Contrary to popular opinion, Poland is not homogeneously Catholic country. Moreover, even Polish Catholics are deeply divided over many issues regarding their church. The subject that provokes exceptionally heated discussion is the question of greediness of church officials. Many Poles may look down at Czechs and treat them mostly as purveyors of good beer and […]
politics
Once upon the time there was an Empire…
Once upon the time, there was an Empire. An Empire that over the years was increasing its sphere of influence – not only conquering the lands of neighboring countries but also by building a network of dependant territories all over the word. This Empire has committed many sins – for example it allowed the population […]
How the British public is manipulated by British media
The Polish community in the UK has hardly ever a good press. Some titles seem to choosen the path of slagging Poles and spreading the myths about them as a way to improve their sales… But how true are the informations and general picture of the situation that can be made from reading such articles? […]
Quo vadis, Internet?
Translated by Craig Proctor Were the thousands who marched down the streets calling us to arms against ACTA the only ones concerned with internet freedom? The government’s designs on the internet users freedom were fought off, and their lives returned to normal, in other words Facebook, Google and other sites resembling Wykop and Reddit. Having […]
Why there are demonstrations in today’s Poland
On Polish Facebook one internet meme became very popular in recent days. In the background we can see a picture of recent riots, small crying kid is comforted by his mom. „Don’t be afraid, son, they are just patriots”. That’s true, recent events in Warsaw scared many Poles. But when asked by a foreigner what […]
On the fall of communism in Poland
When Lech Wałęsa, shouted “Pomożemya” together with other workers during the meetings with the Party First Secretary Edward Gierek in 1971, he really hoped that the Party would use his help and try to learn from its mistakes. “And what did Gierek do with our help?” he would ask later.1 Mistakes made by the government […]
Lithuania’s challenges in it’s transition from a Soviet Republic to a free European state.
Although the three Baltic States are often treated as they follow the same path, in fact differences between them are very significant. Especially Lithuania deserves some closer look as, unlike the other two, Lithuanians have long history of being recognized as a distinct ethnic group and separate state – first time this nation is mentioned in chronicles in 10091 […]
Role of Russian settlers communities in the consolidation of Soviet Union and it’s impact upon national identity development
For centuries, Russian settlement expanded the Russian empire. Settlers assimilated nations on the frontiers of the Empire. Huge areas of unpopulated land in Central Asia provided space for everyone to live beside each other, but the influence of Russian modern culture on their neighbours was overwhelmingly strong. Colonisation of Western borderlands was much more difficult […]
Account for the successes and failures of centre-right political parties in Poland between 1993 and 2007
Since the fall of the communism Poland is facing a substantial challenges. From Balcerowicz’s plan, throughout reformation of fundamental pillars of the state, accession to NATO and European community to oncoming EU presidency, the centre-right political parties are playing a significant role in the history. Although till 2007 on every consecutive elections power was shifted […]
Soviet Union in the Third World – the arena of Cold War games
Europe emerged from the Second World War as a divided continent. After stabilisation of the initial post-war chaos the Berlin Wall seemed to be unalterable, therefore neither West nor Soviet Union had a chance to gain anything on this field. Hence other areas had to become the board for the Cold War game for influence. […]