Public Solidarity Research Articles

Sociopolitical Impacts of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Poland, Germany, and Turkey: A Comparative Analysis of National Responses and Public Sentiment

Abstract: The Russia-Ukraine conflict began in 2022 and represents the biggest military action in 21st century Europe. However, this conflict did not arise out of the blue. The conflict is the culmination of many centuries worth of social and political factors. Like in any war, the effects of it have not only been felt in Ukraine and Russia but also in its neighboring and more distant countries across Europe and beyond. This essay will focus on the sociopolitical impacts of the conflict on three key countries: Poland, Germany and Turkey, exploring the specific ways in which these nations have been affected both socially and politically by the ongoing crisis. This paper explores the impacts of the conflict on wider European countries, analysing how the war has affected the sociopolitical structures of Poland, Germany and Turkey. Poland has demonstrated a closer alliance towards the West to protect itself from Russian aggression, resulting in strong humanitarian support for Ukraine and public solidarity towards Ukrainian refugees. Germany has shifted its long-standing foreign policy to adopt a similar anti-Russian stance, creating public concerns with regard to being drawn into the war. Turkey has a unique perspective, appeasing both the West and Russia as it relies on both to maintain its domestic socioeconomic situation. This analysis provides insight into the wider European sociopolitical response to the conflict.

Роль судебной власти в достижении рационального взаимодействия общества и государственной власти

The article examines current issues of the role of the judiciary in achieving public solidarity through communicative interaction between civil society and the state.

Публичная ответственность и обязанности государства в контексте конституционного принципа общественной солидарности

The author reveals the problems of social solidarity as a constitutional principle of the Russian Federation. The constitutional amendment of 2020 was presented, providing for the creation of conditions for triune economic, political and social solidarity in society. A theoretical understanding of social (public) solidarity is given as a legal construct and an instrument of social harmony and the integrity of the statelegal organism. It is shown that public solidarity, as a constitutional and administrative-legal phenomenon, creates the necessary basis for the implementation of the principle of mutual responsibility of the individual, society and state, in its positive and negative forms. An idea of the responsibilities of the state, its bodies and officials to the individual and society is given, the role and place of public legal responsibility of holders of power in the solidary social mechanism is outlined.

“De-liberated”, Stigmatised and “Ungrateful”: Practices of Bolshevik “Re-Sovietization” of Ukraine and Ukrainians (1943–early 1950s)

The purpose of this article is to analyse the first steps of “liberation” and restoration of the pre-war status quo for the Bolshevik government in Ukraine. The task is to find out what practices of “liberation” the people experienced under the Soviet occupation; in what way did the Bolsheviks react to the revitalization of the national idea; how re-Sovietization became the foundation for the restoration of the Russian imperial order; how Ukraine became a kind of a bridgehead for reinventing the model of Soviet imperialism in its “Russo-centric” posture. In this text, re-Sovietization will be considered as the mechanisms and practices (together with the tools) of the Bolshevik government in relation to Ukrainian communities that came out of the war with intentions of public solidarity and the ability to resist, dangerous for the Kremlin. The source base of the work includes archival documents of central authorities, security services, memoirs, statistical data, and correspondence. The methodological basis is the concept of agency, which implies the ability to choose options for people’s own life under any circumstances. Conclusions: right at the first stages of returning to Ukrainian lands, the Bolsheviks resumed the repressive and marauding practices that were widespread before the World War II. Through condemnation and repressive policy, a blow was struck on the Ukrainian national revival. Due to broad campaigns against “Ukrainian bourgeois nationalism” and for “gratitude to the Russian people for liberation”, Ukrainians were “pushed aside” both as victims and as heroes of the World War II.

Communicating Solidarity? Public Responses to UK Government Communication of COVID-19

ABSTRACT This article explores public responses to UK government communication of COVID-19, focusing on public solidarity as a crucial part of an effective pandemic response. Drawing on focus group research with members of the public, we identify three limitations in the way solidarity was communicated by government. What solidarity meant and entailed was not always (1) clear and understandable, (2) adequately justified to all, or (3) demonstrated by the actions of political leaders themselves. In conclusion, we consider the implications of our analysis for how the communication of solidarity could have been improved. Beyond any specific communicative shortcomings, communicating solidarity was always bound to be difficult. What solidarity meant and entailed in the context of the pandemic was never normatively self-evident, especially given the different values and interests at stake. Given this, we suggest that a more deliberative-democratic approach to solidarity would have been both normatively desirable and more likely to be effective in sustaining solidarity. But the need for this approach reveals an underlying systemic weakness in the political-communication environment: the lack of adequate opportunities for those called upon to show solidarity to reflect on, contest, and shape its meaning.

‘These Nevada memes are coming out faster than the results’: Community power and public solidarity in 2020 election memes

‘These Nevada memes are coming out faster than the results’: Community power and public solidarity in 2020 election memes

Людвиг Клагес, глубинная экология и концепция friluftsliv в Северной Европе

The article provides a brief overview of the views of philosophers Ludvig Klages, Arne Næss and Villy Sørensen, whose works revolved around the relationship between man and the environment. The article then proceeds to compare their philosophical ideas with the popular concept of friluftsliv which closely intertwines with the lifestyle as well as regional and national identity of Nordic countries. It is revealed that the common ground of both the philosophical constructions of deep ecology and the practice of friluftsliv is the close emotional connection between humanity and nature as its original environment. The analysis of development strategies of friluftsliv in Denmark, Norway and Sweden highlights the potential of friluftsliv phenomenon to be a conduit for fostering wide public solidarity on the ‘green’ agenda and promoting ecological consciousness and eco-citizenship in Nordic countries, which also corresponds to the idea of aesthetic, beautiful actions as formulated by Arne Næss. The conclusion is made that the systematically implemented practice of friluftsliv in Northern Europe can serve as an example of overcoming the conflict between radical environmental alarmism and skepticism and of making environmental care a part of everyday life and national consciousness. The article also notes the threat of right-wing radicalism and right-wing extremism employing the environmental rhetoric in order to increase their popularity among the younger generation. Despite local environmental initiatives conducted under the auspices of such organizations, their ‘green’ rhetoric primarily serves to reinforce their more traditional agenda of restricting immigration and eliminating ‘foreign and hostile’ elements from Nordic society. The conclusion emphasizes the broad potential for the study of national ecological cultures and identities, which could complement and broaden the existing research on the ‘green’ parties and mass environmental movements.

ПОЛІТИКА ЧЕСЬКОЇ РЕСПУБЛІКИ ЩОДО БІЖЕНЦІВ РОСІЙСЬКО- УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ ВІЙНИ: ГОЛОВНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ ТА НОВІ ВИКЛИКИ

Based on a wide range of sources, the article analyzes the Czech Republic’s policy towards Ukrainian forced migrants in the context of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, its features, key factors and dynamics of development. It is emphasized that during the war, this Central European country proved to be one of Ukraine’s best allies, consistently demonstrating comprehensive support in the international arena, in the political, military and humanitarian spheres. It has accepted a large number of war refugees, offered them financial assistance, housing, jobs, medical insurance, the opportunity to continue their children’s education, and successfully coped with the largest wave of refugees in its history, becoming the third country by the number of migrants accepted. The article examines changes in migration policy in light of new challenges, its political and social context, positive and negative effects, and the essence of the draft law Lex Ukrajina I-V (five versions), which regulates the mechanism of temporary protection and the refugee support system. The author emphasizes the important role of public associations and Ukrainian-language media, which were established in the Czech Republic and significantly facilitate the stay of Ukrainians in a foreign country, assist in initial orientation and adaptation. It covers the legal status, integration potential and problems Ukrainian migrants face in everyday life, as well as the prospects of their return to their homeland. The author emphasizes the increasingly important role of Ukrainians in the development of the Czech economy and society. Based on the analysis of research conducted by Czech scholars, the article examines the attitude of Czech citizens to the development of the situation in Ukraine, the actions of the authorities regarding the Ukrainian issue and anti-Russian sanctions. The author notes a fairly high level of public solidarity but at the same time a gradual decline in its readiness to support Ukraine against the background of a permanent decline in sympathy for Russians and antipathy for Ukrainians.

Public solidarity during a pandemic: international experience

The article provides a meaningful analysis of domestic and foreign websites, which reflects up-to-date information about the peculiarities of civil activism and public solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic in such countries as: Great Britain, Canada, France, Australia, America, Mexico, Russia. In the course of the analysis, similar assistance programs, common motives of people to engage in volunteer activities are highlighted, and unique projects related to both the geographical location of regions and the mentality of citizens are indicated. An attempt has been made to prove that volunteering during the pandemic is an effective tool for the formation of social solidarity around the world, and its manifestation in difficult times is a necessary and effective way to preserve the social health of the population and maintain the socio-economic balance of states. It is concluded that self-isolation served as an impetus to strengthen social ties between people and led to the emergence of new forms of interaction, as well as support options for various categories of citizens. In conclusion, the statement is made about the importance of cooperation between civil activists and regional governments in terms of organizing productive interaction and providing prompt mutual assistance in the emerging challenges of unstable and rapidly changing reality.

‘Wogs’ and ‘Kikes’: the Jewish Tribune – West Indian World Controversy of 1978

ABSTRACT In early 1978 a conflict emerged between the Orthodox Jewish newspaper Jewish Tribune and the Black British West Indian World. After Tribune published a seemingly offensive Yiddish language editorial cautioning against Jewish public solidarity with West Indians, it was leaked to West Indian World who splashed it on their front page. This article will give a full account of the largely forgotten affair, focusing on the responses to it in the Black and Jewish press and examining what it illustrates about Jewish responses to issues of race relations in late 1970s Britain.

Regional identity and the sense of political belonging in a disputed land: the Golan Trail as symbolic socio-political initiative

ABSTRACT The long-distance hiking Golan Trail in Israel is a local socio-political initiative established in the internationally and locally disputed land of the Golan Heights, facing an uncertain political future. As uncertainty increased sharply in the 1990s, the leadership of the Golan region pushed for a comprehensive conceptual strategy change, intended to build local and public solidarity and a sense of spatial-political belonging. Our findings suggest that in the early 2000s, the establishment of the trail was initiated as an integral part of the conceptual strategy change, and upon its inauguration (2007) the trail was incorporated in educational and social programmes for the Golan settlers. The article analyses social and political discourse derived from documents and interviews, to illustrate the intention of using the trail for the purpose of ‘landscape normalisation’. The trail was to present the Golan as a safe and attractive destination of natural and human beauty, in addition to being a strategically important and integral part of the State of Israel. We argue that the creation of the trail and its use are an act of political symbolism, intended as a regional unification facilitator, and serving to downplay political uncertainty by boosting the perception of the Golan as geographically, socially, and politically normalized land.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH OF VOLUNTEERING

The article reveals the theoretical and methodological foundations of the study of volunteering in sociology in the aspects of social activity and social institution. Volunteerism is considered as an interdisciplinary concept, while attention is focused on the fact that sociology and its individual branches occupy a special place in the multidisciplinary study of volunteerism. The development of volunteerism in the context of social history is analyzed and periodization is determined, it is shown that volunteer activity is closely connected with the historical and social development of communities and states, as well as with the formation of civil society. Also, volunteering is analyzed through the prism of a social institution that forms a certain system of life values and attitudes that assume a unifying function, communicative, regulatory, the function of forming and consolidating social relations. It is concluded that the topic of the development of volunteerism is relevant in the global humanitarian sense and volunteerism can be considered as an element of civil society and a tool for strengthening public solidarity.

Лібертаріанство у політико-правовому просторі національної та громадянської ідентичності

Розглянуто недосліджену проблему впливу ідеології лібертаріанства на формування національної та громадянської свідомості. Доведено, що ідеологія лібертаріанства є руйнівною політичною технологією, спричиняє загрози процесам державотворення в Україні і є ідеологією викликів національній та громадянській ідентичності. Визначено, що ідеологія має визначальний вплив на формування державної політики, державного курсу забезпечення національної і громадської єдності Української держави.

Գյուղատնտեսության մրցունակություն. Վայոց ձորի եվ Արարատի մարզերի էմպիրիկ տվյալների վերլուծություն/Competitiveness of Agriculture. Analysis of Empirical Data for Vayots Dzor and Ararat Regions

The process of sustainable development of rural areas is used in terms of socialeconomic changes and economic development for rural communities. It is no secret that the opportunities for investment and employment in the rural areas of Armenia are limited; as a result, the main challenges in those areas are the aging population, the emigration of young people to urban areas, and other countries. Infrastructure in rural areas is underdeveloped, and opportunities for improving the quality of life of people are much smaller. Increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, the gradual improvement of the living standards of the rural population, the establishment of social justice, the establishment of public solidarity are based on the national security strategy of the country. ensuring the balanced territorial development of the country. With the development of the agricultural sector in the country, with the implementation of a targeted policy to create a favorable business environment and create a level playing field, the necessary preconditions will be created to ensure the country's food independence, meet the needs of consumers, create new jobs, improve the socio-economic situation of the rural population. in terms of supply chain, sustainable development, increasing rural incomes and strengthening rural areas. Therefore, from this point of view, the research is topical and urgent.

Dissent, its Persecutors, and the New Russia

The post-Soviet decades have brought about significant changes of the Russian social landscape. A countless number of civic initiatives engaged in charitable operation, legal assistance, education, environment, arts and culture, etc. have emerged across Russia. Self-help communities and effective crowd-funding for all kinds of purposes are evidence of public solidarity inconceivable in the Soviet state. The second half of the 2010s were marked by a rise in investigative reporting based on state-of-the-art data journalism and the rapid progress in social media. Apparently, the impressive rise in civil society has become a matter of growing concern for the Russian government, and in the past year, the Kremlin has stepped up persecutions of political activists and investigative media. This repressive surge is reminiscent of the events some four decades ago when the Soviet government undertook to radically eliminate the dissident movement. The activists of today may be different from the Soviet dissidents, but for now, they are just as defenseless vis-à-vis the state as the dissidents were.

Older People and HIV Infection: An Experience of "Ageing Badly" Within the City of Abidjan (Côte D'Ivoire)

In Côte d'Ivoire, active ageing remains a worrying and topical subject which requires cross-sectional studies. The present study is a contribution to this reflection with a particular focus on the "ageing problem" in relation to HIV infection. In a qualitative approach, individual semi-directive interviews were conducted with 23 people aged between 60 and 67 years, including 17 women and 6 men infected with HIV. They are members of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that provides assistance to people living with HIV (PLHIV). These respondents were selected for the study on a voluntary basis, based on availability and defined criteria. The interviews took place at the headquarters of this NGO over a discontinuous period from 26 April to 13 June 2021. The thematic analysis of the content of the speeches brought out the social representations of HIV/AIDS and of "ageing badly" among the respondents. The latter represent HIV/AIDS as "the disease of people with a bad lifestyle. They would have contracted it through a "spell" that would have been cast on them. They perceive being HIV-positive in old age and chronic geriatric illnesses as an expression of 'bad age'. Unprotected sex with multiple partners, infidelity within the couple and, indirectly, the use of aphrodisiacs are the risk factors that exposed them to the virus. HIV combined with underlying chronic illnesses has contributed to their fragility, social vulnerability and dependence. As they are victims of social rejection and stigmatization by their respective family members, the inclusion of older people living with HIV (PLWHA) in HIV/AIDS programs is essential. Similarly, sexuality education for older people is useful. It is therefore more than urgent to organize public solidarity around PLWHA in Côte d'Ivoire. Keywords: Older people, HIV, "Ageing badly", Côte d'Ivoire. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-22-06 Publication date: November 30 th 2021

White supremacist performance and its refusal: a reflection on the mosque shootings in Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

ABSTRACT The terror attack carried out at two mosques in Aotearoa New Zealand by a white supremacist in 2019 was intended as a spectacle for mass public consumption. Its live-stream on Facebook invited hyper-identification (akin to a first-person shooter game), exploiting the disembodied nature of digital connection. In this essay, I draw from Judith Butler’s concept of ‘hallucinatory merging’ to characterize this performativity and to suggest that both the killings and their filming were an attack on the ‘generativity’ of the assembly of bodies-in-prayer. The public response led by New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern avowedly rejected the ideology of white supremacy that motivated the attack. Her remark that ‘this is not us’ galvanized public sentiment, generating waves of public solidarity and a variety of public counter-performances. At the same time, this was a white supremacist act carried out in a settler (post-colonial) society, throwing into sharp relief the everyday performances of racial intolerance that trouble the notion that this is ‘not us,’ a point made by various communities including Indigenous Māori. In tracing the two opposed modes of performance – that of white supremacist exclusivity and a national narrative of inclusion – I reflect on their entanglement as well as their distinction.

Политическое сознание российского студенчества: общественная солидарность, доверие, взаимодействие

Политическое сознание российского студенчества: общественная солидарность, доверие, взаимодействие

State-Confessional Relations in Russia in a Pandemic: Challenges and Answers

The article discusses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the rhetoric of Russian representatives of traditional religions (Islam and Orthodoxy). As a context of this process, the author defines the contradictory trends taking place in society: trust / distrust of the state and religious institutions; strengthening / weakening of rationalism and trust in science, in particular medicine. The author used the concept of biopolitics by Michel Foucault, the concept of anthropocentric authoritarianism by David Chandler, the concept of the crisis of prevailing globalization by Jean Baudrillard as a methodology. In general, according to the author, despite the manifestations of fundamentalism in Orthodoxy, religious leaders supported the states position to quarantine and restrict the access of believers to churches, did not reject the scientific explanation for the pandemic, and proceeded from ideas about the social responsibility of the church, public solidarity, and the general fate of the entire population of Russia. At the same time, in the situation of an indefinitely long pandemic and the associated economic crisis, traditional religious structures have to find a middle path between modernists and fundamentalists in their ranks, as well as develop their own position in relation to the inevitable strengthening of state control over citizens.

Institute of volunteering as a modern form social solidarity for example of the all-Russian project #WeAreTogether

The article is devoted to the problem of public solidarity through volunteer activities during the fight against the pandemic. At the beginning of the article, the phenomenon of volunteerism is considered as a new social institution that is ready to consolidate society, contribute to solving global problems and meet the challenges of our time. Further, the concept of solidarity in the works of outstanding scientists is considered, which leads to the conclusion that solidarity is the most important component of civil society. The empirical study uses inductive content analysis using marker words from nine of the most popular Russian press publications from March to August 2020, which describes the types of volunteer activities during the pandemic, provides statistics across the country, reviews the results of work, and identifies the problems faced by both volunteers and citizens in need of support. A detailed analysis of solidarity in the framework of the activities of pandemic volunteers was conducted using the example of the all-Russian volunteer action #WeAreTogether. In conclusion, the results of the study allow us to state the fact that the fight against the pandemic has become the most important factor in uniting the citizens of Russia, where public solidarity is one of the main components of the development of civil society.