Suchergebnisse

Abstract. We examined the changing sense of control over one's life during epidemics. Using original survey data during the first lockdown in May 2020 our case study focuses on Ljubljana's multi-apartment buildings (MAB) which, due to the physical proximity of the residents and the common spaces/facilities represent a distinct case with its particular threats (infection spread) and potential resources (neighbourly support) for coping with epidemic-related problems. We found a dramatic drop in perceived control over one's life, from 75% of respondents in usual times to 35% during the pandemic. Accounting for a range of epidemic-associated occurrences in the building and among the residents our regression analysis shows their significant impact on residents' sense of control that highly exceeding those of the quality of life and of basic socio-demographic characteristics. While our case study demonstrates that the specific setting of an MAB can provide a valuable layer of human action in times of crisis, further research is needed to permit generalisations. Keywords: pandemic, perceived control over one's life, ontological security, multi-apartment buildings, wellbeing, control over one's life

The "integration of Europe" is, among other things, a huge ideological undertaking. Part of that undertaking entails the appropriation of history for the political project of building a "European Union." One aspect of that appropriation of history is the rooting of Europe as a political community in historical times & places where Europe as such did not exist. Popular among such ideological constructs is presentation of the Carolingian Empire as the predecessor of contemporary, united Europe. By analyzing early medieval usages of the word Europe, the author argues that it is unwarranted to speak of any clear "idea of Europe," in the Carolingian period or, in turn, to portray the Carolingian Empire as the "first Europe" & a potential model for today's "integration of Europe.". Adapted from the source document.

The war in Ukraine is the most significant threat to the peace of the Euro-Atlantic area in decades. After 4 years of Trump's weakening of transatlantic relations, Biden's presumed foreign policy doctrine includes their quick renewal, or re-Atlantisation. The article problematises the 'new' strategy of containment given Russia's aggression, the state of transatlantic relations, and the current global order's configuration, whereby the transatlantic bond is being strengthened and the formation of Biden's foreign policy doctrine is being followed by a 'grand-strategic' shift. Four different models of transatlantic relations (mutual autonomy, strategic autonomy, strategic partnership, situational partnership) are discussed where variables include the approach taken by the USA to transatlantic relations, and the approach of Europe's EU and NATO members to transatlantic relations are addressed. The main argument is that transatlantic relations during Biden's mandate have constantly oscillated between a stra-tegic partnership, especially related to common goals of democracy promotion and containment and situ-ational partnership. Situations like the war in Ukraine have simultaneously acted to strengthen the American–European partnership based on the shared security and political interests.Keywords: transatlantic relations, reatlantisation, USA, Europe, Biden doctrine, war in Ukraine, strategic part-nership, situational partnership

Abstract. Since 2015, the residential neighbourhood of
Rožna dolina has experienced intense building activity
that has been supported by the city of Ljubljana, but has
been met with resistance from the local inhabitants, thus
becoming the most visible local expression of the universal
capitalist conflict between the use and exchange
value of space. The article main aim is to analyse the
concrete manifestation of this conflict by looking at the
operations of the local state, investors and inhabitants
in the production of space in Rožna dolina. The analysis
shows that the conflict is influenced by the specific
local state's dependency on economic actors, by specifics
of local real estate market and workings of developers
and by the composition of inhabitants of Rožna dolina.
Keywords: Ljubljana, spatial conflicts, appropriation of
rent, local state, real estate development

Integrity and transparency are crucial elements of modern democratic countries, and trust in politico-administrative institutions must be pursued and maintained at every turn, including when it comes to reporting ceremonial gifts. Despite their (often) problematic connotations, ceremonial gifts are a major element of building strong relationships, from the highest positions in politics and diplomacy to the closest public servants. This article examines data concerning reported gifts in the Republic of Slovenia. Through in-depth statistical analysis, the authors established anomalies in the reporting of ceremonial gifts, in particular flawed descriptions of gifts and problematic assessment of their monetary values, which in most cases is left to the layperson. The authors conclude that a problem clearly exists with implementation of the normative framework because only the technical aspect and less the qualitative side is taken into account while reporting ceremonial gifts. Keywords: ceremonial gifts; reporting; anomalies; transparency; trust; Slovenia

The article presents the starting points for forming the language of diplomacy
as expert language. It focuses on the question of the development of
diplomatic language in Slovenia, its characteristics as well as the challenges
that emerge in its formation. The author presents the meaning of the formation
of terms in diplomacy in the Slovenian language, which not only enrich
and create the expert diplomatic language, but also determine the degree of
linguistic authenticity and statesmanship in Slovenia. The key finding of the
article is that two steps are required for the development of expert diplomatic
language. First, the state (i.e., the competent ministries, the Assembly, the
president of the Republic etc.) should become aware that the diplomatic language
in Slovenia has been relatively overlooked and is due special attention.
Second, establishment of a working group is required which would connect
different state actors with the aim of forming a modern linguistic corpus of
terms of expert diplomatic language that would not only enrich the expert
language of diplomacy and its everyday use among its practitioners, but also
position the language of diplomacy among the state-building components.
Keywords: diplomacy, language, Slovenia, word formation, terminological
agreement

Identity of people with dementia: Opportunity for empowerment
Human identity is dynamic, fleeting, and changeable and is formed in social contexts. People with dementia are considered a vulnerable group with a less stable identity due to the nature of the disease, often causing their individuality to be disregarded. Systematic review of the literature shows that the living and social environments play an important role in the consolidation, maintenance, and reconstruction of the identity of people with dementia. Interactions of people with dementia with their living and social environments enable them to learn new strategies for expressing their identity, while social capital remains a valuable source of power in the process of identity expression, consolidation, or reconstruction. The narratives of people with dementia contribute to the preservation of their personal identity and enable reviving memories. The opportunity to share experiences and participate in social interactions serves as recognition of their uniqueness and provides them a sense of worth and value. People with dementia want to participate and engage in activities, as many are an essential building block of their identity. Successful completion of activities also helps maintain a positive self-image and experience their own worth.