Society and Politics

No. 1(86)2026

Tom Hashimoto

SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Vilnius University

Varieties of Capitalism in the Baltics: A view from commercial banking

Summary

This paper revisits the Varieties of Capitalism (VoC) framework through the lens of post-communist transition, using the Baltic states as a conceptual and empirical point of reference. Rather than classifying the Baltics along the conventional liberal–coordinated market economy spectrum, the paper examines how capitalist coordination operates under conditions of institutional incompleteness, particularly in the financial sphere. Drawing on insights from comparative capitalism, financial geography, and transition studies, it argues that the absence or externalisation of domestically embedded investment banking fundamentally alters the coordination mechanisms assumed in the VoC framework. In this context, foreign-owned commercial banks and urban financial centres emerge as substitute coordination devices, mediating firm behaviour through transnational governance structures rather than nationally anchored institutional complementarities. The analysis shows that capitalist coordination in the Baltics is neither simply liberal nor coordinated, but relational, externally anchored, and spatially uneven. By foregrounding finance as a central yet under-theorised dimension of post-communist capitalism, the paper contributes to ongoing debates on variegated capitalism and highlights the need to move beyond static typologies when analysing small, open transition economies.

Keywords: institutional incompleteness, financial centres, post-communist transition.

JEL Codes: Y9

Igor Protasowicki

Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula

Cyber challenges for international organisations in the 21st century

Part 2: Information security threats to international organisations

Summary

This article is the second part of a series: after outlining the role of digitalisation in international organisations, it supplements the readers' knowledge with a map of threats and mechanisms for mitigating them. The aim of the research was to characterise key risk vectors (malware: viruses/worms/RAT, spoofing/phishing, DDoS, supply chain/hardware trojans) and the role of the human factor and ‘always online’ practices. The following research questions were posed: which threats most severely disrupt the continuity of international organisations' operations; what layered measures (CSIRT/TLP, scrubbing/anycast, supplier control) are adequate. The following methods were used to answer these questions: qualitative threat typology, case studies (e.g. Stuxnet) and synthesis of defence solutions. The text confirms that the effectiveness of international organisations depends on shared situational awareness and multi-layered defence, combining policy, procedures and technology.

Keywords: international organisations, cybersecurity, cyber diplomacy, resilience.

JEL Codes: Y9

Tomasz Bierzyński

Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II w Krakowie

Dominik Kiełb

Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II

Jacek Wiśniowski

Wyższa Szkoła Informatyki i Zarządzania w Rzeszowie

AI Technologies in the Service of Families of People with Disabilities: Solutions and Challenges

Summary

The aim of the article is to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented AI applications in specific manifestations of family activities whose members struggle with disabilities. The methodology used in the article assumes a review and analysis of specialist literature and industry reports. Selected case studies and empirical research mainly from the years 2019 to 2024 were taken into account. It was considered how AI systems affect the sphere of everyday functioning, therapy, rehabilitation, education, organizational and emotional support of these families. The consequence of the conducted study is the final conclusion that the use of AI technology has a clearly positive impact on the lives of the disabled and their loved ones.

Keywords: AI, Artificial Intelligence in Care, Family, Innovation.

JEL Codes: Y9

Maria Kocot

Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach

Conditions, effects and barriers in the implementation of modern technological solutions in the SME Sector – a case study

Summary

The article presents an analysis of the implementation of modern technological solutions in a small enterprise. It focuses on the determinants, course, and outcomes of this process. A qualitative approach was applied, based on an in-depth interview conducted in 2025. This method enabled a thorough understanding of real experiences related to technological transformation under conditions of limited resources. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the motivation for implementing innovation stemmed from the need to increase efficiency and improve customer service quality. Moreover, the key determinants of successful implementation included the owner’s commitment, a gradual approach to change, and the development of digital competencies. Improvements were observed in work organization, increased competitiveness, and positive customer responses. The article contributes practical value by identifying factors that support the effective implementation of technology in SMEs. It emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptive capacity for the success of digital transformation in small enterprises.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises, technological solutions, qualitative interview.

JEL Codes: O10

Karol Skorek

Fundacja Edukacji Zawodowej SWOJAK

BASIC LEGAL REGULATIONS CONCERNING OHAS IN THE PRISON SERVICE

Summary

Article by Karol Skorek entitled "Basic legal regulations on occupational health and safety in the prison service" raises issues in the field of occupational health and safety regulations. The publication aims to review the basic legal acts that regulate prison health and safety regulations. Particular emphasis will be placed on explaining the specificity of health and safety regulations in Prison Service. In addition, post-accident procedures in the PS and the procedure in the event of disclosing an occupational disease among prison officers will be briefly discussed. A number of statistical data related to the accident rate in the SW were analyzed, the purpose of which was to detect trends in the safety of the service. The entire study will be closed by assessing the effectiveness and legitimacy of the current legal status, as well as the de lege ferenda postulates. The considerations contained in the text may be used by officers to review the knowledge necessary in the performance of official duties under the Prison Service Act.

Keywords: OHAS, prison service, accident analysis, health and safety at workplace.

JEL Codes: I18, K12, K3