STUDIES AND ANYLYSES

The insignificant trends of political thought. Contradictions and understatements

Paweł Malendowicz
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: The main issue of this article are the insignifi cant trends of political thought and their contradictions and understatements. The article describes the following trends of political thought: anarchism, communism, nationalism, monarchism, transhumanism, primitivism, ruralism and also National anarchism, National Bolshevism and Slavophilism. These trends of political thought are characterized by internal contradictions and opposition to democracy.
Keywords: political thought, radicalism, anarchism, communism, nationalism, oxymoron, contradictions.

The axiological and ideological foundations of liberal doctrines to economical issues

Łukasz Rozen
Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw

Summary: Classical political liberalism was not related with some economic concepts, although John Locke accept right to property as the fundamental law of nature. Later liberalism began involve to economic and social issues. Utilitarian liberalism of J. Bentham and John Stuart Mill created the foundations to social justice. Evolutionary liberalism of H. Spencer affirm human egoism and rivalry as the fundamental social principles, also he was proponent minimum and limited state in political economic. And social liberalism, introducing new concept of positive freedom, was for interventionism and social policy. In XX a. J. Rawls and egalitarian liberalism also was for such economical and social concepts. For this liberalism the primate values are justice as fairness and equality. Liberal doctrines was differently to economical concepts, because they have specific and various ideas and values.
Keywords: liberalism, utilitarianism, economic policy, laissez-faire, interventionism.

Changes of the meaning of „social justice” concept in the face of the welfare state purposes

Andrzej Stoiński
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Summary: Since the 40’s of the nineteenth century the term “social justice” has played an increasing role in political refl ection. The main subject of this paper is a meaning ascribed to the idea of “social justice” in the face of goals of welfare state. From this point of view very important are various senses of the notion. It can be distinguished in this area at least two related aspects. The fi rst refers to characteristic of the justice itself. It can be described as a virtue, norm or right. The second one applies to the particular type of justice identifi ed with social justice. In this respect relevant are: legal, distributive and retributive (or commutative) justice. Aside from that, social justice is also treated as an idea of equality or solidarity in social environment.
Keywords: philosophy of politics, ethics, justice, social justice, welfare state.

The future by the past: The role of history in the concept of constitutional patriotism of Jürgen Habermas

Mikołaj Raczyński
University of Warsaw

Summary: The defi nition of patriotism is usually restricted to the conclusion that its aim is mere cultivation of the historical memory. However, patriotism has two distinct faces: one pointed at the past and the other focused on the present. What is more, in the opinion of many scholars, patriotism doesn’t need to be closely related to one nation or culture. An interesting concept of constitutional patriotism was developed by German historians and philosophers during the debate on national identity after World War II. Jürgen Habermas has been one of the founders of this project. According to the German philosopher, constitutional patriotism doesn’t mean just positivist constitutional acts, but some abstract forms, interpretations of a particular community. Such universal principles may be, for instance, procedures of sovereignty and liberal rights. The following article conveys arguments indicating that the role of history is very important in the concept of constitutional patriotism by Jürgen Habermas.
Keywords: Jürgen Habermas, constitutional patriotism, history, philosophy, democracy.

Barries for consolidaton of local democracy: presentism and recentivism

Marcin Wałdoch
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: Constructing collective identity is one of the most crucial challenge for political power which seek legitimization. Pursuing such aim political actors choose different tools due to theirs ideological affiliation and political roots. One may observe in local Poland that depoliticization process play its role. This have a great impact on local communities. That is why local political elites make barriers for disputing history by using two techniques: presentism (is the view that neither the future nor the past exist – past times must meet present political requirements) and recentivism (only present time exist). Such practice of political power makes barriers for consolidation of democracy.
Keywords: democracy, local politics, legitimization, political actor, depoliticitization.

The end of special relationships between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia?

Adam Gwiazda
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: The Saudi special relationships with the U.S., unlike that of the U.S. with Israel, are mutually benefi cial. Saudi Arabia sells about 10 million barrels of oil a day and all those transactions are denominated in American dollars, which helps that currency to perform the role of the currency of account (world, s currency) and has been of crucial help to the American ambition to dominate the global economy. On the other hand the United States did its part to uphold the relationship be granting the security to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil states. This was demonstrated for example in 1990 during Iraqi attack on Kuwait, that also menaced Saudi Arabia. At that time the U.S. deployed 400,000 troops in Saudi Arabia and expelled Iraqi troops from Kuwait. The priority of American foreign policy in that region has been to keep Gulf oil in friendly hands. Since the increase of the production of shale oil in the United States that priority has been less important. Another factor which has exerted an influence on the nature of the U.S.-Saudi relationship was the signing the permanent agreement with Iran in July 2015 on the limitation of the Iranian nuclear program and normalization of political-economic relations with the West. This has led to further worsening of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia alliance which has always been like a ”marriage of convenience” where behind the façade of friendship and harmony there is cold calculation of benefi ts and losses. That alliance will last as long as the potential benefits will still be bigger than possible losses.
Keywords: Saudi Arabia, United States, crude oil, Iran, special relationship.

The narrations on the annexation of Crimea in „Foreign Affairs” seen through theories of international relations

Piotr Walewicz
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: Publications in western specialized journals which describe the Russian Federation’s international behavior have always followed a certain paradigm of international relations. The article is an analysis of opinions and beliefs held by commentators and analysts writing for „Foreign Affairs”, based on their publications about the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation on march 2014. They have been scrutinized using three predominant theories of international relations: realism, liberalism and constructivism. The research proved that western commentators and analysts writing about the annexation of Crimea usually present a single paradigm of international relations. Moreover, they believe it to be the only eff ective tool in explaining countries’ foreign policy, thereby depreciating the value and usefulness of other paradigms.
Keywords: 2014 Annexation of Crimea, American political journals, International politics – theory.

The change of the attitude of Ukrainians to Russia in the conditions of the anti-terrorism operation and humanitarian aid needs of population of Donbass region: the results of sociological researches

Maxim Enin
National Technical University of Ukraine

Abstract: The article describes the specific features of the new terrorism in the Donbass which has the support of Russia in the struggle for influence on the policy of Ukraine. The terrorist organizations on Donbass are specific territorial units. Using the concept ‘state’, focusing on the Orthodox faith and idea of ‘Russian world’ this terrorism has purpose to capture a new territory, intimidation and demoralization of Ukraine and the world community. In the context of anti-terrorist operation in the Donbass region we studied also the dynamic of changing the attitude of Ukrainians to Russia. From December 6 to December 15, 2014 the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) conducted All–Ukrainian poll of public opinion. Deterioration of attitudes towards Russia is observed in all regions. At the same time for studying attitude of Russians to Ukraine the Levada-center in Russia from 23 to 26 January, 2015 conducted a survey on a representative selection for Russian. The purpose of the second research is monitoring humanitarian aid needs of the residents of Donbass (Donetsk and Lugansk region). The research was conducted by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in December 2014 (the author of article is one of the organizers of this research). The humanitarian situation in Donbas has deteriorated during period from December 2014 to September 2015: increased number of respondents who estimate the situation of living conditions as unbearable in their localities. A significant share surveyed population (15%) would like to leave the localities of Lugansk and Donetsk region but they are not able. Despite a distress half of the residents of Donbass are optimistic and unite to help each other.
Keywords: humanitarian aid needs, stressful situations, community security, Ukraine, Donbas, Lugansk, conflict.

The accession process of Croatia to the European Union – implications for future enlargement of the European Union

Maciej Górecki
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: This article analyzes the possible implications of Croatia’s accession process for further expansion of the Community (off icially aspiring to membership in the European Union aspires five countries – Albania, FYROM, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey). In order to carry out the present historical relations between the EU – Croatia, the characteristic way of Croatia’s accession process on each of its stages, the state of its accomplishment by the designated off icial candidates, assessment of their nature of the relationship with the European Union and possible prospects for future membership.
Keywords: The European Union, Croatia, accession process, new members.

Problems and prospects of the Eurasian Economic Union: SWOT analysis

Seilbek Mussatayev, Assem Kaidarova, Maigul Mekebaeva
al-Farabi Kazakh National university

Abstract: In this article the authors examine the impact of integration processes on the competitiveness of national economies of the participating countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEC). Any integration, including integration within the EAEC affects the economy of participants in two ways: on the one hand it favorably promotes multilateral mutually benefi cial business contacts, and on the other hand, it feels the strength, competing with each other, the individual national economies. The authors comprehensively investigated the current situation and problems of the EAEC with the use of diff erent methods of political analysis (comparative and system analysis, content analysis, event analysis, SWOT-analysis, and others.). In a suff iciently sharp polemical form, based on credible evidence materials, the article shows not only the integration of interaction, but also features of competition within the EAEC, the causes of conflict, as well as the consequences that resulted in the devaluation of ruble and dumping prices in Russia, which in turn all have a negative impact on competitiveness of the economies of Kazakhstan and Belarus.
Keywords: integration, union, regional economic integration, national economy, Customs Union.

Competences and tasks of the Prime Minister and the government within security policy

Adam Sokołowski
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: In the article the author has analyzed the public administration competent for security policy, centered under the aegis of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers itself. By reviewing the most important legal acts, and based on texts were included the competences and tasks of the institutions established to protect the life and health of citizens of the Republic of Poland, during the time of warand peace. Leaning at scientifi c journals author described the main functions of institutions that support government and the prime minister in the security policy. By making analysis and based on the descriptions, author reveals changes in the process of creating of institutions protecting internal and external security together under the umbrella of government activity as executive power.
Keywords: Prime Minister, the Council, homeland security, administration of security policy, governmental powers.

Self-government diplomacy as an innovative management instrument region

Magdalena Bierzyńska-Sudoł
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Abstract: The aim of the article is to present self-government diplomacy as a novel, innovative form of international contacts realized by regional and local authorities, including the kujawsko-pomorskie voivodeship. The author has made a formal and statistical analysis of the various forms of functioning of this method of international cooperation. On this basis, the author concludes that local government diplomacy fosters the construction of international social, economic, cultural and other ties at local and regional level.
Keywords: Self-government diplomacy, innovation, territorial selfgovernment, kujawsko-pomorskie voivodeship, management.

History of the labour law and the contemporary labor market policy in Poland

Marek Barszcz
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: In 1989, he began the process of systemic transformation, which concerned the labor market, based on a rejection of the current legal status of labor law. In the study, changes in the market, the author used the analysis of the institutional and legal in conjunction with the recognition decision policy. The author took the research period of systemic transformation and change in recent years (since 2014) with the proposals programmatic political parties.
Keywords: labour market, labour law, systemic transformation, deciding policy.

Situation of residential policy in kujawsko-pomorskie voivodship

Marcin Skinder, Adam Sokołowski
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: The aim of the paper is to present the situation of housing policy in the kuyavian-pomeranian voivodeship against the background in Poland. Using the methods of statistical research, the authors defined the state of housing in the region and on this basis they defi ned the strategic directions of the housing policy of the voivodship. The research shows that there are profound diff erences in the area of meeting the housing needs depending on the type of settlement (large cities, other cities, villages). In addition, the level of satisfaction of housing needs in the voivodeship is lower than in the whole country. As a result, a policy is needed to reduce the diff erences in the voivodeship and to achieve a national average in meeting the housing needs of the region.
Keywords: apartment, housing policy, housing law, housing needs.

The life aspiration of young Polish people in context of changing reality – empiric reflections

Wojciech Trempała, Martyna Rajek, Agnieszka Pazderska
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: In this article the authors are presenting the outcomes of their own studies about life goals of young adults in Poland. The empiric material was collected from January till May 2015, on the amount of 700 people who are living in Kujawy and Pomorze province, in age between 16 and 24 years. Main research aim was attempt to answer the questions: (1) Does current world geopolitical situation has an infl uence on distraction of feeling safety among young adults and their expectation about their own future. (2) Does modern culture and hybridization of contemporary lifestyles aff ect declared life aspirations of young Poles? (3) Does the current political, economic and social situation in Poland aff ect attitudes and decisions about the future of young adults in the country?
Keywords: young people, life aspiration, global threatening, present.

Political aspirations of the Kazakhstani youth

Gulmira Abdiraiymova, Meruert Shnarbekova
al-Farabi Kazakh National university

Summary: In the article data presented from the sociological research conducted in 2015 indicate that the participation of youth in politics and the interest is very low. Monitoring of political orientations in the projection on regional identity showed some signifi cant diff erences: the youth of the “Northern”, “Western” and “Eastern” regions is with a tendency to the “troubled” perception of the political situation, while respondents of “Southern” and “Central” regions with the “neutral” assessment of and with a high degree of political tolerance and displaying the ability to political discourse. The political profi le of young Kazakhs is characterized by a greater degree of uncertainty. Also, the boundaries of political preferences are blurred: the main factors of the formation of the ideological and political positions are to the greater extent cultural (preferences and stereotypes) rather than social factors.
Keywords: political aspirations, youth, values, political culture, political activity.

Memory rights in the context of article 17 ECHR – right to negationism or negationism of the memory rights?

Hanna Wiczanowska
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

Summary: The objective of the article hereto is to present the mechanisms of the memory rights’ protection within the Strasbourg system, based upon the literal resonance of the European Convention of Human Rights and judicial practice of the European Court of Human Rights. Such topic will be subjected to analysis through the legal-dogmatic method which relies upon the construction of the concrete provisions of the Convention as well as jurisprudence of ECHR. The basic hypothesis of the author is the existence of the double standards of memory rights’ protection against negationism, depending from the type of denied memory right.
Keywords: memory rights, ECHR, Holocaust, art. 17 ECHR, Armenian Genocide.

The challenges of political transformation in Argentina – the unfinished process of settlement of a dirty war

Paulina Zamęcka
University of Warsaw

Summary: A political transformation that has started in Argentina in 1983 put an end on the reign of military junta, but at the same time it was related with a number of challenges for both fi rst democratic governments and the argentine society as a whole. One of the most problematic issues resulting from the confrontation with the crimes from 1976 – 1983 was so called transitional justice and the problem of identity and collective memory of societies coming out of the period of trauma, which are characterized by a high polarization due to diff erent, even contradictory at times interpretations and ideas about the past. The article attempts to analyze the diff icult process of settlement of the dirty war period, including the characteristics of the preceding events, the policy of the fi rst democratic governments and the original strategies developed by the argentine movement for human rights, which on the one hand aimed to combat with the impunity of the perpetrators, and on the other hand to counteract the social amnesia and to keep the memory about the tragic past events alive.
Keywords: transition to democracy in Argentina, human rights violations, “dirty war”, politics of memory and oblivion, collective memory.

Sports and politics. Influence of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia on Drazen Petrovic’s personal life and sports career

Marek Szczutkowski
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: Drazen Petrovic was a unique personality. The outstanding Croatian sportsman opened the door to basketball careers for European players in the United States. The player, thanks to his extraoridinary skills and hard work, became a star in the American NBA league. He was often compared to Mozart. Finding many other similarities (beginning of the career at the young age, remarkable talent, unique approach to responsibilities etc.) he also died prematurely. The goal of the paper is to present the influence of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia on the fi gure’s personal life as well as his sports carrer with reference to the political situation in the former Yugoslavia. The goal was achieved through an analysis of references (Polish and English). The paper presents also statistical data illustrating the player’s achievements.
Keywords: Drazen Petrovic, history of sports, politics and sports, wars in the former Yugoslavia.

Stigma of casus Kosovo

Katarzyna Grabowska
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz

Summary: Often in the context of the anne xation of the Crimea was reminded precedent created after the independence of Kosovo. This comparison not quite correct, gives rise to discussion about what options this precedent creates. From time perspective it is much easier recognize its importance for the present and future of international politics. The purpose of this article is to indicate, based on the analysis of the case of Kosovo, its effects in relation to the contemporary status quo in the international system. Through this case study, will be indicated areas, in which is the greatest probability of use the precedent resulting in Kosovo. This will be the basis for deliberations about about whether it is possible take nay remedies, to prevent new attempts to use the case of Kosovo as an argument in the “competition” in the international arena.
Keywords: precedent, the nation’s self-determination, the right to territorial integrity, international recognition.

Birthday Anniversaries of the Veterans of Communist Party of China in the Internal Politics of the People’s Republic of China

Adrian Brona
Jagiellonian University in Cracow

Summary: This article analyses functions of birthday commemoration of veterans of Communist Party of China. Content analyses of official ceremonial speeches and case study was applied to research ceremonies of 120th anniversary of Mao Zedong birthday and 100th anniversary of Xi Zhongxun, Hu Yaobang and Liu Huaqing birthdays. The study is based on Maurice Halbwachs’s concept of collective memory. The results shows legitimizing function of those events – both of party rule over China and Xi Jinping leadership in the party.
Keywords: collective memory, legitimacy, Mao Zedong, Xi Zhongxun, Hu Yaobang, Liu Huaqing, Xi Jinping, Communist Party of China.

Historical politics as a form of construction of the image of Polish in international arena

Anna Wójcik
Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa

Summary: Article raises the issue of the importance of historical policy, also known as the politics of memory, as a category, which in recent years is the subject of heated debate. This is because, through the tools of historical policy, the authority has the opportunity to shape the expected vision of the state and nation in the international arena. This remains controversial due to the fact that the possibility of an arbitrary silence inconvenient facts and events. The main aim of this article was to show the importance of historical policy as a tool to build the country’s image in the international arena, not evaluating the policy pursued by the authorities. This issue is discussed in a wide range in the pages of various publications and at scientific conferences or debates historians. Analysing the literature and the press reports and off icial documents of institutions and government agencies have been in the paper a short review of selected policy definitions historical aspects of its tools and its implementation and postulates policy history in the future. Historical policy should be implemented by the Polish state as part of the construction of the position of the State in the international sphere, but mainly as an element of education of the next generations of Poles. I have no doubt that in the international, worldwide, all reasonable state, who understand their needs, and above all, to have a sense of their statehood and dignity, pursue an active policy of history.
Keywords: historical politics, politics of memory, politics, memory, history, historical tradition, collective memory.

Polish-Georgian relations in 1918 – 1921

Magdalena Włodarczyk
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin

Summary: The tradition of Polish-Georgian relations is many centuries old. It manifested itself diff erently over the course of history, originally based on the ideology of the Sarmatism and a diplomatic alliance in the war against Turkey. Later, when they were annexed by the Russian Empire, it was based on their fi ght for independence against a common enemy. Their relations have a political and historical background, and are associated with the resettlement policy of Russia. Establishing diplomatic relationships during the short period of the Democratic Republic of Georgia’s existence meant acknowledging Georgia internationally, fi rst de facto, and then de iure. The cooperation was focused mainly on providing safe return for large Polish minority living in Transcaucasia, and on Marshal Józef Piłsudzki’s federalist agenda which supported newly emerged states. Both countries’ relations were reinforced by signing a military alliance and creating Polish-Georgian Industrial and Trade Union. The cooperation was finally ended by Soviet Russia’s assault on Georgia in year 1921.
Keywords: Polish-Georgian relations, Georgia, federalism, foreign affairs, Caucasia.

Inclusions of socio-political matters and matters considered in terms of outlook in the medieval art history research. Case studies

Przemysław Waszak
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

Summary: Medieval art frequently had political functions. After depicting the scope of political aspects and an example of political thoughts in Ottonian illuminated manuscripts there is an analysis of perspectives on medieval art. For example, point of view at Romanesque architecture can be marked in terms of outlook typical for a particular period. All the more important is the large-scale recent research on Romanesque architecture in Poland. There are attempts at demythologization of art and attempts to free the approach to art from ideology. Two diff erent examples of well-known Gothic equestrian statues were discussed. Approaches to both sculptures and reception of them became politicized. The aim of discussions in this article was to point the political aspects in approach to works of art and in analyses of them. One of the conclusions is that the changing within the space of time political factor should be in many cases taken into consideration. In addition to that, the works of art should always be treated first of all as aesthetic, artistic objects.
Keywords: art history, Middle Ages, art, reception, art and politics, art history and politics, interpretations.