Europe in the Time of crisis
Europe in the Time of crisis
Contributor(s): Stanisław Konopacki (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Philosophy, Social Sciences, Economy, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Sociology, EU-Legislation
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: crisis;European Union;Europe;Polish Constitutional Court;China;Ukraine;Russia;Gayropa;Common University Policy;USA;regional movements
Summary/Abstract: This volume, prepared in conjunction with the academic course European Integration at the Turn of the Twentieth and Twenty-first Century, features a collection of papers delivered during a series of lectures and seminars organized by the Faculty of International Studies and Political Science at the University of Lódz from 2011 to 2014. Some essays in the volume argue that the European Union is the most successful model of supranational governance since the rule of history's largest empires. Other works focus on various aspects of the European Union that have contributed to almost ten years of crisis.
Series: Uniwersytet Łódzki
- E-ISBN-13: 978-83-7969-269-9
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-7969-268-2
- Page Count: 216
- Publication Year: 2014
- Language: English
The writers’ Europe: an imagined community
The writers’ Europe: an imagined community
(The writers’ Europe: an imagined community)
- Author(s):Paul Michael Lützeler
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences
- Page Range:13-26
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:writers’ Europe;imagined community
- Summary/Abstract:What seems clear is that, in these writings of novelists and thinkers, fundamental ideas about, and designs for, the institutions of a unified Europe were developed. Many of these writers were exiled authors, and their international or transatlantic experiences protected them against provincialism and nationalism. Only in the wake of the catastrophe of the Second World War, after Europe had lost her independence, did the time appear to be ripe for building a new continental association (at the time a Western European community) that would have unity, economic cooperation and peace as its goal. And at that very moment in history, the vocabulary and grammar for a new political language, for a new common discourse on European unity, economic integration and peace were available, thanks to the continued centuries-old efforts of European writers and intellectuals.
Approaching Europe. Conceptions of German intellectuals in the 20th and 21st centuries
Approaching Europe. Conceptions of German intellectuals in the 20th and 21st centuries
(Approaching Europe. Conceptions of German intellectuals in the 20th and 21st centuries)
- Author(s):Leszek Żyliński
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences
- Page Range:27-37
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:approaching Europe;conceptions of german intellectuals;20th and 21st centuries
- Summary/Abstract:The discovery and building of Europe by Europeans has been a process to which writers and intellectuals contributed as much as rulers and politicians.
German and European experiences in developing national identity and patriotism – sheer resemblances or mutual inspirations?
German and European experiences in developing national identity and patriotism – sheer resemblances or mutual inspirations?
(German and European experiences in developing national identity and patriotism – sheer resemblances or mutual inspirations?)
- Author(s):Jakub Gortat
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences
- Page Range:39-55
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:german and european experiences;developing national identity;patriotism;sheer resemblances;mutual inspirations
- Summary/Abstract:The problem of a common European identity and a group of values that are recognizable for the whole European community seems nowadays to be a more current topic than ever before
Identity and differentiated integration in Europe
Identity and differentiated integration in Europe
(Identity and differentiated integration in Europe)
- Author(s):Zbigniew B. Rudnicki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Philosophy, Social Sciences
- Page Range:57-70
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:identity;differentiated integration;Europe
- Summary/Abstract:The fundamental distinction between us and them (insiders and outsiders), characteristic of the process whereby we shape our identities, is universal and timeless. It is already present in the first family-tribal communities, providing the basis for the most typical social divisions, and then later for political divisions. From a modern, contemporary perspective, identity has taken on a special significance as it now extends far beyond the boundaries of local communities, becoming part of the consciousness of large social structures, i.e. of national communities.
European Union citizenship and member state nationality: rethinking the link?
European Union citizenship and member state nationality: rethinking the link?
(European Union citizenship and member state nationality: rethinking the link?)
- Author(s):Dora Kostakopoulou
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences
- Page Range:71-79
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:European Union citizenship;member state nationality
- Summary/Abstract:That European Union citizenship remains an unfinished institution is beyond any doubt. Even its modest original content enshrined in the Treaty of European Union revealed this. Article 25 TFEU (formerly Article 22 TEC) has always carried the promise of the extension its material scope of Union citizenship by a unanimous decision of the Council in accordance with a special legislative procedure and after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament. Althought his procedure has not been activated yet, EU citizenship has evolved.
Exploring the European constitutional sphere. Centre – periphery perspective
Exploring the European constitutional sphere. Centre – periphery perspective
(Exploring the European constitutional sphere. Centre – periphery perspective)
- Author(s):Artur Niedźwiecki
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
- Page Range:81-93
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:european constitutional sphere;centre – periphery perspective
- Summary/Abstract:The main hypothesis of this paper is that the European Constitutional Sphere can be perceived of as a battlefield in the process of globalization of law and politics, existing between the Centre and Periphery of our continent. Moreover, we are currently witnessing a spreading crisis in traditional international law, understood as a normative order pursued by nation states through conventions, agreements, etc. The process of weakening both the institution of nation states and national identities brings about, slowly but steadily, a shift of power from the national to supranational level. We are gradually experiencing the emergence of a “Cosmopolitan Law” as a brand new post-modern legal order, extending beyond traditional concepts. However, it has yet to be explained whether this idealistic “Global Constitutionalism” is currently feasible and whether we – as Europeans – are willing not only to tolerate but to truly accept “Others” within our legal and political communities?
European integration in the light of the Polish Constitutional Court’s judgments
European integration in the light of the Polish Constitutional Court’s judgments
(European integration in the light of the Polish Constitutional Court’s judgments)
- Author(s):Danuta Kabat-Rudnicka
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence
- Page Range:95-106
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:european integration;polish Constitutional Court’s judgments
- Summary/Abstract:It has been ten years since Poland became a member of the European Union (EU). Poland joined the EU following successful negotiations, signing the Treaties and their subsequent ratification. However, there remain issues that have not yet been agreed upon, either because they are not negotiable or are too controversial and too political.
Lingual performance and attitude towards regional movements: Silesia
Lingual performance and attitude towards regional movements: Silesia
(Lingual performance and attitude towards regional movements: Silesia)
- Author(s):Thomas Daiber
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Language and Literature Studies, Economy, Geography, Regional studies
- Page Range:107-126
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:lingual performance;regional movements;Silesia
- Summary/Abstract:It is well known that since the 1980s the political importance of regional political movements in Europe has grown ever more and yet there exists a huge amount of mostly political and sociological investigations about the phenomenon. The majority of the authors seem to agree, that the regionalist movements should be viewed in relation to discrepancies between the respective national government and the supranational European level.
Rise of Asia: implications for Europe and the United States
Rise of Asia: implications for Europe and the United States
(Rise of Asia: implications for Europe and the United States)
- Author(s):Rouben Azizian
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:127-139
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:rise of Asia;Europe;United States
- Summary/Abstract:There appears to be a consensus that Asia is “rising.” Much of the change in the decades ahead will relate, of course, to the rise of China and, in China’s wake, the rise of India. They add to Asia’s already substantial share in the world economy and, within little more than a decade or so, that will make Asia the largest centre of world output and trade of any region in the world — bigger than North America, and bigger than all of Europe.
The impact of the current economic crisis on the Chinese position in Europe
The impact of the current economic crisis on the Chinese position in Europe
(The impact of the current economic crisis on the Chinese position in Europe)
- Author(s):Tomasz Kamiński
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:141-151
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:economic crisis;chinese position in Europe
- Summary/Abstract:Since the beginning of the financial crisis relations between the EU and China have fundamentally changed. Beijing used to be a recipient of European aid and investments. Nowadays, China is perceived as a donor and investor, and thus the status quo has changed. Coming back to Whalley’s concept of economic power, Chinese “bargaining power in cooperative arrangements between countries” has definitely increased, and so has its retaliatory power. Beijing has a new instrument that can be used in political relations with European partners: investment promises. For the time being its importance may be limited, but it could become very valuable for China in the future.
Ukraine – EU relations: modernisation context and the present tasks
Ukraine – EU relations: modernisation context and the present tasks
(Ukraine – EU relations: modernisation context and the present tasks)
- Author(s):Oleksandr Poltoratskyy
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:153-157
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Ukraine;EU relations;modernisation
- Summary/Abstract:In outlining the theoretical aspects of this topic, one should above all note the modernization phenomenon, which began to attract the attention of the world research community as early as in the 1950s–1960s, with the emergence and development of the political modernization theory. The basis of this theory was the justification of a general model of global development of human civilization. Modernization was then seen primarily as Westernization, aiming at the transition from a traditional to a modern society through scientific and technological progress, socio-structural changes, as well as transformation in state regulations and value systems. Modernization was therefore understood as the purposeful determination of a state to make qualitative changes in its society.
Challenges and opportunities of the common EU energy market
Challenges and opportunities of the common EU energy market
(Challenges and opportunities of the common EU energy market)
- Author(s):Mariusz Ruszel
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:159-168
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:challenges;opportunities;common EU energy market
- Summary/Abstract:The creation of a common EU energy market is a challenge which the governments of EU countries and EU institutions have to meet. The difficulties experienced so far in the scope of implementation of EU directives concerning the liberalisation of the energy market confirm that member states trying to reach the EU goals are simultaneously attempting to protect the interests of their own energy companies.
Hidden parallels transformation research and European studies in dialogue
Hidden parallels transformation research and European studies in dialogue
(Hidden parallels transformation research and European studies in dialogue)
- Author(s):Timm Beichelt
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:169-188
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:hidden parallels;transformation research;european studies;dialogue
- Summary/Abstract:Scientists often distinguish three groups of countries in the post-socialist area. The hub of the first group is Russia, the country that – as a self-contained entity – has often been a core subject of the traditional so-called ‘East European studies’. In spite of all the difficulties following the demise of the Soviet Union, the political leaders of Russia managed to maintain strong ties with a small circle of states (e.g. with Belarus or Kazakhstan). The second group is comprised of the countries of East Central Europe (that is the Baltic states, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia) which, slowly but surely, have stopped being the subject of interest of East European studies. Their membership in the EU and their political aversion to Russia has led to the situation whereby the most important coordinates of their political development are being determined in Brussels and in cooperation with the other members of the EU.
GAYROPA and the bear: how gender discourse shapes the contemporary Russians’ attitudes to Europe
GAYROPA and the bear: how gender discourse shapes the contemporary Russians’ attitudes to Europe
(GAYROPA and the bear: how gender discourse shapes the contemporary Russians’ attitudes to Europe)
- Author(s):Oleg Riabov, Tatiana Riabova
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences
- Page Range:189-205
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:GAYROPA;gender discourse;contemporary Russians’ attitudes;Europe
- Summary/Abstract:Gender discourse plays an important role in contemporary Russians’ attitudes toward Europe. On one hand, it negatively influences the image of Europe, while on the other it reflects many significant aspects of Russians’ comprehension of Us versus Them. Due to the role which gender images, symbols, and metaphors play in constructing social boundaries and hierarchies, they are widely used in the representations of Russian-European relations. Influential politicians and experts speak out on the issue, and leading publications are publishing articles provoking a huge response among commentators on the Internet.
Towards a real Common University Policy
Towards a real Common University Policy
(Towards a real Common University Policy)
- Author(s):Gilles Guyot
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, History, Social Sciences, Economy
- Page Range:207-214
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Common University Policy;Bologna process
- Summary/Abstract:Today, we look at Europe through the prism of the last three centuries: “a tale… full sound and fury,” the story of the nations of Europe. But, Europe of peoples is a region characterized by a large variety of cultures united by individualism, the Greek reason and the Jewish-Christian heritage. If the latter has been carried by the Catholic Church, the former ones have been passed by universities which were based on Greek philosophy and Roman law. Those values have emerged during the Middle-Age, thanks to the separation of Augustinian spheres that universities have successfully completed, and later, they have developed a reasoning thinking until the coming up of experimental science in the 16th century (Copernicus, 1543; Galilei, 1623).
