Déjà vu: economic determinants of Russia’s power in the historical perspective (1890–2020)

What reasons stood behind the instability of the power position of Russia over the last 130 years? This analysis, covering three periods of time: 1890–1913, 1980–1991, and 2000–2020, reveals astonishing similarities of structural economic problems that led to severe economic and socio-political crises. Despite different causes, each time the crisis was triggered by insufficient savings compared to needs resulting from a program of economic modernisation and imperial policy, low competitiveness of industry, and dependence on export of raw materials. These vulnerabilities of Russia became especially apparent under extraordinary circumstances (wars, economic blockades, sanctions).

O QUE É O DÉJÀ VU?

Déjà vu é um termo de origem francesa que denomina um fenômeno psicológico que provoca sensações ilusórias de familiaridade entre uma situação presente real e um acontecimento passado de origem desconhecida. O presente artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o fenômeno Déjà Vu ampliando sua concepção, entendendo os seus componentes de formação e sua relação com distúrbios psicológicos e dissociativos.

Tipping point

With the amount of changes brought about in the sector recently, it is timely in the first month of 2022 to look back even further at the changes the workforce has been through before, which sparks a sense of déjà vu during the current circumstances.

‘Variant fatigue’? Public attitudes to COVID-19 18 months into the pandemic: A qualitative study

Objectives: Qualitative study exploring public attitudes to COVID-19 18 months into the pandemic, specifically focused on adherence to infection-reducing behaviours and policy measures during a period of the emergence of a new variant (Omicron)Study design: Qualitative online focus group study Methods: Focus groups were conducted with a diverse sample of 22 adults in the United Kingdom to explore their views. Data were analysed using a framework approach.Findings: Analysis revealed two main groups based on participants’ perceived concern over Omicron: variant fatigue (n=16 (73%)) and deja vu (n=6 (27%)). Those exhibiting variant fatigue reported not adopting any additional caution or infection-reducing behaviours as a result of the new variant. They tended to describe Omicron as ‘just another variant’ and expressed a need to ‘get on’ and ‘live with’ the virus. Those exhibiting deja vu suggested that Omicron was of additional concern to them and for some posed a threat not seen since ‘last year’ (second wave). No demographic patterns emerged, although there was a high amount of variant fatigue (absence of additional caution) (n=5 (83%)) amongst the unvaccinated participants. Those who were concerned about Omicron tended to report reducing social contacts. Few participants reported taking lateral flow tests regularly, except for those required to by their employers. Stated compliance with facemask rules was high. Nearly all participants stated an intention to comply with any future potential policy measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19, including more stringent measures such as lockdowns. Implications: 18 months into the pandemic, there may be habituation to the risk posed by COVID-19, despite the increased risk posed by the new variant Omicron. Due to this risk habituation (‘variant fatigue’) and due to a general decline in engagement with news related to COVID-19, many people may not be, or might be reluctant to, voluntarily adopt additional caution and infection-reducing behaviours. This poses a challenge for public health communication, since a sense of being ‘relaxed’ about, or ‘living with’ COVID-19 may undermine efforts to encourage voluntary adherence to infection-reducing behaviours. However, findings suggest that most people intend to comply (albeit reluctantly) with policy measures (as opposed to ‘advice’)- including stringent measures such as lockdown - if they were required in future.

The Déjà vu System of International Trusteeship in Continental Antarctica: A Textual Analysis

In the name of environmental protection, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting seems to have borrowed the paradigm of international trusteeship of the United Nations for managing the Antarctic land-based protected areas. By comparing and analysing the critical questions highly concerned, this paper offers preliminary thoughts on the development and refinement of the conception of land-based protected areas as a déjà vu system of international trusteeship and its surrounding legal applications and implications in continental Antarctica, and challenges the direction followed by this system in protecting Antarctic intrinsic values in legal discourse.