STUDIES AND ANALYSES

Social issues in neo-agrarianism – case study of the Polish People’s Party

Krystyna Rogaczewska
Uniwersytet Wrocławski

Abstract: Political thought is a sub-discipline of political science, somewhat on the sidelines and less exposed. However, this is an area where we are constantly finding new threads to explore and describe. The purpose of the article is to reconstruct modern agrarian thought, in relation to social policy issues. The political en vironment associated with the Polish People’s Party (Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe – PSL) is an active participant in political life, and as a result creates many documents for the use of this activity. However, this is not a strand of political thought in which we find theoretical considerations that have no connection to social practice. The analysed documents exemplify a practical approach to social reality. The purpose of the article is to show the peculiarities of this current of social and political thought, resulting from its roots in the 19th century tradition of the popular movement. On the contrary, the idea is to present modernising program assumptions and adapting them to the changing environment. The people’s movement is very well described in the literature, so we have a solid theoretical foundation on which to analyse the contemporary views of people’s activists. Program documents, newspaper articles, statements by politicians, occasional publications, draft legislation – this is a rich source of information about the political thought of the people’s movement at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. In the article, the author does not formulate hypotheses, which is a thoughtful and consistently applied research strategy. Making hypotheses is justified in experimental sciences, while in the case of research in the area of political thought or political doctrines, it is an artificial procedure and has no effect on the final results. Any hypothesis can be made, and the answer is contained in the source material that is analysed.

Keywords: political thought, social policy, axiology, practice, solidarity, program, common good

Managing the planet under capitalism: a political scientific reflection on Jason W. Moore’s concept of geo-managerialism

Piotr Walewicz
Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy

Abstract: The hegemony of management discourse in contemporary approach to solving the global environmental crisis has been noticed by numerous scholars, but most of its critique is ahistorical. However, it has to have some lineage, which could be traced as far as the first emanations of managing nature. The article is therefore a proposal to search for that lineage within capitalism’s inherent feature of always trending towards management through the separation of knowledge and labour. If managing nature through science, technology, the economy and the state forms the basis for human activity within the web of life, then the will for more and better management becomes the most obvious solution. Jason W. Moore’s concept of geo-managerialism is used here in order to frame together the problems of the dominance of eco-managerialism, the instrumentality of science and subordination of the state.

Keywords: geo-managerialism, eco-managerialism, environmental management, capitalism, technology

Modes of production – old insights, new questions

Mateusz Kufliński
Uniwersytet Gdański

Abstract: The aim of the paper is to critically analyze the concept of mode of production (MoP). The author points out three problems with the existing approaches: 1) MoP is a theory of the state, 2) underestimating reproduction over production, and 3) understanding production as the production of commodities – treating Wealth as wealth and undervaluing the production of people in favor of the production of things, commodities. After reviewing the key approaches to MoP, the author develops each of the aforementioned problems in order to be able to ask the title questions, as well as to try to sketch out possible solutions to each of the problems.

Keywords: capitalism, mode of production, production, reproduction, Karl Marx

The current state and the future of political science in Poland in the opinions of the members of political science community

Piotr Obacz
Uniwersytet Jagielloński

Abstract: The article presents the results of pilot study, which aim was to deter mine how polish political science scholars perceive their scientific discipline and its future, and what are their opinions on desirable directions of changes within political science. The questions used in the survey concerned the following issues, important in the context of the title matter: the attitude of Polish political scientists towards their scientific discipline, and relating to its current state; the perception of problems and challenges the discipline is facing; the issues relating to the organization of the discipline and its place in the system of science and the system of scientific disciplines; the aims and methods of conducting political research; the aims of teaching of political science; pro-integrative actions of the political science community. For the purposes of the study the following hypotheses were formulated: H1: Polish political science community is aware of the problems and challenges their discipline is facing; H2: the perception of the problems and challenges Polish political science is facing actually corresponds with the objective current conditions of the discipline; H3: political science community knows what should be done to effectively address certain problems and challenges to ensure the discipline improvement of its state and further development – and it is able to formulate potential solutions relating to this matter. The data collected with the survey allowed to reconstruct the image of beliefs concerning the discipline of political science and administration, its current state and future development, as well as – as it had been assumed – it provided the basis for further in-depth meta-scientific research.

Keywords: science of politics and administration, Polish science, social sciences, political science, development

The political dimension of theatrical institutions: Analysis of socio-political disputes surrounding selected theatrical performences in Bydgoszcz

Paulina Wenderlich
Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy

Abstract: The aim of this article is to reveal the political dimension of theatre institutions (considering the local context) in the face of disputes concerning two theatrical performances (Popiełuszko and Strawberry Sunday) created at the Polish T heater in Bydgoszcz during the period 2006–2014 when Paweł Łysak was the director of the institution. The institutional perspective is particularly important in this case, as it constitutes one of the dimensions of the political nature of theatre. As a public cultural institution, theatre is formally, legally, and economically subject to state or local government authorities. Public cultural institutions, which also serve as spaces for engaged art (e.g., institutions of engaged theatre), can be particularly vulnerable to changes in political orientations, ideological contexts, or informal censorship, such as the threat of funding cuts or changes in directorial positions. The research process utilized the analysis of archival and textual sources, as well as participant observation.

Keywords: engaged theater, politicality, institution, controversy, performance

The quality of urban space in Bydgoszcz and the subjective participation of seniors in shaping the space – an empirical study

Martyna Rajek-Kwiatek
Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy

Abstract: This article refers to the social dimension of urban policy. The importance of this issue has evolved significantly in recent years, and the need to create space in cooperation with residents and its users in order to achieve its highest possible quality is already a kind of imperative. However, these practices, especially in Poland, can rarely be considered successful. The subject of the article is the presentation of partial results of empirical research conducted among the inhabitants of Bydgoszcz. By filtering out the largest age group – residents over 65 years of age, the townspeople’s position on the quality of Bydgoszcz’s urban space and their participation in the process of shaping it was verified. The hypothesis was that Bydgoszcz seniors demonstrate a relatively low level of participation in the process of shaping urban space. The analysis of the collected empirical material made it possible to assess the effectiveness of the urban policy implemented in Bydgoszcz in terms of shaping space for the oldest residents. The research results confirmed the hypothesis that Bydgoszcz seniors have a very low level of participation in the processes of shaping urban space. Moreover, they showed that lack of knowledge of social participation tools is the primary reason for the lack of this activity. In turn, respondents assessed the condition of urban space and living conditions relatively well. The considerations show that the participation and social inclusion of seniors is a significantly neglected element of the urban policy implemented in Bydgoszcz, therefore it is difficult to describe it as fully effective. The content contained in the article constitutes a diagnosis, which is an important signal for decision-makers and urban practitioners.

Keywords: urban policy, urban space, seniors, aging society, social participation, political subjectivity, Bydgoszcz, empirical research

Carl Schmitt’s Grossraum and the imperial concept of the national socialists in Germany

Sebastian Kwiatkowski
Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu

Abstract: The theory of Carl Schmitt’s Grossraum emerged during the rule of the NS DAP in Germany. For this reason, it is often classified as a theory justifying German Nazi imperial policy, and its author earned the epithet “the Crown Jurist of the Third Reich.” This article aims to discuss the Grossraum theory by analyzing Carl Schmitt’s work. Achieving this goal, will help to answer the main question of this thesis, which reads as follows: to what extent does Schmitt’s Grossraum theory differ from the Nazi imperial concept? Comparing Carl Schmitt’s work with Adolf Hitler’s vision outlined in Mein Kampf as well as the international and occupational policies of the Third Reich, and referring to the opinions of the Nazis on the theory of the Greater Space, a clear contradiction between the Grossraum theory and Nazi Lebensraum is notice able. The hypothesis in this thesis is as follows: Carl Schmitt’s Grossraum is parallel to Nazi Lebensraum. During the study, it was pointed out that the similarity between the concepts lies in their goal of establishing German dominance, as their authors were undoubtedly German nationalists. However, the differences lie in essential char acteristics regarding the organization of space and the coexistence of nations within it, the Jewish question, and the foundations upon which this space was established. In the case of Grossraum, it was anti-liberal political ideas, while in the case of Lebensraum, it was the Nazi myth of blood.

Keywords: Carl Schmitt, Third Reich, Grossraum, Nazism, Lebensraum

Powerful enough to deter? Assessment of the expansion of the Polish Armed Forces from a geostrategic perspective

Marcin Kleinowski
Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu

Abstract: The main purpose of the article is to assess to what extent the planned expansion of the Polish Armed Forces will allow Poland to acquire the ability to militarily deter the Russian Federation. The conducted research aimed to obtain answers to two questions fundamental to Poland’s military security. Firstly, what are the basic conditions for effectively deterring the Russian Federation from open aggression against Poland? Secondly, to what extent the planned expansion of the Polish Armed Forces to 300,000 soldiers, is able to ensure Poland’s ability to deter Russia against full scale or limited aggression? The article uses research methods appropriate to the political science in particular the literature review and the critical analysis of sources. Poland’s military security is analysed in the broader context of geostrategic conditions and taking into account the new escalation ladder that has emerged in the hybrid cold war between Russia and NATO. Then, the expansion of the Polish Armed Forces was assessed from the perspective of Poland’s ability to militarily deter the Russian Federation. Three basic conditions for effectively deterring Russia against open aggression have been identified, i.e. having armed forces with appropriate potential, having “anti-surprise” capabilities, as well as NATO’s pursuit of a credible deterrence policy. However, some modernization plans and the idea of establishing a sixth division are at high risk of failure due to financial and personnel limitations. Moreover, the progressive degradation of personnel reserves in the event of mobilization seriously weakens the ability to deter full-scale aggression. There is a risk that, despite significant financial outlays, the development of the Polish Armed Forces will not lead to building the ability to deter the Russian Federation from open aggression.

Keywords: deterance, Polish Armed Forces, Poland’s military security, NATO, eastern flank

Information from the Polish counterintelligence as an element of powering the decision-making process

Anna Grabowska-Siwiec
badaczka niezależna

Abstract: The analytical and information activities of special services, the final result of which are information, analyzes and reports prepared for decision-makers, is a little-known topic in Poland. Research on information prepared by services carrying out counterintelligence tasks is particularly poor. The fact that counter intelligence information, just like intelligence information, is an important element feeding the decision-making process carried out by the centres of power in Poland is rarely emphasized. It can be the basis for building and implementing the directions of state security policy and warning against external intelligence threats. The aim of this article is to indicate the principles of preparing counterintelligence information and their potential value for the decision-making process. A research hypothesis was formulated: counterintelligence information may be a valuable element influencing the decision-making process in the area of state security. The article uses the method of analyzing public reports prepared by the Internal Security Agency in 2010–2015. Moreover, a systemic analysis was carried out in the context of viewing the political system of the Third Polish Republic as a whole composed of interdependent elements (decision-making center – counterintelligence service).

Keywords: counterintelligence, decision-maker, counterintelligence information, security

Selected problems of contemporary penitentiary policy in Poland

Emilia Chronowska-Sioła
Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy

Abstract: The subject of this article are selected problems of Polish penitentiary policy considered against the background of certain trends in the area of penal policy. Between 2017 and 2023, it has become noticeable that there has been a move toward greater rigor in the area of punishment, as well as the execution of prison sentences. The flourishing of penal-populist rhetoric, as well as the reform of the Penal Code, are not insignificant for the environment of total institutions such as detention centres and prisons. The changes implemented over the past few years create a foundation of problems in the indicated areas, and in the long term may lead to the inefficiency of the penitentiary system. The purpose of the article is to identify the currently most relevant problems of penitentiary policy. The article diagnoses selected problems of Polish penal and penitentiary policy, and forecasts their development in aspects such as the phenomenon of prisonization, learned helplessness, marginalization and social exclusion of convicts. In addition, to a limited extent, it proposes different from the current policy directions for the execution of imprisonment in order to raise the level of its effectiveness and compliance with international standards of dealing with persons deprived of liberty. The research problem was formulated in the form of a question: what are currently the most significant problems of penitentiary policy, as well as their consequences? Institutional-legal and predictive methods were used. In addition, the research was also based on an analysis of the literature on the subject, legal acts and statistical data.

Keywords: penal policy, penitentiary policy, penitentiary system, prison, imprisonment, penitentiary populism, prisonization

REVIEWS

Andrzej Papuziński (rev.): Na orbicie świadomości ekologicznej. Wojciech Trempała, Barbara Panciszko-Szweda, Wokół świadomości ekologicznej – definicje, uwarunkowania kulturowo-polityczne, wybrane koncepcje normatywne. Wydawnictwo UKW, Bydgoszcz 2023