Polityka surowcowa w wymiarze metali ziem rzadkich. Rwanda – studium przypadku

The primary goal of a state's raw material policy is to ensure its raw material security. Due to the progressing technological development, rare earth metals play an increasingly important role. For several years, they have become the subject of a political game between the countries that play a dominant role in their market, i.e., the People's Republic of China and the United States. The other countries where the discussed groups of metals are mined were left on the sidelines of the discussion. The aim of the research undertaken in this article is to show the role of rare earth metals in creating raw material security on the example of Rwanda. It is home to some of the largest deposits of niobium and tantalum, key elements used in electronics, in aviation industry, and in the manufacturing of medical equipment. The main result of the research carried out is as follows: extraction of rare earth metals constitutes one of the foundations of the Rwandan economy. In recent years, there has been a significant professionalization of mining practices, bearing in mind the environment, health, and safety. It was also established that the factors that pose the most important threat to Rwanda's raw material policy include the current, uneasy situation on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the largest deposits of the metals in question are located, and the negative effects of the global Sars-Cov-2 pandemic.

Elektroniczna partycypacja obywatelska jako przedmiot badań

Citizens’ electronic participation (civic e-participation) is of interest to both researchers and international organizations, and national and local government institutions. It is related to the influence of modern technologies on civil society and the changes in civil-state relations. Even though it is a relatively new area of scientific research, it is the subject of numerous theoretical reflections and empirical verification. The article aims to systematize knowledge about electronic civic participation as a subject of scientific research. It presents its definition, provides an overview of scientific theories and empirical research conducted in this area.

History Issues and Japan’s Bid for Permanent Membership in the UN Security Council

The article examines the impact of history problems on Japan’s long-lasting efforts to gain permanent membership in the United Nations (UN) Security Council. It analyzes both the domestic stimuli behind Tokyo’s stance on the UN reform and the external constraints on the UN Security Council enlargement. It is argued that while problems with Japan’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council stemmed mainly from divergent interests of member states, history issues constituted an additional obstacle that weakened Tokyo’s position in negotiations on the UN reform. The discourse on lack of repentance by Japan for the atrocities committed during the Second World War was instrumentally used by the country’s rivals, mainly China and South Korea, all in the effort to hinder Tokyo’s efforts on the international arena.

Money and currency within the context of social development in the territory of Slovakia

The term money currently refers to various modifications of the money forms, which historically have undergone their process of development. Applying the analytical, comparative, and historical method, the present article aims to identify the essential developmental aspects of the institution of money (term's content, functions, role, appearance/forms, interactions, legal aspects) in the context of their operation in the economic system with a pro futuro view focusing on the territory of Slovakia. The authors studied and analysed information from domestic and foreign sources, paying particular attention to the historical development of the form of money and currency formation predominantly in Slovakia. The authors conclude that today's money has lost its historical fundamental economic properties and raise the question whether it is only its other dimensions (psychological, political, technological, and others) that have prevailed.

China's economic policy towards Kenya in the second decade of the 21st century

The aim of the paper is to present the results of the analysis and evaluation of the economic policy of the People's Republic of China towards Kenya in the second decade of the 21st century. The introduction discusses the basic methodological assumptions of the paper. The first section of the paper synthetically outlines the historical background of economic relations between Kenya and the PRC, and the second section presents a field-specific literature review. The third section of the paper presents Kenya as one of China's economic partners in Africa. The main section of the paper analyses investments and development projects implemented in Kenya by Chinese companies. The core research problem concerns the question whether China's economic policy towards Kenya is beneficial from the point of view of the economic development of the countries involved? The main thesis assumes that this policy increases the development opportunities of all the states. However, it is unsustainable and carries serious risks, especially for Kenya's economic security.

Rola organów przedstawicielskich w procesie współrządzenia partycypacyjnego (participatory governance). Studium przypadku wybranych miast

In recent decades, the role of representative bodies has been transformed in many countries. It was influenced by reforms inspired by the concept of governance, but one of its strands, i.e., participatory governance, which promotes empowering of citizens, strengthening their involvement, and deepening their participation in the decision-making process, has gained significance. This tendency is also visible in Poland, especially in the self-governments of large cities. The aim of the article is to define the roles of representative bodies in the changing governance process and the relationship between the idea of representation and the concept of participatory governance. The article is based on the research carried out in cities with county status located in the Lubelskie Voivodeship. Correspondingly, the research results show that the role of the council in the process of governance is weakening, while the importance of the executive body is increasing. At the same time, participatory governance influenced the creation of new roles that representative bodies currently play.

Koncepcja i implementacja wschodniej polityki bezpieczeństwa energetycznego prezydenta Lecha Kaczyńskiego w latach 2005–2010

The aim of the article is to present the political concept of Lech Kaczyński in terms of ensuring gas security and, more broadly, energy policy during his 2005–2010 presidency. The issues of political cooperation of this statesman will be discussed here, both within international organizations, such as GUAM, and within the framework of international bilateral relations. The work also answers the question about the possibility of implementing this policy in the context of Poland’s geopolitical position (proximity to Russia) and its impact on the GUAM countries or Kazakhstan.

Izolacja postpenalna w Krajowym Ośrodku Zapobiegania Zachowaniom Dyssocjalnym a poszanowanie praw i wolności człowieka

The aim of this paper is to draw the reader’s attention to the issue of post-penal isolation in the form provided for by the Act of 22 November 2013 on Proceedings Against Persons with Mental Disorders Posing a Threat to the Life, Health or Sexual Freedom of Others. The paper seeks to present the origins of the said institution, constitutional doubts related to the Act as well as the practical aspects of the operation of the National Centre for the Prevention of Antisocial Behaviour (KOZZD). The author is interested in the discrepancies between the theoretical assumptions about the operation of the Centre and the actual organisation of this facility as well as conditions of isolation there. In particular, the issues of overcrowding of KOZZD and its implications for the situation of detained individuals are discussed. The entire analysis is carried out in the context of human rights and freedoms. The article concludes with a summary of the considerations and a firm objection to the violations of the dignity of individuals in a democratic state ruled by law.

Deformacja czeskiej demokracji liberalnej po 2017 roku

In 2017 we observed the deterioration trends of the liberal democracy in the Czech Republic which had been present there for some time. The two highest-ranking politicians responsible for that decline are: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and President Miloš Zeman. Their policies border on the deformation of liberal democracy, which can lead towards illiberal democracy in the future. The aim of the article is to analyze how their attitudes influence democracy in the Czech Republic. In contrast, the strong rule of checks and balances makes it impossible for the authorities to destroy liberal democracy. The methods used during the process of research are as follows: synthesis and analysis, the institutional approach. The article-specific bibliography includes Czech, English, and Polish source materials.

Polityczna imitacja jako źródło współczesnej kontrrewolucji w postkomunistycznej Europie – próba ujęcia teoriopolitycznego

The main goal of this article is analysis of the influence of the policy of imitation on the phenomenon of counterrevolution. The aim of the article was to answer the research question whether the politics of imitation and counterrevolution at the level of theoretical considerations can constitute elements of one theory concerning the crisis of liberal democracy in post-communist European countries? The detailed question was whether political imitation is a category by which it is possible to explain the causes of the process of counterrevolution in post-communist Europe? The considerations are based on the concepts of Jan Zielonka, as well as the ideas of Ivan Krasett and Stephen Holmes. In accordance with the principles postulated by Ivan Krastew and Stephan Holmes, the politics of imitation is an important reason for the success of populist, which Jan Zielonka equates with counterrevolution. Negative opinions about the course of the systemic transformation mainly focus on its lack of alternatives, on the problem of imposing liberal values, and on the problem of economic stratification. These premises also constitute the basis for the contemporary problems of the crisis of liberal democracy.