Zagadnienia ustrojowe w myśli politycznej Jana Bobrzyńskiego
Political system issues in the political thought of Jan Bobrzyński The article elaborates on political thought of Jan Bobrzyński (1882‑1951), the Polish conservative politician, journalist, writer and philosopher. The paper is divided into three main sections. The first chapter provides biographical information. The second chapter describes the development of Bobrzyński’s ideas in the period of 1925‑1929. The third is devoted to the 1930s. One of the crucial themes of Bobrzyński’s journalism was a critique of democracy. In the 1920s, he became disappointed with an unstable parliament and supported the idea of a strong head of state. To a large extent, it was a result of his fascination with fascism. Bobrzyński was also involved in organising the Polish monarchist movement. He was promoting his ideas especially through his monthly magazine, „Nasza Przyszłość”. Moreover, his views on the political system can be gauged from the two projects of the Polish constitution he has published. The article shows how various views can be combined within the political views of one philosopher.
Copyright (c) 2015 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Idealizm czy realizm? Polityka Stanów Zjednoczonych Ameryki wobec państw objętych przemianami Arabskiej Wiosny
Idealism or realism? U.S. Policy Towards Countries Affected by the Arab Spring A dispute between idealism and realism in International Relations theory is both widely known and still unresolved. Although one can find more arguments in favour of the latter perspective, once in a while the proponents of idealism – backed with solid evidence from international politics – raise justified objections. This phenomenon applies especially to the American foreign policy which provides many examples of the continuous rivalry between both paradigms. The article refers to that discourse and conducts an analysis of the U.S. policy towards the Arab Spring, where noble (and idealistic) values clashed with hard (and realist) interests. While addressing the question – idealism or realism? – the paper offers a slightly different approach to the subject. It distinguishes the “instrumental idealism” (which in fact is a disguised realism) and the “pure idealism” (which truly pursues its goals). Six countries, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria, serve as case studies for the analysis. The article argues that the U.S. conducted a heterogeneous policy towards the Arab Spring, employing three approaches – realism in Yemen and Bahrain, idealism in Libya, and the combination of both in Tunisia, Egypt and Syria.
Copyright (c) 2021 Piotr Kozłowski http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Odkrywanie tajskości – Wichit Wathakan i powstanie tajskiej tożsamości narodowej
Discovering Thainess – Wichit Wathakan and Creation of Thai National Identity ‘Thainess’ is a term deeply ingrained into political discourse of Kingdom of Thailand. Politicians from different camps and parties use it to this day. This quite new concept was defined by Wichit Wathakan, who created a political philosophy around it. His works set a tone of discussion about the nation and the state in Thailand back in the 1930s. His concepts are still alive and well, and also more apparent than those proposed by his opponents. This article explains reasons of emerging of nationalism in Thailand and Thai nationalism, as well as character of both of them.
Copyright (c) 2021 Patryk Tomala http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Handel ludźmi w II Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej
Human Trafficking in the Second Polish Republic Human trafficking beings is considered as one of the most serious and most profitable crime in the world. After the political transformation in the 1990s, Poland is classified as a transit, destination and origin state of victims, but despite the constant presence of danger and its dynamic evolution, knowledge and awareness of history of human trafficking, particularly in Second Polish Republic, remain slow. The article outlines the beginnings of human trafficking in the interwar Poland, efforts of state and NGOs in fighting against trafficking, profile of violators and victims, and the mechanisms of recruitment and processes of control assumption over the sufferer.
Copyright (c) 2021 Dawid Dulak http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Gilberta Keitha Chestertona krytyka brytyjskiego imperializmu
Gilbert Keith Chesterton’s Critique of British Imperialism Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936) was a famous English writer, a journalist, a philosopher and a Christian apologetic. In his works he dealt with many issues, among which were those concerning significant political questions that were widely discussed in public debates in the United Kingdom in the first decades of the twentieth century. This article describes and analyses Chesterton’s critical reflections on British imperialistic policy. The author: 1. Makes a brief analysis of the concept and the phenomenon of imperialism and imperialistic policy. 2. Presents Chesterton’s point of view on imperialism. 3. Depicts Chesterton’s vision of international order and England as part of this order. The author explains why imperialism must be, from a Christian point of view, found immoral and indicates how it is possible to remain being an English patriot while condemning the British Empire and its international politics.
Copyright (c) 2021 Krzysztof Sadło http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Doświadczenia Grecji a argumenty za i przeciw przystąpieniu Polski do strefy euro
The Greek experience and the arguments for and against Poland’s accession to the euro area The article discusses the euro area and the influence of the Greek financial crisis on the Polish perspective on joining the Eurozone. The outbreak of the Greek crisis has dampened European Union new members’ initial enthusiasm for adopting the euro instead of their national currencies. Poland was one of the states intending to enter the euro area a couple of years after its accession to the EU. The global financial downturn has affected these plans and changed attitudes towards the European single currency. The examples of Sweden and Greece have demonstrated that an independent monetary policy can efficiently deal with an economic crisis. Therefore Poland’s path called “The road to the euro” has stalled.
Copyright (c) 2013 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Wpływ Internetu na polską gospodarkę – wybrane aspekty
Internet impact on the economy and the Polish cause – selected issues The Internet changes our lives every day and we cannot deny that it has influence on the economy. But not all countries had the same opportunities. The United States of America, Sweden and the Republic of Korea gained access to the Internet earlier than Poland or the Czech Republic. This article shows differences in various areas of the internet economy between these states and emphasizes how important are innovations and new technologies in its evolution. It also points out that society plays a decisive role in economic changes.
Shale gas – a chance or a threat? The article discusses advantages and threats from the prospective of shale gas extraction in Poland. It lists conditions necessary for the creation of shale gas Eldorado. The author attempts to explain the main effects of shale gas extraction, refutes false assumptions and discusses controversy surrounding gas extraction. The article analyses how the process may influence Poland’s national security and geopolitical situation in Central Europe. The author concludes with a statement that the shale gas extraction might open up great opportunities for Poland and the European Union if the initial assessments of shale gas resources in Poland have been confirmed.
Renewable energy in Poland Nowadays the renewables is a dynamically developing branch of industry, also in Poland. Electrical energy production based on mineral resources will give way to energy from renewable sources, whose main feature is their inexhaustibility. The article concentrates on the use of green energy, pointing out advantages, barriers and consequences of using alternative sources of energy. The Polish government has worked out a strategy of development of renewable energy which postulates raising renewable energy target from primary sources to 15% by 2020 in the total consumption of electrical energy in Poland.
„Tradycyjna przyjazń polsko-chińska” czy „niezłe perspektywy”? Stosunki polsko-chińskie od 1989 roku
“Traditional Polish-Chinese friendship” or “nice prospect”? Relations between Poland and China The text is an analysis of Polish-Chinese relations with a special focus on the period from 1989 to 2012. The article looks at three aspects of the relations: political, economic and cultural. The article provides a description of various organizations that play an important role in raising new possibilities for cooperation between Poland and China. In conclusion the article gives an overall assessment of the relations between the two countries, makes an evaluation of what has been achieved so far and points out possible actions that the countries (especially Poland) should take.
Polska w Unii Europejskiej – proces akcesyjny i priorytety polskiej polityki w ramach UE
Poland in the European Union – the accession process and the priorities of Polish foreign policy in the EU This paper presents the reasons for Poland’s accession to the EU – perceiving it as a modernization project and as a guarantee of Polish international safety. In the second part of the paper the authors analyze negotiations between Poland and the EU from a political and economic perspective. A number of information about the accession process is provided, as well as an explanation of the negotiation mechanism. The last part of the paper is an analysis of Polish Presidency of the European Union Council and a consideration of future priorities of Poland’s policy in the EU.
Problem ruchu bezwizowego w stosunkach polsko-amerykańskich po 1989 r.
The issue of visa-free travel in U.S.-Polish relations after 1989 In the recent decade, the Polish efforts seeking extension of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to Poland have been one of the major themes in U.S. -Polish relations and an important issue for the Polish public opinion. Polish politicians and media have often presented it in terms of American “ingratitude” for Polish support for U.S. positions like the Iraq war and the Ballistic Missile Defense program. This article, after brief outline of the provisions of the U.S. law governing visas and the Visa Waiver Program, presents a historical account of the issue and its role in bilateral relations since 1989, and describes legislative responses to Polish requests that have been introduced in Congress. After the analysis of those measures, the article concludes that the failure of Polish efforts for Poland’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program was caused primarily by mistaken strategy (overemphasis being put on conventional diplomacy over congressional lobbying), congressional reluctance to single out individual countries for exemption from generally applicable rules, and post -9/11 political climate, unfavorable to easing of immigration rules.
Contemporary political myths. The Round Table myth and the Fourth Republic myth: myths of the creation of a new state The concept of myth has been explored as a prelude to an analysis of the Round Table and the Fourth Republic of Poland, the political project which reached its peak in 2005-2007. Initially, the myths were designed to reduce the existential uncertainties and give meaning to human actions. Thus, in that sense, they were never false. This scheme has changed when political myth was born, which was purposely created in order to gain more power. The paper, by analyzing political speeches and some examples of election campaigns of 2005 and 2007, discusses the links between the irrational content of myth and the rational techniques used to spread it.
The great mute’s blunted senses. The Polish Army in 1989-2012: selected issues The article examines major issues of contemporary Polish Army. After the collapse of Communist regime, Poland overcame the legacy of its communist past and was ready to face new challenges, like joining NATO. Poland established civilian control of the military and the professional army. Poland’s participation in the military missions abroad coordinated by the USA led to the modernization of the Polish Army. But the shift in the U.S. foreign policies caused serious concern about Poland’s national security.
Reforms of Special and Intelligence Services in the Third Republic of Poland The aim of this article is to show the process of evolution the Polish Security Service after the political transformation of 1989. At first, the author presents the structure of Security Service under the communist regime. Then, he provides an analysis of the reform of the Security Service and its consequences. After a short presentation of every special and intelligence agency, the author focuses on their actual tasks and purposes. The article also presents some information about successes and failures of the Polish Special and Intelligence Services.
Europejska islamofobia a muzułmanie w Polsce
European Islamophobia and Muslims in Poland In 2011 prominent politicians across Europe admitted failure of multicultural policy. At the same time immigration from the Muslim World to Europe is still on the rise, as well as the anti-Muslim prejudice in the countries receiving the largest influx of immigrants. This article examines the situation of Muslim minority in Poland, comparing it to the complicated history of co-existence and recent outbursts of violence towards Muslims in Western Europe. Briefly exploring the history and current situation of Muslims in Poland it also traces the causes of the tense situation between Muslims and the rest of the society in France and Great Britain, namely: the history of colonialism and the reasons for immigration, the cultural and scientific heritage of Orientalism, different relations between church and state, the policy of multiculturalism, and recent peak of religious hate crimes in both of these countries. All of these causes are later compared to the situation in Poland – with its different historical as well as cultural background and today’s attitudes of Polish society towards Islam. The comparison supports the conclusion that the religious discrimination, tensions, violence and other negative events happening in Western Europe are highly unlikely to happen in Poland in the immediate future. However, the prejudice and lack of knowledge about Islam and its followers may hinder integration and cause tensions between the Muslim minority and Polish, mainly Catholic, society.
From elite to mass education. Diagnosis of the Polish higher education system after year 1989 Transformation that took place in 1989 in Poland paved the way for many reforms, including those in educational system. Poland became more open to Western influences, which resulted in a significant growth of the number of students and provided easier access to colleges and universities. However, nowadays (nearly 25 years later) it turns out that quantitative increase does not always entail qualitative increase. The quality of disseminated knowledge is now on a far lower level than it used to be in the 20th century. What is more – benefits derived from having a higher education diploma are less and less perceptible. This study is an attempt to make a diagnosis of the condition of the Polish higher education after the political transformation, so it includes not only the description of positive changes but also points out all the most important imperfections.
Drodzy Czytelnicy! Drogie Koleżanki, drodzy Koledzy!
Dwa lata po Fukushimie. Sektor energetyczny, strategia rządu i przyszłość Japonii
Two years after the Fukushima disaster: Japan’s future, policy and energy industry In 2011, Japan was hit by an unprecedented disaster – an earthquake and a tsunami that led to one of the biggest nuclear accidents in world’s history. This paper analyses Japan’s energy situation before and after the event, focusing on whether or not – and if, how – this tragedy changed the country’s energy policy. To achieve this aim, the author focuses on Japan’s energy profile, energy mix and characterises the country’s accessibility to natural resources including natural gas, oil and hard coal. The article also discusses the country’s electric energy production, warehousing and transmission infrastructure. It provides a detailed analysis of legal regulations and competencies of relevant ministries, as well as governmental policies, strategies and aims. Another significant issue raised is the inclusion of renewable energy sources in Japan’s future energy mix. The paper also takes into consideration the Japanese public’s reaction to the Fukushima disaster and traces the changing attitude of the Japanese to nuclear energy. The conclusions describe possible future energy scenarios and their consequences for the country’s energy and economic security.
Copyright (c) 2014 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Shaping European Digital Policy Modern information and communication technologies (ICT) have a significant impact on society and economy. This influence gets more and more interest from researchers and public authorities. The information society influences most areas of life, hence it requires a joint action in the fields of communication, copyright, data protection, cybercrime, R&D, trade, fair competition and consumer protection. There is a particularly relevant question about an integrated policy towards ICT by international organizations and states. Although EU has only recently addressed the issue of ICT, this phenomenon is becoming progressively more far‑reaching. The main objective of this study was to investigate European Union’s policy on information society.
East Central Europe in the Context of the Varieties of Capitalism Approach
The article presents the Varieties of Capitalism theory proposed by Peter A. Hall and David Soskice in 2001 and its applicability in the context of East Central Europe’s economies. Apart from the concepts of Liberal and Coordinated Market Economies created by Hall and Soskice, the article introduces the development of the theory made by scientists such as Bruno Amable or Andreas Nölke and Arjan Vliegenthart, focusing on the Post‑Communist countries. Also, it refers to Dorothee Bohle and Béla Greskovits’ critique of the theory in an attempt to outline the constant evolution of this relatively fresh idea.
Arctic governance: issues and future challenges The Arctic is the fastest warming part of the world. Thinning of sea ice and glacier retreat not only have an impact on the global weather but also give many economic opportunities in the region. New sea routes and shipping lanes in the North, as well as development of Arctic resources (especially oil and gas) make the region more attractive to global actors. The increasing importance of the Arctic in international affairs requires effective governance that can preserve the High North from a potential conflict and competition among the stakeholders. This article examines the nature and the scope of governance in the Arctic and shows a large spectrum of possible Arctic governance frameworks. It is concluded by a series of recommendations for good governance and cooperation in the North.
Przeciwdziałanie nielegalnej imigracji w Unii Europejskiej
Preventing illegal immigration in the European Union since the coming into force of the Lisbon Treaty. The legislation in force after the Treaty of Lisbon The article analyses the activities of the European Union aimed at preventing illegal immigration. The author describes the legal basis for immigration policy prior to and after the Treaty of Lisbon came into force. The most important elements of the multiannual programs for justice and home affairs adopted by the European Council between 1999 and 2009 are also discussed. Chronologically, these were: The Tampere, The Hague and The Stockholm Programs. Finally, the article presents statistical data related to the number of illegal third country citizens in the EU Member States.
Powstanie Państwa Izraela w ujęciu konstruktywistycznym
The establishment of the State of Israel in the constructivist perspective The subject of the following essay is the process of establishing of a Jewish state, analysed by using categories of constructivism – one of the most dynamically developing theories on the ground of international relations. The author, by means of ideas used often by constructivists, aims to analyse the process from the end of 19th century to 14th May 1948, when the State of Israel was officially proclaimed. In the preface the main aim and the methodology of the essay is outlined. In the first chapter, the author outlines the most important assumptions, genesis and characteristic features of the constructivist perspective, in order to characterize this paradigm. The next chapter analyses three episodes of building an Israeli State: the first one between the end of 19th century and the end of I World War, second – between I and II World War and third – after II World War to 14th May 1948. All of these episodes are analysed using three essential spheres for constructivism: values, institutions and the identities created by activity of charismatic individuals. The summary recapitulates all the observations made in the essay.
The Promethean reason of the state. The history of the Promethean movement in the Second Polish Republic Prometheism, which started to develop in 1921, after the Polish‑Bolshevik Peace of Riga, was both an ideological and political project. The idea of liberating nations oppressed by the Soviet Union was accompanied by publishing activities, institutional and community network. The article presents the genesis of Prometheism, its geopolitical and historical sources, political provenance of its main activists, evolution of the movement in the 1930s and the institutional dimension of Polish Prometheists. The paper also discusses the most important views of the creators of the movement, including thoughts on Russian imperialism, solidarity with enslaved nations and the united fight for “our freedom and yours”, originating both in the sense of mission and the analysis of the Republic of Poland’s reason of state. The author focuses on two important elements of the movement – the realism of the political concept and the Promethean elite’s political thought about the state, the nation and the geopolitics of Eastern Europe.
Parlament Samów w Szwecji – forma przejściowa czy ostateczna?
Sami Parliament in Sweden – a temporal or final institution? The article examines the meaning of the Sami Parliament in Sweden from the perspective of the self‑determination discourse. The Sami Parliament is believed to be the most important political institution for contemporary Sami society. The creation of the Sami Parliament was a fundamental step for this society because it increased Sami minority influence. What is more, Sami people are the only minority in Sweden which has its own representative body. The author of the article analyses how this institution works as a part of the Swedish political system and in comparison to other similar institutions. The aim is to predict Sami Parliament’s possible ways of development and its future role within Sami society’s right to self‑determination.
W słabości siła. Bilans ewolucji polskich partii politycznych w latach 1989-2013
With strength comes weakness. The evolution of political parties in Poland, 1989‑2013 The article elaborates on the political parties in Polish Third Republic, from the inception of multi‑party system to contemporary days. Its aim is to analyse the evolution of Polish political parties and to point out advantages and disadvantages of the process. The Polish parties have undoubtedly undergone a major evolution over the past 25 years and it would seem that in some areas they are becoming similar to parties of Western Europe. However, the author indicates that on many levels their transition remains incomplete – a best‑case scenario – or superficial. This in turn leads to a problematic paradox – strengthening of Polish political parties has contributed to weakening the state rather than enhancing its capabilities. In this sense, the strength of Polish political party seems to be merely a facade behind which serious structural problems are hidden. The alarmingly low levels of trust in politics and social activity alongside the process of cartelization are leading to yet unidentified consequences.