The thesis seeks to answer the question of the reasons for the fear of Muslim immigrants, observable within the Polish society since 2015 migration crisis, despite the relatively low percentage of...Show moreThe thesis seeks to answer the question of the reasons for the fear of Muslim immigrants, observable within the Polish society since 2015 migration crisis, despite the relatively low percentage of migrants approaching the country. The author applies Arjun Appadurai's theory of the fear of small numbers and examines rhetoric of the crucial entities of the country, such as political parties, media and church, in order to analyse the changing attitude of the society, presented in national polls and voting.Show less
Whilst the principle of European solidarity has been promoted as one of the key parts of European identity, it remains a debated topic, due to the implications it has for Member States, for example...Show moreWhilst the principle of European solidarity has been promoted as one of the key parts of European identity, it remains a debated topic, due to the implications it has for Member States, for example in terms of giving up sovereignty. The prospect of European integration at different speeds has been seen in a negative light by the European Union, despite there being significant historical and structural differences amongst the Member States, which have not been resolved through EU membership. During the 2015 refugee crisis, solidarity became a hot topic once again, due to the overburden experienced in the arrival Member States of Greece and Italy. However, despite being a frequently evoked term, only the mandatory aspect of solidarity has been defined by the EU, who shuns the idea of a flexible solidarity. Whilst refusing the xenophobic ideals of the countries behind this new perception of solidarity, this thesis engages in a critique of the concept of mandatory solidarity, in light of different historical pasts, and experience with migration across Member States.Show less
Populism is a current political phenomenon in Europe. During the last ten years, the number of immigrants in Europe has intensified. Far-right populist political parties propose anti-immigration,...Show morePopulism is a current political phenomenon in Europe. During the last ten years, the number of immigrants in Europe has intensified. Far-right populist political parties propose anti-immigration, suggest xenophobic sentiments and take advantage of this significant European issue to gain popularity. By using a cultural and political perspective, this thesis has considered two case studies: Italy and Poland, which show to have high levels of xenophobia. The paper aimed at showing how Italian and Polish populists governing parties use a strategic reference to the constructed national identity and anti-EU rhetoric to instigate fear and xenophobia.Show less
Narratives in public discourse in Poland as reaction to the recent international media publications. To what extent did the narrative of public discourse in Poland change with regard to the...Show moreNarratives in public discourse in Poland as reaction to the recent international media publications. To what extent did the narrative of public discourse in Poland change with regard to the discourse of national identity and the perception of the European Union between accession to the European Union and recent political developments in 2018?Show less
With Raúl Castro taking over as president in 2008, the country has seen economic reform. Raúl allowed for Cubans to buy cars and houses and Cubans were allowed to work for themselves as...Show moreWith Raúl Castro taking over as president in 2008, the country has seen economic reform. Raúl allowed for Cubans to buy cars and houses and Cubans were allowed to work for themselves as entrepreneurs. With these alterations in the economy the question has risen in the international community whether Cuba will transition to a free market economy. The thesis will analyse Poland and China and will compare this to Cuba in order to come to a conclusion.Show less
Art provides a reflection on political and social conditions and for that reason, has been a tool used to express opposition. In communist Poland, film became a popular means for engaging in...Show moreArt provides a reflection on political and social conditions and for that reason, has been a tool used to express opposition. In communist Poland, film became a popular means for engaging in political discourse that would otherwise not be allowed. This thesis seeks to explore the role of art and film in Poland between the 1950s and 1970s, using Andrzej Wajda's film "Man of Marble" as a case study.Show less
The paper below is devoted to recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), its process, main actors and main policy issues. The negotiation process and its outcome is analysed in view at...Show moreThe paper below is devoted to recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), its process, main actors and main policy issues. The negotiation process and its outcome is analysed in view at the agricultural sector and government positions of two Member States (MS). Further the paper follows governments' positions before and during the negotiations as well as the inter-institutional negotiation process. Chapter 1 and part of Chapter 4 are devoted to the comparison of the Dutch and Polish agricultural sector and government policy positions. Chapter 2 presents the evolution of the CAP and state of play at the time of the negotiation start and refers to chronological method. Chapter 3 describes the institutional setting, in which the reform was negotiated and as such it applies institutional method. Chapters 2 and 3 present also the theories of the EU agricultural policy making process as well as the positions and usual stakes of the institutions, which are the main actors of the negotiation process. Chapter 4 is devoted to the comparison of the negotiation position of the institutions and both MS. In the conclusions, the presented negotiation process will be put in the theoretical basis provided in Chapter 2 and 3. Moreover, preliminary assumptions on the potential of the reform for both MS is gathered. When we compare the outcome of the reform and national policy papers we come to the conclusion that the reform has certain overlap with the content of Dutch policy documents analysed in this paper. Polish policy positions revolved mainly around the issue of creating more level playing field between the MS and this was realized to a very limited extent. In general the above analysis confirm that in the EU, the interests of one MS can be satisfied to very small extent and the final shape of the policy is dependent on the inter-institutional-, not intergovernmental negotiations. On the other hand, due to current role of the EP, representatives of the MS interests have another platform, next to the Council.Show less
In this study, I focused on how historians looked at British and American handling of the ‘Polish Question’ in World War II. This was from the moment the discovery of the mass graves at Katyn led...Show moreIn this study, I focused on how historians looked at British and American handling of the ‘Polish Question’ in World War II. This was from the moment the discovery of the mass graves at Katyn led to a break between the Soviet Union and the Polish government-in-exile in April 1943 to the end of the Warsaw Uprising in September 1944. I was particularly interested in what ways the United States and Great Britain wanted to solve this problem in accordance with the wishes of the Polish government-in-exile. It seems as if historians are biased on this subject. They mainly see a pleasing Allied side, desperately trying to keep Stalin in the War. Churchill and Roosevelt wanted to please Stalin so much, according to these historians, that they were willing to sell out their Polish allies and to forget about the Soviet crimes committed in the Easter-European country. Instead of this biased historical look on affairs, summarized in the schools of innocence and blame, I argue for the school of reconstruction or a more objective look at this subject.Show less
