Suchergebnisse

"This chapter, assesses the role of myth in shaping the Poles' European identities. The author states that myths of European belonging handed down in Polish culture, that were strengthened during the period of Soviet hegemony as a kind of countermemory and iconized in the Slogan of "joining Europe" in the 1990s, served as Charter for action when Poles were to decide about EU accession. It is argued that the Poles, despite their negative expectations regarding the consequences of accession and despite various counter-myths, voted for 'Europe' because they believed in the myth that Poles are historically and culturally European. Thus, accessing the EU meant the fulfilment of an exalted desire present in the national subconscious and a reward for the sacrifices of many generations. This interpretation draws on Sahlin's, Malinowski's, and Leach's understanding of myths as sacred tales structuring actual social action. It is backed by a discussion of survey data on the Poles' negative ex pectations related to EU accession and by an overview of competing myths about Poland's place in Europe." (author's abstract)

"Following its December 2013 discussion on defence, the European Council commissioned a review of 'changes in the global environment' and the resultant 'challenges and opportunities for the Union'. This is overdue. The 2003 European Security Strategy is the product of a bygone era, and reluctance to revisit it has hampered Europe's foreign policy and contributed to the failures of the CSDP. Common external and defence policies require a shared understanding of global developments, of how Europe should respond, and of where armed forces can contribute. But no such shared understanding now exists - as recent surveys of national security strategies and strategic cultures across the EU attest. The consequences include reluctance to cooperate and misapplied defence resources. So the new review will represent an important opportunity for the member states to converge on a shared strategic narrative, and revitalise their common foreign and defence policies. The reverses Europe has suffered in the last few years should concentrate minds." (author's abstract)

This chapter examines regional & domestic cleavages that have occurred as a result of responses to the Bush strategy of preventive war. The types of responses -- support, resistance, & internationalism -- are explored to assess the future of international relations. Tables. D. Miller

The author argues that as more women run for public office, there is an increasing need for research examining how gender affects the dynamics of political campaigns. In the essay, decision making research is used to address how women staff their campaigns, delegate responsibility, & make choices once elected. In addition, an examination of the media reflects a gender bias in the way women's campaigns are reported on. Finally, the author addresses fund raising and voter recruitment issues relevant to women candidates. L. Conly

This chapter analyses Poland's initial support of the Bush Doctrine & comparatively summarizes some of the similarities between Poland's & other Central European country's foreign policy with the United States. The article also explores the limited domestic discussions in Poland regarding the Bush Doctrine & notes a change of tone in 2004 with stronger criticisms emerging from politicians against the Bush Doctrine. Tables. D. Miller

Controversial constitutional and institutional reforms voted in May 2019 in parliament opened the way for President Gnassingbé to stand for a fourth and fifth term because the law does not apply retroactively. In February 2020, the President won again the disputed presidential elections and thus consolidated his power, assisted by the loyal army and security services. The outbreak of the Corona epidemic in Togo in March and the subsequent economic recession may have contributed to limit popular protest against the Gnassingbé regime. The human rights record of the government has improved, but remains poor. Yet, the international community followed a 'laissez faire' approach in the interests of regional stability. The economy dropped into recession due to the worldwide economic negative effects of the corona-crisis. The democracy index of the Economic Intelligence Unit, London, still rated Togo as an 'authoritarian regime'.