Da li je populizam neizbežan sastojak politike u Srbiji?

Author(s): Zoran Stojiljković,Dušan Spasojević,Jelena Lončar / Language(s): Serbian Publication Year: 0

Populism is a growing phenomenon in contemporary politics. Populist parties, that once occupied the margins of the political scene, are increasingly gaining importance and visibility. On the other hand, this trend is getting its special shape in Eastern Europe in the form of the Hungarian party Fidesz and its leader Viktor Orban, who has already been in power for the last six years with undiminished share of populist policies. Similar characteristics (to a lesser extent) can be seen in the cases of other countries, such as Serbia, Poland or Macedonia. The initial aim of this paper is to consider the concept of populism and to offer a definition, that would be rooted in a theoretically highly developed field of populism research in Western Europe, but which would also reflect new trends in transitional democracies. The second aim of our paper is to analyze the social and institutional characteristics of the transitional Serbia and answer the question of whether these features encourage populist behavior of political actors. Basic dimensions of the analysis are the institutionalization of party systems on the one hand, and on the other hand, the analysis of social capital and opportunities for citizens to influence political processes to a significant extent.

Завод за принудно васпитање омладине у Смедеревској Паланци: старе контроверзе и нова тумачења

Author(s): Aleksandar Stojanović / Language(s): Serbian Publication Year: 0

Functioning of the Institute for Compulsory Education in Smederevska Palanka has been a source of controversies in Yugoslav and Serbian historiographies for decades. Most frequently, it was analyzed through the ideological prism. For some it was a concentration camp and a torture chamber, for others a „peace oasis“ and a „college for communists“. Not only ideological, but also utilitarian motives of witnesses and authors who have been writing about the Institute, contributed to tendentious interpretations. This institution, probably best described as „reformatory“ by the British Foreign Office, was integral part of the concept of education in „national spirit“ that was implemented by the collaborationist Ministry of Education. The leader of the Zbor movement, Dimitrije Ljotić, significantly contributed to its founding. During the two years of the Institute's operation, some 1,200 young communists passed through it. Their stay in the Institute was marked by hard material and life conditions, but they enjoyed regular general and professional instruction, and could take part in a number of free-time activities of entertaining, artistic and sporting character. The idea of stay of young communists in the Institute was not psycho-physical torture, but rather their ideological „conversion“ in harmony with national-conservative ideas the Nedić regime cherished of the „de-nationalized“ and „misled“ youth and intelligentsia. Apart from the regular political instruction, special lectures were held by members of the Zbor, by collaborationist dignitaries, but also by a number of a-political experts from various fields. After the failed rebellion at the Institute in mid-April 1943 security and disciplinary measures were tightened and the culprits were turned over to the Special Police and shot after investigation at the shooting-range in Jajinci. During the two years of the Institute's functioning a large number of inmates was set free as „successfully re-educated“, and several dozens of cases of former inmates asking the Ministry of Education to be readmitted to the Institute were recorded. The institution's functioning was ended amid the action for liberation of Serbia. The Institute was officially disbanded in September 1944 and its Head Master joined the chetniks of Draža Mihailović with whom he found his death. Among the more prominent inmates were the famous movie director Mladomir Puriša Đorđević, writers and journalists Milutin Doroslovac (Milo Dor), Slobodan Marković (Libero Markoni) and Branko V. Radičević, as well as the judge of the Supreme Court of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Tiosav Velimirović.

Political Subject in Contemporary Feminist Theories

Author(s): Gordana Daša Duhaček / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The Question of Life: the Rights of Man vs Human Rights

Author(s): Adriana Zaharijević / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

INSISTANCE ON THE FACT THAT HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RIGHTS OF MAN (CODIFIED IN UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN AND OF THE CITIZEN, RESPECTIVELY) ARE NOT ONE AND THE SAME, WHICH COULD BE DEDUCED FROM THE NOTION OF MAN COMMON TO BOTH TERMS, IS KEY THESIS IN THIS TEXT. BY DEVELOPING THIS MOTIVE, I TRY TO DETERMINE THE FOLLOWING: THAT THE NOTION OF MAN, BY DEFINITION INCLUSIVE AND ABSTRACTLY NON-DISCRIMINATIVE TERM, IS IN FACT ESTABLISHED ON TACIT EXCLUSIONS IN THE TIME OF ITS INCEPTION (ENLIGHTMENT REVOLUTIONARY ERA), AND IT WAS ONLY UPON THESE EXCLUSIONS THAT THE TERM MAN COULD HAVE SIGNIFIED “THE FREE AND EQUAL”. ALTHOUGH THE PARALLEL OR SIMULTANEOUS EVOLUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHTS OF MAN AND NATIONAL RIGHTS MIGHT SEEM CONTRADICTORY, I SEEK TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THIS PARADOX IS ONLY OSTENSIBLE, ARGUING THAT THE NOTION OF MAN IS ITSELF LIMITED AND EXCLUSIONARY, AND IS THEREFORE COMPATIBLE WITH THE EXCLUSIVITY WHICH IS THE CONDITIO SINE QUA NON OF NATION. THE CONSEQUENCES OF NATIONALISM – WORLD WARS, PRIMARILY – PROVED THAT THE CONCEPTION OF LIBERTY AND EQUALITY, BASED ON THE CONCEPTION OF FRATERNITY OF MEN (WHITE EUROPEAN MALES), AND OF PARTIAL DEMOCRACY PRETENDING TO BE UNIVERSAL, CANNOT BE MAINTAINED ANY FURTHER. CODIFICATION OF UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS REPRESENTS A REACTION TO THIS INTERNAL DISCREPANCY INASMUCH AS IT IS A REACTION TO THE DESTRUCTIVENESS OF ALL KINDS OF NATIONALISMS. THE NOTION OF LIFE, DEVELOPED IN THIS TEXT, CORRESPONDS TO THE FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE RIGHT TO LIFE (AS THE FIRST AND THE MOST BASIC OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS), WHICH NO LONGER BELONGS TO “MAN”, BUT TO EVERYONE.

Detainees’ Employment - Between a Business Opportunity and the Social Benefit of Reducing Recidivism

Author(s): Cristina Dumitran / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The paper addresses one of the causes of criminality in Romania: poverty as result of the lack of qualification and formal jobs, particularly in the case of those committing crimes against property.Although there are policies aimed to reduce the causes that generate crime and recidivism, their effectiveness has not been evaluated so far, the only indicator being the statistical one. Contrary to expectations, statistically, the recidivism rate in Romania is increasing.In this context, there is the opportunity to initiate partnerships between the business environment and the penitentiary system to increasing turnover. In addition, it can also address social issues such as qualification of detainees during detention, reducing anger and aggression by engaging in productive and structured activities, increasing the post-release chances of employment, education through and for work, increasing one's own income for prisons and reducing the risk of recidivism after release.The article presents the multidimensional opportunities of a public-private partnership, with an accent on the economic and social impact for the entrepreneur - penitentiary (as a state institution) - detainee - society.

Boris Dubin – neobjavljeni intervju

Author(s): Maria Subina,Boris Dubin / Language(s): Serbian

Ovog proleća je Marija Šubina za jedno drugo izdanje razgovarala sa Borisom Dubinom, poznatim sociologom, prevodiocem, pesnikom, našim stalnim autorom i drugom redakcije, jednim od onih retkih ljudi čiji stavovi za današnju obrazovanu manjinu nesumljivo predstavljaju moralni autoritet. Razgovor tada nije bio objavljen, a danas, posle nepunih šest meseci, mi vidimo da njegov sadržaj nije izgubio ni trunku od svoje aktuelnosti.

How Russia Targets the Cognitive Domain to Achieve Its Strategic Goals in Georgia

Author(s): Nino Bolkvadze / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

This chapter examines the cognitive domain of Georgia’s information environment and analyses Russia’s attempts to influence people’s perceptions, beliefs, and values in order to advance its strategic goals in Georgia. Specifically, this chapter evaluates which perceptions, beliefs, and values are primarily exploited, who the main targets are, and what tactics are used by Russia to influence the cognitive domain.

War Psychology and the Military Moral Dilemmas

Author(s): Cristian Dobre / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

The article presents one of the most significant psychological aspects experienced by the military during their operations – ethics and morality. Thus, it dives deeper into the idea of “war psychology”, to then analyse the biggest ethical and moral dilemmas of the military during battle. Far from exhausting the subject, the article wants to draw attention to the fact that, in the end, the military is still human, and in the absence of adequate preparation for combat and adequate post-action psychological support at the end of the conflict, moral wounds can appear, which, most of the time, are as painful and devastating as the physical ones.

IMPROVING WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EVOLUTION IN KENYA: THE CASE OF NAIROBI AND KAKAMEGA COUNTIES

Author(s): Sylvester Ngome Chisika,Chunho Yeom / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2023

This study aimed to investigate the progress of women's empowerment through employment opportunities in Nairobi and Kakamega Counties in Kenya between 2013 and 2017. Despite the increasing policies that aim to mainstream social equity and equality, there is still a significant gap between policy commitments and practices. The study evaluated whether the implementation of devolved governance in the two counties has improved women's empowerment. The study's framework included an in-depth review of policy documents, official records, and reports from official websites to understand women's economic empowerment status in Nairobi and Kakamega. The study analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from County Integrated Development Plans and other secondary sources. Specifically, it examined compliance with the 30% gender rule, requiring women to hold at least 30% of all elective and appointive positions. The study found that Nairobi commands the largest share of formal sector wage employment in Kenya, and women's access to employment opportunities remains slightly lower than men in both counties. Despite implementing the 30% gender rule, the study revealed the need for more comprehensive policies that promote gender equality and women's economic empowerment in both Nairobi and Kakamega.

THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE MEMORY ON THAILAND’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Author(s): Sanyarat Meesuwan / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2023

This study uses the theory of collective memory in international politics to examine the connection between collective memory and foreign policy to investigate why the Belt and Road Initiative has witnessed slow progress in Thailand. Qualitative data were gathered from various sources, including books, newspapers, journals, policy documents, and textbooks. The study concludes that cooperation between states is essential for achieving shared objectives but is contingent upon establishing mutual trust. Collective memories that one country maintains concerning another country can influence mutual understanding and trust, becoming ingrained even if the situation responsible for the memories changes or no longer exists. In the case of Thailand and China, the Thai government’s push for the high-speed rail project faced criticism and concerns due to the public’s deep-seated fears and distrust of China, the result of historical events and past experiences. This paper’s findings highlight the state’s role in creating collective memory and otherness, recognizing that external variables such as major power activities play a significant role.

Сръбското епическо пеене в съпровод на гусла между научната тема и нематериалното културно наследство: етномузикологична перспектива

Author(s): Danka Lajić-Mihajlović / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 2/2022

The paper presents the experience and the results of а long-term research of Serbian epics, primarily of singing to the accompaniment of gusle – the most common and preferred form of performing epic songs. Studying the tradition and the personalities proves to be important for the ethnomusicological and interdisciplinary understanding of this genre. The focus on this solo performative genre makes the relations with the guslars (epic singers who accompany their singing with gusle – a one-string bowed instrument), as primary collaborators in the research, especially intensive and complex. In relation to that, the implementation of 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Serbia is recognized as an opportunity as well as an ethical obligation of ethnomusicologists to achieve reciprocity in cooperation with guslars by supporting the safeguarding of epic singing to the accompaniment of gusle. This type of cooperation has brought new challenges and encouraged deeper reflections on social, i.e. socio-cultural responsibility and its impact on national ethnomusicology. Linking research results with cultural practice is one of the distinct challenges in contemporary humanities, so this paper in a broader sense is a contribution to the applied humanities.

Управленската и съдебната практика на Милош Обренович – от историята до народната история

Author(s): Branko R. Zlatković / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 2/2022

A large number of oral stories about Prince Miloš Obrenović (1780–1860) are preserved as an integral part of wider biographical, autobiographical, memoir, diary, historiographical, epistolary, travel and documentary sources. By identifying and separating anecdotes, historical legends, life stories and proverbs from the tissues of more elaborate narrative units, an extensive corpus is formed in which, through a series of narratives and variants, the narrated biography of Prince Miloš develops in the spheres of his military, political, diplomatic, social and private life. Given the fact that Prince Miloš appears as a very attractive and stimulating person for narrative shaping, the examples of his special administrative and judicial practice, which are characterized by elements of humorous, unusual, witty, but also arbitrary, unscrupulous and cruel treatment emerge as particularly interesting topics. He becomes a type to which are connected themes and motifs well known not only in the domestic tradition but also in the international narrative fund.

Current Approaches in Social Sciences

Author(s): / Language(s): English

Technological developments and globalization has changed human nature. This change directly affects all stages of human life. At this point, it becomes inevitable to carry out research on people and human life. All studies carried out in the field of Social Sciences aim to understand human, human life and human nature. In this work, which was put forward in order to understand the human, different studies from different disciplines were discussed and a step was tried to be built in order to reach this goal, albeit to some extent.

The Political Psychology of ‘China Threat’: Perceptions and Emotions

Author(s): Ulaş Başar Gezgin / Language(s): English Publication Year: 0

In this study we first briefly introduced political psychology of international relations, and moved to the notion of threat perceptions in political psychology which extends from national threats to group threats. Thirdly, we focused on the so-called ‘China threat’ which is mostly considered as a theory, a perception, a discourse or a thesis, but also as an issue, a theme, a hypothesis, a notion, a charge, a narrative, a debate, an image, a coverage, a topic, a school of thought, a public discourse, a story, a perspective, a proposition, a specter, a view, a syndrome, a school, a fear, a sentiment, an idea, a terminology, a rhetoric, a possibility, a mentality, and an atmosphere, in the order of frequency. We also see other scholars preferring to use ‘the so-called China threat’ as they don’t believe it. The notion of ‘China threat’ is mostly associated with China’s military build-up which is visible in South China / East Vietnam Sea territorial disputes. China is at odd with most of its neighbors due to its revisionist moves. Emotions play a role in all parties to the conflict including the Asian neighbors and U.S.. Chinese government, reminiscent of the past humiliations, wants to be respected; but China’s military moves are viewed with fear, mistrust and suspicion among other parties. National threat perceptions are updated accordingly. As a response to China’s rise, conservatives and Republicans support containment policies, while the liberal and Democrat response is engagement. This division is also related to the attitudes towards Chinese people and Chinese government. China has its own logic in its moves, but to what extent it is rational is to be disputed. The study concludes with further discussions about China’s rise, considering the possibility of peaceful rise or confrontation.

Holističko liječenje: argumenti u korist spajanja procesa oporavka od traume i izgradnje mira

Author(s): Kristina Hook / Language(s): Bosnian Publication Year: 0

Nakon katastrofa velikih razmjera izazvanih ljudskom rukom (rat, genocid) ili prirodnim silama (zemljotresi, cunami) sve više ljekara/ki, praktičara/ki i učenjaka/inja iz različitih disciplina se okuplja oko centralne zajedničke teme: traume. Iako su definicije i profesionalni ciljevi i dalje različiti, pojavile su se tačke oko kojih su se akteri/ce složili/e u nastojanju da shvate kako ekstremni događaji lome društva i pojedince/ke. Sudeći po konkretnim naučnim istraživanjima o nasilju, čini se da se sve više uviđa (čak i u domenama različitih disciplina) da nasilje utječe i na tijela i na umove i da ostavlja neopisive ožiljke nakon što dođe do određenog stupnja liječenja (Kirmayer et al. 2007). Nažalost, složene humanitarne situacije, ratovi i oružani sukobi dovode do brojnih izazova u ponovoj izgradnji društva, često potiskujući individualne i kolektivne probleme s traumama na margine u izradi politika. U ovom radu su kombinirani principi ublažavanja sukoba i antropološke perspektive kako bi se pokazale opasnosti takvog pristupa.

Izgradnja mira i složenost psihosocijalne traume: integrirani okvir

Author(s): Barry Hart / Language(s): Bosnian Publication Year: 0

U ovom poglavlju govorit ćemo o izazovima i preprekama koje je nužno prevazići kako bi psihosocijalna trauma i prateće strukture podrške postale dio procesa izgradnje mira. Predstavit ćemo sveobuhvatan okvir izgradnje mira unutar kojeg je moguće povezati psihosocijalnu podršku i širi mirovni plan. U ovom se okviru jasno stavlja do znanja da je psihosocijalna podrška važan faktor u rasvjetljavanju traume i procesu oporavka pojedinaca/ki i grupa koje su iskusile nasilje i još uvijek žive u teškim okolnostima. Struktura izgradnje mira predstavljena je na slici 1 - točak izgradnje mira. Izgradnja mira predstavljena ovim modelom podrazumijeva učešće brojnih aktera/ica i korištenje različitih vještina kako bi točak stalno išao naprijed. Integracija ovih elemenata i operacionalizacija teorijskog modela zasnovane su na mirovnim, humanitarnim i razvojnim naporima koji su obilježili posljednjih nekoliko decenija (Lederach 1997; Schirch 2004; Wessells 2008; Zelizer 2013). Ovdje naglašavamo potrebu za kreativnim pristupom kojim bi se unaprijedio i obnovio proces integracije.

Интернет мемовете като част от политическата комуникация и участие (Наблюдения върху словашката онлайн платформа Zomri)

Author(s): Eva Šipöczová / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2023

Internet memes are a basic representative of online folklore, which naturally arises and lives as part of virtual communication. Similar to political jokes, some of them comment on, gloss over, criticize and satirize political and social events, making them part of political participation and communication „from bellow“. The purpose of this case study is to use the example of the Slovak online platform Zomri [Die] to show how an amateur entertainment project, which is part of participatory online culture, became part of a societal discussion thanks to social network and popularity. Attention is paid to various actors (site admins, the public, politicians, media), the activities of those actors and the spillovers outside the internet environment. The study combines folkloristic theoretical starting points with approaches from media and pop culture studies. It is based on long-term online research of the platforms, its content, secondary activities and spillovers into other areas of the online and offline environment. It also builds on the analysis of media interviews and discussion with platform admins.

Фалшивите новини – функции и интерпретации в българското медийно пространство

Author(s): Angelina Ilieva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2023

The article presents a study of the “fake news” problem from an emic perspective, focusing on media practices. The study aims to place people as conscious and active subjects of cultural production and consumption at the analysis’s centre and present the problem through their actions, reactions and interpretations. Different cases of questionable content circulating through Bulgarian media space are analysed, and their functions and uses are outlined. Two main functions of fake news are specified: 1) as an aspect of popular culture and 2) as a genre of disinformation. The features of users’ reception and interpretation, the subversive impact of fake news in the media ecosystem and its usage in the so-called ‘information wars’ are examined in detail. The conclusions emphasise the role of humour and laughter as mechanisms of counteraction.

Патриотизъм, национализъм и настроения към ромския етнос в България

Author(s): Plamena Stoyanova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 3/2023

The political changes after 1989 in Bulgaria and the country’s difficult economic transition, temporarily led to a decline in patriotic feelings among the Bulgarian people. With few exceptions, such as Bulgaria's triumphant performance at the 1994 World Cup, which led to unprecedented national pride, the idea of belonging and unity began to dissolve in the harsh and uncertain conditions of the transition from socialism to a market economy. This led to a deterioration of relations in Bulgarian society, a sharp revision of values, a decrease in tolerance, and the entering into everyday life of the so-called language of hatred. Political parties were created which, under the guise of patriotism, openly promoted more radical sentiments toward various types of minorities. An increase in domestic crime at the time proved to be a fertile ground for such rhetoric. The fact that from the beginning of the new millennium until now, some Bulgarians have been invariably supporting nationalist parties, shows that these political formations are an expression of permanently present sentiments in the Bulgarian society. The current text will focus on nationalist manifestations towards the second-largest ethnic minority in the country – the Roma. For this purpose, specific events will be examined and analysed, and an attempt will be made to provide answers to several questions such as: What is the role of the Bulgarian minorities in these nationalist attitudes? Is it possible to build an identity based on the rejection of the other, and what are the manifestations of this rejection? How do such manifestations of intolerance and confrontation reflect on the identity of the minority itself? Who benefits from this rhetoric, and what are its consequences for the Bulgarian society?

Как конспиративната политическа идеология интерпретира пандемията от коронавирус? Случаят на ПП „Народна партия истината и само истината“

Author(s): Valentin Valkanov / Language(s): Bulgarian Publication Year: 0

Bulgaria has been undergoing numerous crises since 2020 – the coronavirus pandemic, followed by the war in Ukraine and its strong local consequences, and a political crisis with five early elections for National Assembly, all in a period of three years. In this social turbulence, new political parties emerged, one of which came to a particular interest due to its ideology resting on conspiracy theories. In a previous article I have followed the main narratives that members of the party presented during the fall of 2022 election campaign. Here I will further my investigation deeper into the conspiracy theories that were used to form these narratives.