scholarly journals Current Political Trends in Central Europe: Lessons and Challenges for Russia

2021 ◽  
pp. 246-259
Author(s):  
Lyubov' Shishelina
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
National Development ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
European Countries ◽  
International Affairs ◽  
Regional Interaction ◽  
Western Model ◽  
The World ◽  
Eastern European Countries

The year 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolutions and the de facto start of comprehensive reforms in Central Europe and in the region as a whole. The change of social systems and the entry of the former Eastern European countries to the common European market had its impact on the global balance of power resulting in a shift to the unipolarity with its predominantly transatlantic values. Today, however, we may observe the emerging trend both towards a political vector change in the mentioned countries and a new, more balanced international order due to which Hungarians, Poles, Slovaks and Czechs, a century later upon formation of political Central Europe, are finally willing to play a more prominent role than they did before. It is not about the role of a buffer or barrier assigned to them by the powers upon the world wars, but the role that was historically played by this region before the world wars and revolutions. This phenomenon is interesting not only in terms of discovering the region specifics, the prospects for building new socio-economic and integration models, but may also be relevant for a comparative analysis and insight into the political and economic evolution in Russia. Russia and Central Europe have had a period of social transformations, almost similar in duration, which goes back to the 1980s. Nevertheless, the countries differed in their goals and forms of transformations occurring in the early 1990s, although at the moment we are to address highly similar problems again. These countries are at different stages of their transformation process; however, they are rather similar in terms of the objectives to determine the future path to political, socio-economic, cultural and ideological development. The sense of incompleteness of the initiated transformations is prevalent both in Central Europe and in Russia. At the same time, there are doubts regarding the Western model of social policy. This process involves not only national development, but also regional interaction and international affairs, which matrix was destroyed 30 years ago, while the new one has not been created yet. Therefore, the Central European countries’ experience can be of value both to analyse their internal reforms and models of regional interaction, as well as to build a new type of international relations in a bilateral, allied and global manner.

scholarly journals Aesthetics of Sustainability: A Transdisciplinary Sensibility for Transformative Practices

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sacha Kagan
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Mental Transformation ◽  
Ecological Art ◽  
The World

Contemporary western societies are marked by symptoms of a culture of unsustainability, rooted in problematic modes of knowing the reality, across social systems, whether in the sciences, arts or other fields. Transdisciplinary researchers across the world are already aware of these issues and working on resolving them. To contribute to these efforts and focus on a perspective which potential may have been receiving too little attention so far, this article is introducing how a sensibility to transdisciplinarity and complexity can inform aesthetics of sustainability, and why this matters for a global (environ)mental transformation process. The relevance of this approach is discussed with the field of ecological art and the practice of walking.

scholarly journals Transformacja w sztuce w postkomunistycznej Europie

2019 ◽  
pp. 409-435
Author(s):  
Magdalena Radomska
Keyword(s):  
Cold War ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
The Political ◽  
East Central Europe ◽  
East Central ◽  
The World ◽  
Western View ◽  
The Cold War

The paper focuses on the ways of visualizing political and economic transformation in the works of artists from post-communist Europe mainly in the 1990s. Those works, which today, in a wide geographical context, may be interpreted as problematizing the idea of transformation, were often originally appropriated by such discourses of the post-transformation decade as the art of the new media and technology (Estonia), performance (Russia), feminism (Lithuania), body art (Hungary), and critical art (Poland), which marginalized the problem of transformation. Analyses of the works of artists from Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Russia make it possible to determine and problematize the poles of transformation in a number of ways, pointing at the inadequacy of those poles which traditionally spread from the end of totalitarian communism to democracy identified with free market economy. By the same token, they allow one to question their apparent antithetical character which connects the transformation process to the binary structures of meaning established in the period of the Cold War. The presented analyses demonstrate that the gist of the transformation was not so much the fall of communism, which is surviving in the post-1989 art of East-Central Europe due to the leftist inclinations of many artists with a Marxist intellectual background, but the collapse of the binary structure of the world. Methodologically inspired by Boris Buden, Susan Buck-Morss, Marina Gržinić, Edit András, Boris Groys, Alexander Kiossev, and Igor Zabel, they restore the revolutionary character of 1989 and, simultaneously, a dialectical approach to the accepted poles of the transformation. An example of ideological appropriation, which may be interpreted as problematizing the political transformation, is Trap. Expulsion from Paradiseby the Lithuanian artist Eglė Rakauskaitė. The first part of the paper focuses on Jaan Toomik’s May 15-June 1, 1992, interpreted in the theoretical terms proposed by Marina Gržinić and Boris Groys as a work of art that visualizes the concept of post-communism as excrement of the transformation process. Placed in the context of such works as In Fat(1998) by Eglė Rakauskaitė, 200 000 Ft(1997) by the Hungarian artist Kriszta Nagy or Corrections(1996-1998) by Rassim Krastev from Bulgaria, Toomik’s work is one of many created at that time in East-Central Europe, which thematized the transformation process with reference to the artist’s body. Krastev’s Correctionsproblematizes the transformation as a process of self-colonization by the idiom of the West, as well as a modification of the utopia of production, one aspect of which was propaganda referring to the body, changing it in an instrument that transformed the political order into a consumerist utopia where bodies exist as marketable products. The part titled, “The Poles of Transformation as a Function of the Cold War,” focuses on A Western View(1989) by the Bulgarian artist Nedko Solakov and This is my blood(2001) by Alexander Kossolapov from Russia. In a theoretical context drawn from the texts by Zabel, Buden, and Ekaterina Degot, Solakov’s work has been interpreted as problematizing the transformation understood as refashioning the world, no longer based on the bipolar division into East and West. The paper ends with an analysis of Cunyi Yashi, a work of the Hungarian artist Róbert Szabó Benke, which problematizes the collapse of the bipolar world structure in politics and the binary coding of sexual identity. In Szabó Benke’s work, the transformation is represented as rejection of the binary models of identity – as questioning their role in the emergence of meanings in culture. 

Obstacles and Challenges of Business Succession in Central Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Schiefer ◽  
Margarethe Überwimmer ◽  
Robert Füreder ◽  
Yasel Costa
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Innovation Potential ◽  
Private Entrepreneurs ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Business Succession

The transfer of a business to the next generation is a very important issue entailing several different social and economic influences. Failed business successions cause a loss of jobs, company knowledge and innovation potential. Creating an environment where business transfer is supported should therefore be of major importance for company owners and for policy makers. For better succession planning it is important to know the obstacles and challenges associated with business succession. Especially Eastern European countries face many challenges as these countries have no experience in business succession. To analyze the obstacles and challenges of business succession in Central Europe, three Eastern countries (CZ, SK and PL) with no experience in business succession were analyzed and compared to Austria where half of family businesses are at least in their second generation. Literature analysis and two focus groups with stakeholders (local public authorities and private entrepreneurs) were undertaken in all four countries. The results show that one of the main obstacles and challenges for business succession is the absence of a successor. Especially in Austria, this is recognized as the main obstacle. The Eastern countries (CZ, SK and PL) face different challenges to Austria that can mainly be explained by the lack of experience and supporting schemes for business succession. Especially knowledge and awareness related obstacles play an important role in Eastern European countries. Business succession is an individual process involving many emotions; therefore psychological and social issues are perceived as a huge obstacle in each analyzed country. Austria has a lot of experience with successful business transfers and offers various support mechanisms. However, many similar problems to Eastern countries were detected. A change of the business succession environment and the raising of awareness of the topic is therefore necessary in all investigated countries.

scholarly journals China’s Belt and Road Initiative Extension to Central and Eastern European Countries - Sixteen Nations, Five Summits, Many Challenges

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (78) ◽  
pp. 57-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marsela Musabelliu
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Chinese Government ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Belt And Road Initiative ◽  
International Affairs ◽  
Cooperation Mechanism ◽  
Belt And Road ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
The Belt And Road

Abstract The Belt and Road Initiative proclaimed by President Xi in 2013, a strategy developed by the Chinese government, is very important to China but is not confined to China. In order for the initiative to be successful it needs to be embraced by the countries on the terrestrial and maritime route indicated in the plan. In the late 1980s Deng Xiaoping proposed to integrate Socialism with Chinese Characteristics (Zhongguo Tese Shehui Zhuyi, ) into global capitalism and in the 1990s the Jiang Zemin leadership initiated the Going out policy (Zouchuqu Zhanlue, ) – the current Belt and Road Initiative is China’s continuation in implementing those policies into actual deeds. China’s accession to WTO in 2001 marked China’s full integration into the global economy and since then the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has become the largest trading partner for more than 180 countries. The Xi-Li administration has been extremely proactive since it was established in 2012; from that year on, Chinese behavior in international affairs has gained an ever-growing role as a forger of economic and diplomatic ties between countries. The primary example of this behavior is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As every serious foreign policy plan, the BRI is an accumulation of various other initiatives. For example, the cooperation mechanism “16+1”, with which the PRC has approached Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC), can be integrated under the BRI. This paper analizes the “16+1” China-CEEC cooperation mechanism in the context of the bigger BRI initiative, and tries to comprehend the economic and political factors intertwined with its implementation.

scholarly journals Moderate Innovator Trap—Does the Convergence of Innovation Performance Occur in the World Economy?

Economies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Michał Kowalski ◽  
Jakub Rybacki
Keyword(s):  
World Economy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Initial Position ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Panel Regression ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
The World ◽  
Scientific Potential ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Relative Gains

Based on β and σ convergence analysis, we find a high persistence of innovation gaps for international innovation indices reported by the European Commission. Our research confirms the diverging scientific potential across the analyzed economies. Estimation provides evidence of convergence in the case of R&D expenses and the relative position on the global technological frontier. We propose a simple fixed effect panel regression measuring relative innovativeness potential. Our model suggests that current ranking leaders, i.e., Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, and Finland) and Germany, are likely to further outpace the United States. Central and Eastern European countries are achieving the greatest relative gains but are unlikely to exceed 70% of US potential. Peripheral European countries, South Africa, Turkey, and Russia are projected to further lose their innovativeness position despite their weaker initial position.

scholarly journals Policy of multiculturalism: Protection or control of ethnic identities?

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-195
Author(s):  
Goran Basic
Keyword(s):  
European Countries ◽  
Ethnic Identities ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Liberal State ◽  
The Public ◽  
Multicultural Policy ◽  
The World ◽  
Eastern European Countries ◽  
Multicultural Policies ◽  
Different Parts

Policies of multiculturalism are not an inheritance of modern and liberal state, although it is often concluded in the public. Historical empires states of ?old? democracy, colonial and immigrant societies, as well as eastern European countries after the experiment with communism confronted with a problem of ?control? of multiculturalism. Models of the multicultural policy are numerous and dependable on political, social and cultural circumstances in different parts of the world, and often culturally similar states develop different multicultural policies. Historical and contemporary experiences related to the multicultural policies are discussed in the paper and the last part deals conditions in which contemporary Serbia responds on requirements and challenges of its own multiculturalism.

scholarly journals Educational systems of Eastern European countries as a subject of international comparative research

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (32) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Tetiana Dudka ◽  
Mykola Chumak ◽  
Nina Lytvynenko ◽  
Valentuna Benera ◽  
Tamara Serhiienko
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Data ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
International Comparative Research ◽  
The World ◽  
International Comparative ◽  
Eastern European Countries

The article analyzes the level of development of educational systems in Eastern European countries by using empirical data from international comparative studies. The tools of comparative analysis are used to group the studied publications, which directly or indirectly consider an educational system at the level of different countries and regions of the world. The newest western approaches to the issue of educational systems are represented. The unsurpassed value of multi-object international comparative research in the study of educational systems of the world enabling the analysis of the phenomenon at the interdisciplinary level is emphasized. The author's definition of “international comparative research” is formulated based on modern scientific studies, which is interpreted as a special type of research, which purpose is to conduct multilevel analysis to compare macro-objects, based on subjective empirical data. Emphasis is done on the lack of a unified terminological apparatus of the studied issue in modern science, which indicates the availability of the following definitive plurality: “comparative studies”, “international issues”, “cross-cultural studies”, and “international comparative studies”. The analysis of the level of development of educational systems of Eastern European countries is based on a comparison of official statistical materials of the World Bank. The processed statistical materials are correlated with the results of descriptive statistics during the testing of statistical hypotheses. Subject analysis of educational systems in Eastern Europe is based on a comparison of empirical data on three criteria – international educational projects, the highest educational results (“S.A.B.E.R”), and the amount of external funding for the educational branch.

Discrimination and Lawful Distinction in Employment – The Approach by the ILO

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Karl Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Political Parties ◽  
Case Law ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
The World ◽  
Eastern European Countries

The Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) is among the most widely ratified Conventions in the World. Its Article 1(2) stipulating that discrimination does not cover distinctions, exclusions or preferences based on the inherent requirements of a particular job has given rise to a number of problems relating to occupational bans restricting the access to employment of persons supporting certain political parties. Such bans are found in Germany and a number of Eastern European countries. Considering the recent development in national law and in the case law of the ILO supervisory bodies the article analyses the concept of ‘inherent requirements of a Particular job’ in Article 1(2).

scholarly journals STRATEGY FOR MANAGING BANKING SYSTEMS IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE COUNTRIES UNDER GLOBALIZATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (27) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nenad Vunjak ◽  
Milan Radaković ◽  
Miloš Dragosavac
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Central And Eastern Europe ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Corporate Identity ◽  
Capital Adequacy ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
The World ◽  
Eastern European Countries

The financial crisis has adversely affected all the countries of the world in the conditions of globalization with different intensity, no matter if it is higher or lower level of development and different economic structures. In the context of globalization in the countries in transition, the banking system was reformed, thus creating a new financial market. The International Monetary Fund has taken an active part in the transition process of Eastern European countries by providing advice and approving financial arrangements. Developed countries of the world have implemented measures of non-standard monetary policy to overcome the global financial crisis. In some parts of Central and Eastern Europe, in addition to the general corporate identity (bank name, abbreviated name, trademark and slogan of the bank), the countries also applied qualitative features of the bank's corporate identity (image, reputation and goodwill). As they enter the 21st century, banks in developed countries are increasingly emphasizing the corporate culture and style of business of the bank. In the practice of banks, the following performances are most often present: financial, marketing, performance management, employee performance, business philosophy, reputation and the image of the bank. The banks' performance analysis included 13 Central and Eastern European countries divided into three groups. Performance over the period 2008-2018 is analyzed, related to: share of total assets in GDP, share of total loans in GDP, share of total deposit in GDP and level of capital adequacy of Central and Eastern European countries. The analysis shows that the central banks of the countries of Central Europe are dominant, and that in certain performances they are approached by the banks of the countries of Eastern Europe (members of the European Union and the Western Balkans).

Patoĉka's Interpretation of Comenius and Its Significance for Present-Day Pedagogics

1993 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 617-631
Author(s):  
Klaus Schaller
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Political System ◽  
Philosophy Of Education ◽  
Martin Buber ◽  
European Countries ◽  
The Political ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Theory Of Education ◽  
The World ◽  
Eastern European Countries

The ArgumentThe political changes in Czechoslovakia and in other Eastern European countries in 1989 are closely related to Jan Patoĉka's philosophy. He was one of the first speakers for the human rights manifesto “Charta 77” and died following his political interrogations in 1978. Vàclav Havel, the president of the ĉSFR, was one of his students. Patoĉka's philosophy is sketched here following his interpretation of Comenius, beginning with an early work of 1932 and until his interpretation of Comenius' The Paradise of the World and the Labyrinth of the Heart in his book Die Philosophic der Erziehung des J. A. Comenius (1970) (J. A. Comenius' Philosophy of Education).As a phenomenologist who transcends both Husserl and Heidegger, Patoĉka's conflict with the political system of his country was inevitable. The regime could not put up with his thesis on the “open soul” which, due to its existential openness, can hear the “call of conscience.” Behind this thesis stands Patocka's teaching of the three movements of existence. And out of this follows his “Education of the Turning.” Patoĉka's theory of education leads straight to some nondogmatic conceptions of education such as the “Communication Pedagogics” which dates back to the dialogical education of Martin Buber.

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