Formy komunikácie politických elít v stredovekej strednej Európe (Uhorsko, Rakúsko, České krajiny, 1250 – 1350)

Author(s): Dušan Zupka / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 3/2018

The aim of this article is to give an account of the ritualized ways of communication of the ruling communities of the high and later Middle Ages in the Central European region. It focuses on the neighbouring realms of Bohemia, Hungary and Austria in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries (c. 1250 – c. 1350). It argues that the ruling communities were formed from diverse political groups, most prominently represented by the ruler and his entourage (dynasty, court) on the one hand and the elites (both lay and spiritual) on the other. The rule (lordship) over a particular realm was a mixture of co-operation, competition and compromise between these groups. Secondly, these political communities therefore felt the constant need for public representation of their status, rank and symbolic role within the society. Effective ways to express belonging to a political group included a range of symbols, gestures and specific rhetoric.

The secret book trade after the outbreak of the Great French Revolution. Symptoms of the latent history of communication

Author(s): Ivona Kollárová / Language(s): English Issue: 5/2018

The study analyses the censorship legislation and censorship records from the period of the Great French Revolution with the aim of pointing to the existence of a latent world in the history of communications as a result of the action of disciplinizing pressure. It captures the investigation of the distribution of anonymous political pamphlets and the unsuccessful search of the whole of Hungary for the secret private printing press with the aim of eliminating the problematic anonymous texts that threatened the public peace. Analysis of the innovative censorship legislation and sources on the investigation and testimony of importers enable us to generalize about not only the adaptation of importing practices to the adjusted conditions, but also about the methods of exculpation in the detention of suspected goods. The study shows that the illegal book trade was an important part of the history of communications, which spread and reproduced untolerated ideas in spite of prohibitions.

Sloboda tlače v uhorskom neskoroosvietenskom diskurze

Author(s): Ivona Kollárová / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 3/2015

The study analyses the socio-political discourse about freedom of the press in the Kingdom of Hungary in the context of the 1790-1791 parliament and the work of the commission for public and political affairs on the preparation of legislation on freedom of the press in the period 1791 – 1794. Against the background of Hungarian constitutionalism, it notices the opposition and argumentation of Hungarian county authorities concerning decrees on the closure of private printing presses.It analyses further philosophical, religious and political considerations, in order to point out their context in the philosophy of the European Enlightenment, the concept of the social contract, the French revolution and its liberal ideas. It shows how the concept of the nation and the development of its culture as an expression of Hungarian nationalism was brought into these considerations, and that the intensive debate on freedom of the press and expression had no impact on the growing pressure of censorship as an expression of a weakened political power.

Ideologicko-persuazívne prejavy v publicistických titulkoch denníka Pravda v 60. rokoch

Author(s): Patrícia Molnárová / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 2/2020

The contemporary newspaper headlines in the form of an individual part of the journalistic text fulfil, in addition to the basic information and orientation functions, also the function of evaluation, persuasion or manipulation. The tendencies of the latter result from the political and ideological context. In the 1960’s, the manifestations of ideology were reflected in the overlap with the linguistic sphere, creating a specific form of the language of socialism. The extralingual overlap of ideology into language was applied in connection with formal shape and semantics of newspaper headlines in a nationwide political press of Communist Party in Slovakia. The aim of the paper is to identify, analyse and interpret the persuasive and ideologically determined elements in the analytical journalism in Pravda newspaper in the years 1961 – 1970. The research focuses both on a typographic depiction of headlines and of the occurrence, application and function of language in a lexical, semantic and stylistic level.

Nedisciplinovaní cenzori. Priestupky a konflikty vykonávateľov dozoru ako zákulisie systému sociálnej displinizácie

Author(s): Ivona Kollárová / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 2/2023

The study is a continuation of research into human resources for censorship offices after the reform of Joseph II. The author analyses the adaptation of local censors in their positions through censorship cases, offenses and conflicts on the basis of preserved sources. It brings information about previously unnoted censors and offers a nonstereotyped perception of their role. The research shows the problems of complying with the valid regulations and the obedience of the local censors to the superior study director emerges as the most problematic area. Censors were often the authors of texts that can be regarded as pamphlets, so they tended towards the publishing activities, they were supposed to fight against. In the case of Professor at the Law Academy in Košice and censor Ignátz Gotzigh emerges a hitherto almost unknown, very interesting oppositional and peculiar personality with a non-dogmatic way of thinking. Research has shown that those who were sought after, put in their positions and paid to see to the reproduction of social obedience were not obedient themselves. From this point of view, the censorship administrations can be seen as a „hole in the fence“ protecting “the state, religion and morality”, as a weak spot in the protection of the rules and the social status quo.

The Role of Cognitive and Emotional Factors in Demobilization: The Pro-choice Protest Movement Activity in Poland

Author(s): Joanna Rak,Roman Bäcker / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2023

The paper aims at contributing to our understanding of the role of emotions in the protest movements’ demobilization by drawing on the pro-choice protest movement activity in Poland. The two most significant waves of social mobilization in the history of democratic Poland were an expression of opposition to the tightening of anti-abortion laws. Although those populist movements failed to achieve their goals, their mass activity ended. Charles Tilly’s and Sidney Tarrow’s theoretical framework of demobilization explains the dynamics of contention only to some extent. Accordingly, demobilization began when most protesters became discouraged due to repression, boredom, and the desire to return to their everyday life. However, it is a puzzle under what conditions these cognitive factors translate into demobilization in a way that shapes and finishes the trajectory of movement activity. The study contributes theoretically to social movement studies and contentious politics by developing the theory of demobilization. It also sheds light on the role of emotions in orienting and shaping mass mobilization. Furthermore, it contributes empirically to studies on pro-choice activism in Poland by explaining the dynamics of the two great waves of mass mobilization.

Leadership in International Populism: How Viktor Orbán´s Hungary Shows the Way

Author(s): Igor Macedo Piovezan,Martijn Mos / Language(s): English Issue: 4/2024

Although a burgeoning literature explores the international dimensions of populism, we still know little about how populist leaders gain international popularity. This paper describes how Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, has emerged as the role model of international right-wing ´ populism. It demonstrates that Orban actively supplied himself as an example that like-minded ´ politicians should follow. We draw on the concept of legitimation strategies to illustrate why Orban´ markets himself as the leader of an international movement against liberal ideologues (Wajner, 2022). At the same time, populists in many countries have searched abroad for a successful model to follow. Orban´ ’s anti-migration policies and his defense of conservative family values constitute chapters of an illiberal playbook that right-wing populists are eager to implement. We use the concept of authoritarian learning to develop this demand-side perspective (Hall and Ambrosio, 2017). Empirically, we demonstrate our argument through an analysis of speeches delivered at a leading gathering of right-wing populists and moral conservatives: the Hungarian editions of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that took place in Budapest in 2022 and 2023.

PRIVATIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION POLICY IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

Author(s): Christiana Kayinwaye OMOREDE,Ruth OGAGA / Language(s): English Issue: 29/2023

This study focused on the privatization and commercialization policy in the telecommunication industry in Nigeria, within the period 2012-2020. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the privatization and telecommunication industry on the nation’s economy. The paper utilized the secondary source of data and desk analysis in discussing the paper. The paper highlighted some challenges facing the Nigerian telecommunication industry in its new era which amongst others include, inadequate power supply, and transmission infrastructural challenges. In a cross examination of the policy under review, the paper discovered amongst others that, privatization and commercialization in Nigerian telecommunication industry have affected the economy positively. Also, the paper revealed that the deregulation of the telecommunication industry has provided a huge boost in the growth of the industry. In terms of employment opportunities, the study revealed that, the privatization and commercialization of the telecommunication has improved the employment rate in Nigeria. The paper therefore concluded that privatization and commercialization of the telecommunication industry has opened up new frontiers for communication and expanded the economic base of the economy. The paper recommended amongst others that the government should continue to create a conducive environment for the telecommunication industry to flourish.

“The Bolshevik” and “The Martyr”: Mapping the Romanian Far-Right’s Rehabilitation of Mircea Vulcănescu through Digital Memory Activism

Author(s): Adina Marincea / Language(s): English Issue: 17/2024

Despite legal condemnations of the Romanian war criminals and the existing – but poorly implemented – legal sanctions, we see an increasing rehabilitation of historical figures responsible for the Holocaust in Romania. A reframing and rewriting of history are taking place through the whitewashing of the most radical interwar fascist criminals and ideologues as “martyrs” and anti-communist “prison saints”. Antisemitic, ultranationalist ideas and discourses of the Romanian interwar far-right are being repackaged with the help of the online environment, and a reversal of the victim/perpetrator roles occurs. This is done by a network of actors, ranging from grassroots neo-legionary, Orthodox fundamentalist and ultranationalist groups, right-wing football ultras and “alternative” media up to the highest fora of representative democracy. The 2020 legislative elections marked a historical turn through the access to power of “radical return” parties and politicians reviving fascist inter­war symbols, for the first time after 1989. As a result, far-right senators are livestreaming political declarations honoring war criminals such as Mircea Vulcănescu and downplaying the Holocaust, normalizing such revisionist, denialist attitudes. The current study maps the contemporary far-right network of actors who actively contribute to this process of rehabilitation, rewriting, and circulation of fascist interwar memory through digital videos, memes, blog articles, social media content, and public chats. The study employs a network analysis and a qualitative content analysis, starting from a corpus of posts extracted from 28 Romanian far-right Telegram channels. The analysis uncovers the discursive mechanisms employed in this process of far-right digital memory activism.

Pohled na vítěze: Peter Pellegrini v prezidentských volbách na Slovensku 2024

Author(s): Pavel Hynčica,Daniel Šárovec / Language(s): Czech Issue: 2/2024

The 2024 presidential elections in Slovakia were, after the 2023 parliamentary elections, another crucial indicator of where the country will go. From the nine candidates, the two strongest – Peter Pellegrini and Ivan Korčok – finally advanced to the second round. This political battle significantly reflected the divided Slovak political scene and Slovak society. Although Ivan Korčok won in the first round, Peter Pellegrini scored a more significant win in the second round. This analysis focuses on the political influence of Peter Pellegrini on the Slovak political scene. The article takes note of the context and circum- stances under which this politician – until recently the chairman of the HLAS-SD party – decided to run for the position of president, further to the analysis of his election campaign and finally to the analysis of the election results achieved in the first and second rounds of the presidential elections. Ultimately, the goal is a critical evaluation of Peter Pellegrini‘s electoral success in the context of the characteristic features of current Slovak politics and the consequences that this result may have for its further formation and development.

Mass Media and Democratic Decline in Poland Using the Example of the State’s Policy Towards Supervisory and Control Bodies

Author(s): Jakub Potulski,Katarzyna Kamińska-Korolczuk / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

In contemporary Poland, there is ongoing struggle for control over the public media system. The current political conflict is the result of the democratic backsliding. In recent years, during the rule of the conservative Law and Justice party, Poland has experienced a democratic recession. Institutions studying the quality of democracy worldwide are pointing out the deteriorating quality of Polish democracy and the undermining of the achievements of the political transformation. This decline resulted from a deep social and political division as well as from the fact that the public space was dominated by ethno-populist rhetoric, which constituted the main element of the political appeal of the Law and Justice party, which ruled in Poland from 2015 to 2023. The democratic backsliding in Poland was particularly visible in two areas: justice and public media. Representatives of the Law and Justice party brought about the politicisation of the public media and the limiting of their role as a critic and controller of the actions of people in power. That led to a weakening of the democratic check and balance mechanisms. In this article, the authors analyse the process of the democratic decline in Poland, using the example of the Law and Justice party’s policy towards public media.

Uniwersalizm moralny w czasach politycznego regresu. Jürgen Habermas o współczesności i dziele życia

Author(s): Jürgen Habermas / Language(s): Polish Issue: 19/2020

Jürgen Habermas obchodził w 2019 roku 90. urodziny. Wykorzystaliśmy tę rocznicę jako okazję, aby porozmawiać z jednym z najbardziej wpływowych współczesnych intelektualistów o aktualnych wydarzeniach społeczno-politycznych w kontekście jego myśli filozoficznej. W tym celu odwiedziliśmy go w marcu 2019 r. w jego domu w Starnbergu, gdzie odbyliśmy rozmowę wstępną. Właściwy wywiad przeprowadziliśmy w październiku w formie pisemnej. Claudia Czingon, Aletta Diefenbach i Victor Kempf1

Po Habermasie: sfera publiczna w czasach niepewności. Wstęp do numeru specjalnego „Władzy Sądzenia”

Author(s): Przemysław Pluciński / Language(s): Polish Issue: 19/2020

Zepsuty świat

Author(s): Katarzyna Tórz / Language(s): Polish Issue: 19/2020

Two narratives about Poland and society. Analysis of news programmes: Fakty TV and Wiadomości TVP

Author(s): Marcin Kotras,Maja Urbańska / Language(s): English Issue: 24/2023

The media landscape in Poland is increasingly polarised, with broadcasters promoting biased narratives that conveniently omit certain issues that do not align with their agenda. These narratives use rhetorical devices and symbolism to manipulate people’s perception of social reality and cultivate a shared worldview that legitimises their stance. This polarisation is linked to political parallelism, where media outlets align themselves with specific political factions and abandon their impartiality.In Poland, identity media is prevalent, with broadcasters providing pre-packaged interpretations of news stories that further fuel the polarisation. It creates echo chambers, also known as epistemic bubbles.The study examined news coverage from Wiadomości TVP and Fakty TVN, analysing the narratives presented and the values and topics covered. Broadcasters promoted different narratives, contributing to social divisions and strengthening dichotomy, with fixed topics dominating the coverage. The study underscores the media’s significant role in changing public opinion pressure, especially in controlling the authorities.

Нам (не) заборонено говорити

Author(s): Khrystyna Morozova / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 05+06/2024

In the summer of 2022, following the liberation of Kyiv, volunteers were asked to dig trenches around the city for better protection. This task, though seemingly mundane, highlighted the deep connection and support civilians felt for the military. The narrative delves into the complexities of writing about war, especially for those who haven’t directly experienced it. It raises questions about authenticity, the right to narrate war stories, and the varied experiences of individuals across different regions and roles. The author reflects on the importance of personal experience in storytelling and the challenges of capturing the true essence of war. The piece emphasizes the need for careful handling of war memories to prevent distortion by propaganda and acknowledges the diverse and invaluable experiences of all involved in the conflict.

Ігор Соловей: "Ми показали, що є зв’язок між тим, що робить солдат на полі бою, і тим, що говорить його президент"

Author(s): Lenka Víchová / Language(s): Ukrainian Issue: 01/2024

In an interview with Ihor Solovey, head of the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, the challenges of combating Russian propaganda are explored. The Center, initially an analytical body, shifted to proactive measures following the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Solovey highlights the importance of verified information and the Center’s role in aggregating and disseminating it. The Center’s efforts include educational programs on Russian disinformation and strategic communication, certified by the National Agency of Civil Service. Solovey also discusses the Center’s proactive campaigns, such as promoting vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and countering Russian propaganda narratives. The interview underscores the need for international cooperation to combat information crimes and the importance of clear, human-centered communication.

„Ať obžalovaný nevstupuje do otázek, ruší nám to natáčení“

Author(s): Luboš Kokeš / Language(s): Czech Issue: 03/2024

In August 1954, Josef Pažout, a farmer from Bystřice, faced a politically motivated trial for allegedly failing to meet agricultural quotas and hiding anti-state leaflets. Despite his vigorous defense, he was sentenced to six months in prison and fined 5,000 Kčs. The trial, held in a local tavern, was recorded and later discovered in the Plzeň archive. This unique audio recording, now available on the Politickeprocesy.cz website, reveals the manipulative nature of the proceedings, including a note instructing the prosecutor to prevent Pažout from disrupting the recording. The project aims to make such historical records accessible, shedding light on the injustices of the communist regime. Future efforts will focus on the trial of Milada Horáková, with extensive documentation and contextual analysis.

LE MESSAGE ANNUEL DU PRÉSIDENT POUTINE: LA FISCALITÉ AU SERVICE DU BUSINESS RUSSE?

Author(s): Olga Sharapova-Hang / Language(s): French Issue: 7/2016

La tradition du message annuel adressé à l’Assemblée fédérale de la Russie (formée des deux chambres du Parlement) fut établie par le Président Boris Eltsine en 1994. Dans le contexte d’une République parlementaire de jure et d’un régime présidentialiste de facto, ce discours devint vite une sorte de « thèses d’avril » en déterminant la politique de l’État pour l’année à venir. Le 1er décembre 2016, le Président Vladimir Poutine dévoile les priorités du pouvoir public pour l’année 2017 en prononçant la 22e allocution devant les parlementaires. Le contenu de ce message, habituellement étendu à l’économie, au secteur social, à la politique nationale et internationale, est principalement réduit aux objectifs à atteindre en matière socioéconomique cette fois-ci.

Cyber Risks to National Security: Manipulation of the Electoral Process Through the Use of Bots and Algorithms on Social Platforms

Author(s): Cristian Cucoreanu / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2024

Developments in digital technologies and the growth of social media networks have brought to the forefront new risks and vulnerabilities to national security, including the manipulation of elections through cyber-assisted means. This article examines at a theoretical level how bots and advanced algorithms are being used to disseminate disinformation, amplify controversial content and influence public perceptions during election campaigns. The study briefly analyzes the mechanisms through which these digital tools exploit the vulnerabilities of social media platforms, with a direct impact on the transparency of the democratic process. The legal implications of these practices are discussed, as well as countermeasures adopted at national and international level. Finally, the article proposes solutions to strengthen the cyber defense capacity of states and protect the electoral process from cyber threats.