potentially become a catalyst for systemic changes in Russia in the future. Critical analysis of the topic proves, however, that despite the dynamic cooperation development and initiatives undertaken by the emigrants, their effectiveness is low, therefore there is no reason to suppose they would lead to the imminent socio-political changes in Russia.

Keywords:  Emigration, the Baltic states, democratization, Russia.

JEL Codes: F22, F50

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a02

Piotr Kościński

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

The future of propaganda in the case of a change in the leadership of the Russian Federation

Abstract

Ruled by Vladimir Putin, Russia is a country where propaganda plays a special role. The Russian budget for 2020 predicted that RT television broadcasting abroad would receive 325 million euros, when Rossiya Syegodnia (including RIA Novosti news agency and Sputnik radio) 106 million. Since Russian propaganda is currently being conducted so intensively, it is important whether and how it will be continued in the event of a change of leadership. The future shape of Russian propaganda depends primarily on who will take power after Vladimir Putin. Russia's democratization may lead to the abandonment of aggressive propaganda; coming to power of representatives of extremely nationalist forces will cause its intensification.

Keywords: propaganda, Russia, Vladimir Putin, information war, hybrid war.

JEL Codes: Z10

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a03

Karolina Ferreira Fernandes

Uniwersytet w Białymstoku

The online activity of Russian civil society in the context of local socio-political conditions

Abstract

The last two decades have been a period of intensive development of the Internet network that has revolutionized the functioning of societies and politics. The article concerns the impact of the Internet on the shape of current civil society in Russia. The aim of the presented work is an attempt to show the most popular forms of cyberactivism in Russia and to present mechanisms of controlling Internet content and online civic activities by authorities.

Keywords: Russian Federation, civil society, Internet, cyberactivism.

JEL Codes: D71

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a04

Przemysław P. Damski

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

United States and Ca nada towards Russia n policy in Arctic: Current situation and the prospects of development

Abstract

The dynamic changes in the international balance of power taking place in recent years, have had an impact on the hitherto relatively stable situation in the Arctic. The traditional players there, i.e. the Arctic countries, are joined by new ones who claim to be present in this area, counting on a share in the expected profits, whether from the extraction of local natural resources or the creation of new transit routes. Recent years have been especially exceptional in the manner. On the one hand, there are internal reforms in Russia, who has long strongly emphasized the link between her national security and the her sovereignty in the High North. This takes on a special overtone in the context of the international repercussions following the annexation of Crimea. On the other hand, there is a friction in the bloc of Western countries, both in the context of their attitude towards Russia’s foreign policy and of global warming and its consequences. For that reason it was decided to analyse regional strategies of three Arctic states: Russia, USA and Canada. The analysis has been based on new documents and indicate possible paths of development of the activities of these three Arctic actors in the High North.

Keywords: Arctic, United States of America, Canada, Russia, powers rivalry, global warming.

Kody JEL: F5

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a05

Michał Maliszewski

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

German – Russia n Relationsships after Merkel and Putin

Abstract

Germany-Russia relations remain crucial for the future new international order. Equally crucial in these relations is the strong legitimacy of the German Chancellor and the Russian President in the political systems of their countries, and thus the significant role of the current leaders of these countries, Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, there is a very dynamic prospect that both politicians will end their positions. The change in Russia’s constitution approved by the referendum gives Vladimir Putin the opportunity to hold office until 2036. In Germany, on the other hand, speculation about the possibility of changing the decision of Chancellor Angela Merkel to resign from her candidacy for the office of German Chancellor in the next term of office, which would extend her term of office until 2025, will continue.

Keywords: german-russian relationships, Angleka Merkel, Wladimir Putin, role of the individual in politics

JEL Codes: N4

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a06

Davut Han Aslan, Sevde Işılak

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula w Warszawie

Russia-Turkey Energy Relations after 2002: The Asymmetry of Interdependence

Abstract

This research aims to investigate Turkey and Russia's primary energy sources and the importance of its relations in the energy sector. Turkey and Russia's balance of power rely on its energy needs. Turkey's geopolitical location and Russia's rich sources make both countries essential trade partners. They both depend on each other in terms of energy. Despite the political problems, the major pipeline projects, in a growing number of fields, including nuclear power, the Turkish government and operators are developing an energy partnership with Russia, affecting both countries economically.

Keywords: Turkey, Russia, Interdependency, Bilateral Relations, Ankara, Moscow.

JEL Codes: N4

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a07

Wojciech Marciniak

Uniwersytet Łódzki

Reflections on his tori cal reminiscences and fundamental aims of Russia’s international politics in Vladimir Putin’s sp eech of 18 March 2014

Abstract

The Russian military aggression against Ukraine in 2014 triggered an international crisis and was causing the European Union’s sanctions against Russian Federation. On 18 March 2014 in Moscow the treaty on accession of the Republic of Crimea (including Sevastopol) to Russia was signed. On that day president Vladimir Putin delivered a speech, in which he justified annexation part of Ukrainian territory. He also reffered to international position of Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union until the Ukrainian crisis. Events of the last few decades history of Russia took up a large part of the president’s speech. It seems that a referent point to their interpretation is Putin’s thesis from 2005 about the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geopolitical tragedy of the 20th century”. He claimed that since 1991 the conflict between the West and Russia has continued to grow coused a political eastward expansion of NATO countries (mainly the United States). Russia shall not be pushed to the margins of international relations. The aim of the Russian’s foreign policy is to recover a position that the Soviet Union had in relations with the West.

Keywords: the annexation of Crimea, the collapse of USSR, foreign policy of Russia.

JEL Codes: N44

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0220.a08

Nr 1(62)/2020

Anna Grzywacz

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula – Warszawa

Democracy Promotion in the Foreign Policy of Indonesia: Continuity and Change

Summary

The article’s research area is democracy promotion in the Indonesian foreign policy and the research question is what are the elements of continuity and change in the Indonesian promotion of democracy? The paper assumes that promotion of democracy in the foreign policy of Indonesia is twofold: declarative and practical. The argument is that in both dimensions, declarative and practical, important changes started in 2004, and since then, both areas have been characterised by continuity, despite changes occurring in the Indonesia’s internal and external environments. Two research methods are applied: the content analysis and comparative analysis. The paper examines two empirical case studies: Indonesia’s contribution to development of the mechanism of protection and promotion of democracy and human rights in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Bali Democracy Forum.

Key words: Indonesia's foreign policy, promotion of democracy, continuation and change, Bali Democracy Forum, ASEAN.

JEL codes: F5

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a01

Zbigniew Klimiuk

Instytut Pracy i Spraw Socjalnych w Warszawie

Methods of Financing the Real Economy in Germany. Reichsbank’s Monetary and foreign Exchange Policy in the Period 1929-1939

Summary

The article analyzes the monetary and foreign exchange policy of the Reichsbank in the period 1929-1939 with particular attention given to the bank’s dual role in this period: as a source of money used to finance the state treasury’s needs and as the most effective actor affecting the money market and treasuries’ market. The main task of the Reichsbank’s monetary and exchange rate policy was to restore confidence in the German currency (the Reichsmark) to maintain its exchange rate at the level of parity. The main objective of such a policy was to gain and maintain the trust of foreign financial circles, since domestic ones did not play any role because of the devastation of capital caused by hyperinflation. Dewes' plan created the possibility of an inflow of foreign capital, which provided foreign exchange serving as legal collateral for the issuance of the Reichsbank’s notes. On June 15, 1939, the Reich’s Chancellor signed a new act on the Germany’s Reichsbank. This act was an expression of changes that have taken place in the previous years in Germany concerning the views on the central bank’s role.

Key words: Germany, Reichsbank, monetary policy, foreign creditors, economic condition.

JEL codes: E52, E58, F31, F 32, N14

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a02

Joanna Antczak

Akademia Sztuki Wojennej w Warszawie

Polish Arms Exports in 2013-2018 as a Factor in Building Military Security

Summary

The state of security of Poland is a derivative of the rank that both the near and the distant perspective give defense to the state authorities. Poland’s security radically changed after adoption of the new political system. Poland became a member of the NATO and the European Union which enhanced its security. The purpose of the article was to analyze arms exports in 2013-2018 as a factor in building military security. Military security includes various activities in the area of ​​national security, in particular in the field of counteracting military threats. The literature analysis, the legal acts and analysis of statistical data have been applied as methods of the research.

Key words: export of arms, military equipment, military security.

JEL codes: F59

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a03

Marta Nowakowska

Akademia Wojsk Lądowych imienia generała Tadeusza Kościuszki – Wrocław

Polish Cultural Identity in a Perspective of Cultural Safety

Summary

The article is about the issue of patriotic attitude in the context of cultural safety among Polish society. In the 21st century, the main threat of globalization is the loss of national identity, which is associated with a sense of building xenophobic attitudes, and a misunderstanding of the concept of patriotism, often identified with nationalism. The aim of the article is to explain patriotism as a positive value, associated with cultural relativism translated into a practical reality.

Key words: cultural safety, identity, patriotism, nation, ethnocentrism.

JEL codes: Z10

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a04

Piotr Kościński

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula – Warszawa

The Establishment and Activity of the Representative Office of Orkla Media Employees in Poland

Summary

The article analyses the functioning of the Representation of Orkla Media Employees and then Mecom in Poland. The research is based on the accounts of people involved in its establishment and operation and on documents (including the website of the Representation). The institution, modelled on its Scandinavian counterparts, was something unique in the Polish media and had a significant impact on the functioning of two companies and a dozen or so titles - and its liquidation was led by ownership changes. The basic conclusion is that the Employee Representation, although met with great scepticism from the Polish management, played a positive role in the functioning of Polish Orkla and Mecom companies; its liquidation resulted from ownership changes, as a result of which both companies were taken over by completely different business entities.

Key words: Regional media, Presspublica, employee representation, trade unions.

JEL codes: J53

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a05

Joanna Stepaniuk

Państwowa Uczelnia im. Stefana Batorego w Skierniewicach

Dimensions and Mechanisms of the Integration Process of Ukrainian Female Migrants into Polish Society

Summary

The integration of various groups of immigrants into Polish society, including the participation of Ukrainian migrants in the Polish socio-cultural space, is one of the key issues addressed in the literature, public debates and academic analyses. Theories and research on this subject are nowadays a dynamically developing field of knowledge, which has a direct reference to social practice as well as the creation of integration policies. The paper, apart from discussing the integration process, presents its individual dimensions and mechanisms based on the situation of Ukrainian migrant women living in Poland.

Research article.

Key words: integration, migrant woman, labour market, Polish society.

JEL codes: J80

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a06

Ksymena Matysek

Uniwersytet Opolski

Strategic Partnership as a Doctrine and Category Defining Polish-American Relations

Summary

The purpose of this publication is to define Polish-American relations based on the concept of strategic partnership and to generally define the level of Polish-American relations conceptualization. The main method used in this article is content and framing analysis. The content analysis covered the programs of Polish political parties and the exposé of prime ministers and foreign ministers in relation to Polish-American relations. The analysis of the programs is to show the level of conceptualization of Polish-American relations at the political party level. The programs are an emanation of the ideological and programmatic profile of the party.

Research article.

Key words: strategic partnership, Poland, United States, foreign policy, international relations

JEL codes: F5

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a07

Michał Dworski

Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II

"Poles as Tories”. Outline of Social and Political Activity of the Anglo-Polish Conservative Society in 1967-1976

Summary

The aim of this article is to present selected areas of social and political activity of the Anglo-Polish Conservatve Society. The Anglo-Polish Association was an affiliated structure of the British Conservative Party, which brought together selected Poles and Britons united by an ideological community. The Anglo Polish Conservative Society affirmed the British Conservative program, on the basis of which it emphasized its own political interpretations. The organization aimed at forming a community of people who, thanks to the initiatives undertaken, would gradually build a Polish-British agreement that would translate into a more visible participation of Poles in the social and political life of the country of their emigration settlement. According to the Anglo-Polish Conservative Society, the best way to achieve the above goal was to organize joint events and undertakings in the social, cultural, economic and political fields.

The areas of activity of the Anglo-Polish Conservative Society presented in the article include activities during individual election and referendum campaigns, organization of political meetings and social events and a series of activities in the sphere of economic emancipation of Poles living in Great Britain.

Key words: Anglo-Polish Conservative Society, conservatism, Conservative Party, Great Britain, polish political emigration.

JEL codes: N44

DOI: doi.org/10.34765/sp.0120.a08