INTRODUCING AUDIO BOOKS TO STUDENTS OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT ULSIT

INTRODUCING AUDIO BOOKS TO STUDENTS OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE AT ULSIT

Author(s): Teodora Genova / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: pandemic; audiobooks; listening and reading skills; ULSIT; English;foreign language teaching

The COVID-19 pandemic period has brought into light different forms of learning and training particularly leading to the use of digital tools and technology. Given the fact that people used to spend their time working and studying mainly at home and predominantly in isolation, they had more time for solitary activities such as reading, which also has proven to have a soothing and therapeutic effect on the reader. In this respect, there has been an upsurge in the popularity of audiobooks since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. This fact can serve as a favorable opportunity audiobooks to enter the classroom and become an alternative to traditional forms of listening tasks when teaching a foreign language. This current trend in education corresponds fully to the aims and working outputs of the project entitled “Study of Attitudes to the Therapeutic Potential of Reading in Atypical Situations for the Individual” financed by the National Science Fund of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria with Contract № КП-06-Н45/2 from 30.11.2020, which has been implemented at the University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Sofia, Bulgaria. The purpose of this report is to examine the potential of how audiobooks can be used as a form of teaching general English to university students as their first foreign language in university context. The web page https://esl-bits.net/ index.htm has been used to select the appropriate materials for listening. In addition, a practical example of doing exercises where audiobooks are used is given following the three stages of devising a listening task: pre-listening, whilelistening, and post-listening. To support this, methodology guidance has been followed by the “Shaping the Way We Teach English” webinar series by the American English team (https://americanenglish.state.gov/). As a result of this practical example, the author of the report aims to find out whether there is any effect on their reading and listening skills, which are the most prevailing skills that can be affected after doing the exercises using audiobooks in the short term during the spring/summer semester, academic year 2021/2022.

Arabic and Semitic Studies at Sofia University and the Shifting Interactions of Bulgaria with the Middle East and Islam

Arabic and Semitic Studies at Sofia University and the Shifting Interactions of Bulgaria with the Middle East and Islam

Author(s): Simeon Evstatiev / Language(s): English / Issue: 39/2021

The Historical and Cultural Heritage of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Greece (Thessaloniki). Plans and Proposals

The Historical and Cultural Heritage of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Greece (Thessaloniki). Plans and Proposals

Author(s): Angeliki Delikari / Language(s): English / Issue: 33/2023

Keywords: Cyril; Methodius; Cyrillo-Methodian mission; Centre for the Study of the Cultural Heritage of Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki; Cyrillomethodianum.

The feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Liturgical Calendar of the Metropolis of Thessaloniki was first introduced in 1957. Until then a large number of Greek people had been unaware of the important role of the two saints and their accomplishments. Through initiatives (educational programs, workshops, summer schools, seminars and public lectures, broadcasts on radio and television, in newspapers and magazines) a larger part of the Greek population must be informed and made aware of the two Saints. In recent years there has been a tendency to dedicate monuments in memory of the Saints’ work in the city of Thessaloniki (the mosaic monument in the shape of a book on the grounds of the church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki, the cross of Cyril and Methodius on the New Promenade of the town and the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Park of Slovakia, etc.). The establishment of the Centre for the Study of the Cultural Heritage of Cyril and Methodius in Thessaloniki (www.kyrillos-methodios.gr) served the need to promote research into the life and work of Saints Cyril and Methodius both in Greece and abroad. Among other publications of the Centre is the publication of the journal Cyrillomethodianum (www.kyrillos-methodios.gr/cyrillomethodianum/).

The impact of the war in Ukraine on the EU agrarian economy, particularly in the Sugar sector

Въздействието на войната в Украйна върху аграрната икономика на ЕС, в частност върху сектор „Захар“

Author(s): Ivaylo Mochukov / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: war; Ukraine; Sugar sector; EU; impact

The impact of the war in Ukraine on agriculture and its consequences on staple foods are analyzed. The price and trade levels of the main agricultural products before and after the war conflict are studied. Their impact on the European agricultural sector and multiplier effect on the independent sugar sector is explored. A historical and comparative analysis is used to support this research. Three main reasons for instability in the sector because of the war have been identified: reduced production, increased consumption and limited imports. Based on the results of the research, a solution has been proposed to overcome the identified problems in the European Sugar Sector: introducing a preferential quota for the import of raw cane sugar which is intended for refining in countries that lack their own raw material for sugar processing (Region 3 in the EU, including Bulgaria).

The Translation of 1Cor 14:5–39 According to Vita Constantini-Cyrilli XVI:2–57

The Translation of 1Cor 14:5–39 According to Vita Constantini-Cyrilli XVI:2–57

Author(s): Thomas Daiber / Language(s): English / Issue: 33/2023

Keywords: Vita Cyrilli; translation; First Corinthians; Bible redaction; Holy Languages.

Chapter XVI: 2–57 of Vita Constantini-Cyrilli offers an unabridged translation of a lengthy passage from apostle Paul’s First letter to the Corinthians (14: 5–9). The Old Church Slavonic translation closely follows the Byzantine redaction of the Greek original; 5 variants are found, which are not covered in the Nestle/ Aland edition of the New Testament. While the Old Church Slavonic translation is a good example for the Bible tanslations made by Cyrill and Method in preparation of their Moravian mission, it poses two questions. The first question is related to the condition, the text is preserved in the transmitted copies of Vita Cyrilli. Sometimes the correct Old Church Slavonic translation of the Greek source can only been reached by a re-combination of the extent reading variants from different manuscripts. It can be asked why no copyist of Vita Cyrilli bothered to compare the text, he was copying, with a sound Church Slavonic translation, which had been possible, at least, after the appearance of printed Slavonic Bibles. The second question is related to the function, the lengthy translation may have in the context of Vita Cyrilli. Being an example for the high quality of the first Slavic Bible translation of Cyrill and Method, it may have been included into Vita Cyrilli originally in company with the Greek original. Additionally, the topic of ‘speech and language’ seems related to the narrative context of Vita Cyrilli, where the Venetian clergy promotes the theory of “Holy three languages”. The paper suggests, that the argument of “Holy three languages” has a more ‘nationalistic’ meaning here in comparison to Vita Cyrilli XV: 5, where the argument had already been used by the clergy of Salzburg.

Modern dimensions of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and their heritage in Slovakia

Modern dimensions of Sts. Cyril and Methodius and their heritage in Slovakia

Author(s): Peter Ivanič,Hilda Kramáreková,Martin Hetényi / Language(s): English / Issue: 33/2023

Keywords: Sts. Cyril and Methodius; Cultural Route; heritage; Nitra.

The heritage of Sts. Cyril and Methodius is part of the cultural wealth of several nations and countries, including Slovakia. The most famous present-day regular religious and cultural events dedicated to Sts. Cyril and Methodius are held in Nitra, Terchová, Bojná, Devín, Selce, Sečovce and Stropkov. In addition, Močenok organizes festivities associated with St. Gorazd, a disciple of the Thessalonian brothers. Regular local festivities are also held in some Roman Catholic parishes dedicated to Sts. Cyril and Methodius. After 1989, one could observe an increased degree of veneration of Sts. Cyril and Methodius also in the dedication of new sacral buildings in several villages in Slovakia. Currently, there are 106 larger sacral buildings (churches and chapels) in Slovakia under Cyril and Methodius’s patronage. The profane buildings that bear the name associated with Cyril and Methodius most often include educational institutions and their buildings (University of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra and the Roman Catholic Faculty of Theology of Cyril and Methodius at Comenius University Bratislava etc.). From among the medical institutions, this category includes the Hospital of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, which is part of the largest medical facility in Slovakia – University Hospital Bratislava. The symbolism of Cyril and Methodious was also found e.g. in the coat of arms of the village of Brodské in the district of Skalica. The coat of arms of this village near Skalica portrays two dominant figures who are sometimes interpreted as two Franciscans, but also as Sts. Cyril and Methodius. The second example is the coat of arms of the village of Nová Bošáca in the district of Nové Mesto nad Váhom, which – in addition to the typical plum tree – also includes the letters C and M, symbolizing the new patronage of the Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius. Intangible assets also include street and square names. In eight Slovak cities (Bratislava-Devín, Košice-Krásna, Nitra, Poprad, Zvolen, Hlohovec, Sečovce and Vrbové) and in the village of Slovenské Nové Mesto, there are squares named after Cyril and Methodius. Within the street names category, we have identified urbanonyms such as: Sts. Cyril and Methodius Street (11x),St. Cyril and St. Methodius Street (1x), Cyril and Methodius Street (1x), Cyrillo-Methodian Street (2x), Cyril‘s Street (2x), Constantine‘s Street (1x), Methodius‘s Street (5x), St. Cyril‘s Riverside (1x), St. Methodius‘s Riverside (1x). The establishment of the cult of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Slovakia can be observed through the growing number of St. Cyril‘s relics also. Currently, the most important impetus for the development of a modern perception of the ever-vibrant legacy of Europe‘s patrons is the certification of the European Cultural Route of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, but also the commitment to future generations in the implementation of the key principles of the Council of Europe (human rights, cultural democracy, cultural diversity and identity, dialogue, mutual exchange and cross-border and cross-century enrichment).

European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius

European Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Author(s): Martina Janochova / Language(s): English / Issue: 33/2023

ARDL Analysis for The Effects of R&D Expenditures on Economic Growth: The Case of Türkiye Between 1980-2020

ARDL Analysis for The Effects of R&D Expenditures on Economic Growth: The Case of Türkiye Between 1980-2020

Author(s): Hayri TANRIVERDİ,Serdar Öztürk / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: R&D Expenditures; Economic Growth; Time Series Analysis;

Growth rates are one of the leading performance indicators of countries in global competition. Generally, growth leads to an increase in employment rates. Technological investments have a larger positive economic effect in in developed countries. The percentage of infrastructure investments in growth is higher in developing countries. Infrastructure investments, while stimulating the economy during the investment period, make a minimal contribution to the economy in the period after the investment is over. On the other hand, industrial investments contribute to continuous economic growth as they sell products to domestic and foreign markets, especially after the investment period. While growth rates follow a more stable course in economically developed countries, they follow a more volatile course in developing countries. When we examine this situation, the economic, social, political, democratic, legal, etc., of the developed countries have sufficient progress in these areas and appear as a safe haven in the global capital markets. This study investigated the effects of R&D expenditures, the number of researchers, and obtained patents on national income between 1980-2020 in Türkiye. As a method, ARDL and Granger Causality analysis were used to produce different econometric models. According to the results of the causality analysis, it has been determined that there is a one-way causality from economic growth to patent. When the ARDL analysis was examined, it was revealed that there was a positive relationship between R&D and economic growth in the short and long run.

Dependency on Imported Intermediates in Turkey: Two Different IO Approach

Dependency on Imported Intermediates in Turkey: Two Different IO Approach

Author(s): Yasemin Asu ÇIRPICI / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Import dependency; Turkey; Input Output analysis;

Import dependency on intermediates is an important problem in the Turkish economy. Therefore it is subject to many empirical studies. These studies mostly depend on Input Output (IO) tables. In this study, the import requirement ratio (IRR) are calculated from the 2018 IO Table for Türkiye. Also, the IRR values are weighted by the value-added percentage of the sectors (IRR-VA) and it is compared with the results of the pure IRR values. It is seen that most of the sector rankings change significantly. According to the pure IRR calculations, the sectors that are most dependent on the imported intermediates are Coke and refined petroleum products, Electrical equipment, Motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, Rubber and plastics products, Chemical and chemical products, and Machinery and equipment, nec. On the other hand, IRR-VA calculations result in Construction, Electrical equipment, Transport, storage and communications, Coke and refined petroleum products, Food products, beverages and tobacco, Textiles, textile products, leather and footwear sectors. This indicates that a careful analysis is needed when it comes how to determine the import dependency on intermediates.

What Defines the Final Destination? Rights or Culture

What Defines the Final Destination? Rights or Culture

Author(s): Elif Kaya,Muhammed Kürşad ŞAHIN / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Migration; Rights; Culture; Social Cohesion;

Crossing borders legally or illegally, seeking for shelter in another land have been an issue of today’s world for the last couple of decades. Some specific regions affected more than others. Syrians, especially, as a result of the ongoing war within their borders, are forced to move for the sake of saving their lives. With respect to the religious, cultural, and social ties, it is expected that they would seek refuge into the wealthy Arab countries in the Gulf because of the good economic conditions as well as social and cultural ties. Instead, it is seen that Syrians mostly migrate to Turkey and European countries. Even if it is very complicated to analyse as the process is continuing, the reports, observations, and interviews make it possible to come to some certain point to comprehend the situation. When people are forced to migrate from their own country, it could be said there are two stages of it: 1st move, and 2nd move. In the 1st move, people are seeking security more than anything else. The political approach and legal applications of the government of a country towards migration as well as geographic availability are the first and foremost reasons why people choose to go to certain countries. As soon as life treating conditions are off the table, however, people seek for a place to settle and raise their children in, which can be called the 2nd move. In the second move, people look for security, and more. At this specific moment, social and cultural ties determine what to choose and where to go. In this paper, we are going to demonstrate the reasons behind these preferences by comparing people’s experience both in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Our data collection method is in-depth interviews with participants face to face and online. We analyse the data with descriptive analysis techniques. As a result of our research, we could say that fundamental rights and freedom are the most important reason. Human rights and feeling free in a country mean more significant than social and cultural ties for Syrian migrants.

A Linguistic Inquiry on Low Franconian Toponyms in Transylvania

A Linguistic Inquiry on Low Franconian Toponyms in Transylvania

Author(s): Ward Dewitte / Language(s): English / Issue: _/2021

Keywords: Toponomastics; Linguistic Inquiry; Toponyms; Transylvania;

While words are arbitrary in a lexical sense, names are bestowed on the basis of what they may have come to represent. Besides the capacity of identity-building, place names (toponyms) in particular provide linkage between land, population and cultural heritage. Toponomastics (also referred to as toponymy) – which is the study of place names – has accordingly been used as an auxiliary discipline in service of other scientific areas such as geography and historiography. Research on the etymology of toponyms has been used in an effort to describe the multiethnic, multicultural, plurilingual and multiconfessional environment of Transylvania. While Bóna considers that “c’est la toponymie hongroise qui domine l’ensemble de la Transylvanie”, a toponymic analysis of the region is no evident task as many names have travelled through several languages – a fact that has raised many etymological debates. However, not all toponyms are drowned in the same mystery. In their work, Rácz and Tóth have solely utilized place names derived from ethnonyms in an attempt to reconstruct the ethno-demographic composition of the Carpathian Basin in the centuries after the Hungarian settlement. The sole use of ethnic names ascribed to a people or group causes the evidence to be handled with some discretion. In the identification of the ethnic composition of an area in the given period, severely less attention goes to what Rácz and Tóth call loan-toponyms: toponyms that were borrowed from a non-Hungarian language due to the settlement of other ethnic groups in the area.

The Cauldron – a powerful feminine symbol of regeneration, enlightenment and human destiny

Котелот - моќен женски симбол на регенерацијата, просветлувањето и човечката судбина

Author(s): Gerlinde Glaser / Language(s): English / Issue: 82/2022

Keywords: cauldron; feminine symbol; human destiny; enlightenment

The myth of the cauldron is connected with the idea of rebirth and enlightenment and as such symbolizes the Great Mother’s womb. The witch’s cauldron, a vessel, where the secret ointment, requisite not only of the magic flight but of regeneration and future destiny, is brewing, is part of the myth and as such it is abundantly represented in various legends and tales about the iron mountain, iron doors or iron stoves. Furthermore, it is worshipped in holy wells and hot springs in earth-caves, whose bubbling and seething reminds of the ever-boiling cauldron.

The fairies: swinging between oppression and freedom

Самовилите: нишајќи се меѓу угнетувањето и слободата

Author(s): Leni Frčkoska / Language(s): English / Issue: 82/2022

Keywords: fairies; emancipation; pedagogy; ideology; rebellion; monstrosity

This paper interprets the character of the fairy (vila) in Balkan folklore, and it is mainly focused on the fairy’s potential for female liberation and emancipation. The paper is divided into three sections. The first one is focused on the three interpretative lines through which the characters of the fairies can be structured: the interpretation of their roles, characters and destiny in the frame of the male dominated, mainstream discourse as purely negative characters. This interpretation is focused on the fairies seen as the Others who challenge and tempt the order of man and therefore must be ‘punished’. The second interpretative line approaches the fairies in a semi positive sense, as an object of fascination and seduction. The main roles of the acting are still male. The fairies appear as partners of the male characters in various struggles and in resistance to the broader society, like a form of helper, an inspiration, but are still kept in the shadow of legality. The third line analyzes the fairies who appear as autonomous actresses with all their capacities and integrities.The second part of the paper is focused on explaining how, and through which symbols, the character of the fairy can be connected to that of the monster. It hunts the manners through which the symbols and the narrative techniques are combined to develop a paradoxical character that is simultaneously an ideally beautiful woman and a monster. The third part analyzes the fairies through the perspective of the gothic and the monstrous. It is mainly focused on the politics and the ideology “hidden” on the body of the creature that lived in the world beyond the regulation of society and how it performs important work for us as individuals and communities, policing our boundaries, defining our norms

Changes in the Experience of Stuttering Following Intensive Prolonged Speech and Non-Avoidance Treatments

Changes in the Experience of Stuttering Following Intensive Prolonged Speech and Non-Avoidance Treatments

Author(s): Dobrinka Georgieva,J. Scott Yaruss,Rositsa Stoylova / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: stuttering; adults; intensive treatment; speech language pathology

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to apply a multidimensional comprehensive instrument to evaluate the overall impact of stuttering (OASES-A)from the perspective of adults who stutter (AWS) who completed one of two intensive stuttering therapies: The La Trobe prolonged speech program and Van Riper’s non avoidance approach. Methods: The OASES-A was applied to evaluate participants’ perceptions of their experience of stuttering with the specific aim of compare the changes in the experience of stuttering following two intensive treatments. An essential element in post-treatment evaluation are changes in the speaker’s self reported quality of life. Results: OASES-A group results regarding the La Trobe and Van Riper intensive treatment outcomes show positive changes in stuttering experience for 27 AWS in four sections: 1) general information on stuttering; 2)reactions to stuttering; 3) communication in daily situations; and 4) quality of life. Conclusions: The article represents the first English-language documentation ofthe Bulgarian results of OASES-A application of previously conducted intensive treatments. OASES-A outcomes show significantly greater overall improvement and changes in the four sections that relate to the experience of stuttering following two intensive treatments. As a research-based instrument for assessment of quality of life in AWS, the OASES-A was easy to administer and analyze. The OASES-A describes in substantial detail the experience and influence that stuttering exerts on quality of life from the client’s perspective. Its application was preferred because it assists speech-language pathology Master’s degree students to recognize the speech needs, abilities, preferences, and interests of AWS.

30 YEARS OF THE EU’S PEACE, STATE AND DEMOCRACY BUILDING EFFORTS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: A FRAGILE PEACE, INCOMPLETE STATE BUILDING, SOME DEMOCRACY... AND NO EU ACCESSION

30 YEARS OF THE EU’S PEACE, STATE AND DEMOCRACY BUILDING EFFORTS IN THE WESTERN BALKANS: A FRAGILE PEACE, INCOMPLETE STATE BUILDING, SOME DEMOCRACY... AND NO EU ACCESSION

Author(s): Milenko Petrović / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: EU; Western Balkans; peace and state building; regional stability, EU accession

Ever since it failed to prevent the breakout of the post-Yugoslav wars in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (B-H) in the early 1990s, the EU has been extensively engaged in peace, state and security building and democratisation in the Western Balkans. However, the outcomes of this 30-year engagement are a mixed bag. Focussing on securing regional peace and stability through insisting on compliance with the SAP conditions and its own incentives for building state institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and putting the democratisation and compliance with the original Copenhagen accession conditions in the second tier, the EU has not secured lasting political stability in the region nor brought the Western Balkan states close to EU membership.

GLOBAL SECURITY TRENDS IN EURO-ATLANTIC AREA AND NATO NEW STRATEGIC CONCEPT

GLOBAL SECURITY TRENDS IN EURO-ATLANTIC AREA AND NATO NEW STRATEGIC CONCEPT

Author(s): Igor Gjoreski,Zoran Nacev / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: security trends; challenges; hybrid warfare; climate changes

The states face complementary with both conventional and non-conventional threats to global security and peace. If yesterday someone thought that conventional conflict in Europe is not possible, today it has to think differently. Contemporary threats are in symbiosis with global security trends that significantly affect resilience and direct the security of countries. Terrorism, hybrid warfare, cyber threats, climate changes, icecaps melt and new transport corridors open, such as the Northern Sea Route in the High North, outer space, Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs), scarcity of energy the security, threats posed by Russia, a competitive challenge of China as well as EU energy and economic challenges, upgraded by the EU geo-strategic partnership, the current threat of more frequent periodic pandemic presence, are some part of the trends, challenges and threats which countries in the Euro-Atlantic area are faced. The fast changing and rapidly evolving nature is a common feature of modern security trends, challenges and threats. Dealing with indicated security trends and threats requires fundamental changes in the mind set of perception of security by redefining the concepts of security and reorganizing the global security architecture in Euro-Atlantic Area. States often face an invisible adversary who is both their ally and their common enemy. Hybrid warfare and cyber threats are specifics warfare in alternative space, where “the battles” being fought in cyberspace, through disinformation, disintegration and the abuse of Internet through malicious operations on social networks. These clashes are more like battles of narratives in cyberspace than real - time battles on the battlefield. The multitude of information, i.e. disinformation that is placed, confused the public, and no one knows where it is and what the truth is. The challenge of such warfare affects the security of state sex pressed through the implications of their defence, multiplying the instability that leads to new vulnerabilities and crises. Artificial intelligence, EDTs presents at the same time are both, a new opportunities and risk, and together they are a key element for maintaining the military and technological edge of the states. The control of outer space is becoming increasingly important for the security as well as for the economy, energy and prosperity of states with far-reaching consequences that can have a destructive impact similar as conventional warfare. Consequently, each international organization and institution builds its own concept and strategy to dealing with such security trends, challenges and threats. The report of the reflection group “NATO 2030: United for a New Era” is a NATO’s vision for dealing with such global security trends, challenges and threats in the next decade and beyond. This document provides guidance on how the Alliance will adapt to new global security trends, challenges and threats. The practical operationalization of the mechanisms for dealing with them is expected to be formalized with the New Strategic Concept of the Alliance, announced by the NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg to be adopted in mid-2022. The EU, for its part, has developed a Strategic Compass. Only the UN seems to be resistant on the change. However, the efficiency of new concepts and strategies for dealing with contemporary challenges remains to be tested in practice.

SEMANTICS AND IDEOLOGY OF NUCLEAR ORDER

SEMANTICS AND IDEOLOGY OF NUCLEAR ORDER

Author(s): Biljana Vankovska / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: nuclear order; nuclear weapons; semantics; ideology

The article deals with the substance and rhetoric of the notion “nuclear order” in a deconstructivity manner. Building on the definition of nuclear order as a set of institutions, norms, and practices governing the development and use of nuclear technology, the analysis focuses more on what is behind this “pragmatic compromise” in the world of international(and nuclear) anarchy. The key premise is that the discourse and politics of nuclear order are mechanisms of normalization of nuclear danger as something that can be managed an dwell-ordered. This kind of thinking and dealing with the nuclear threat, which is becoming an imminent one by a day, is embedded in the ideology of imperial status quo. At a time when the humanity faces existential threat(s), inter alia because of a possible nuclear clash, the academic rhetoric and action should shift the paradigm away from the “Don’t Look Up” film parody. The current arrangements of nuclear constraints, deterrence, non-proliferation etc. should be pictured for what they really are: a politics of acceptance to a life on a brink of total disaster based on the false belief that the national security state and the military alliances are able to protect Us vs Them.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC – A CHALLENGE FOR CRISIS COMMUNICATORS

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC – A CHALLENGE FOR CRISIS COMMUNICATORS

Author(s): Želimir Kešetović,Muris Mujanović / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: pandemic; COVID-19; crisis communication

Crisis communication is an integral and very important part of crisis management which can significantly affect the effectiveness of overall efforts to prevent, mitigate and/or manage each crisis situation. This applies to all crises and disasters, especially those related to human health in general, epidemics and pandemics in particular. Despite the scenario of a possible pandemic being at the top of the risk register of a large number of countries, the whole world was unprepared and surprised by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that hit humanity in early 2020.Due to a number of characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic itself and the local/national but also global media and social environment, this pandemic has been and still is (since it is not over yet) a serious challenge not only for operational crisis managers (especially epidemiologists, but also overall national health systems) but also for crisis communicators. Factors that have made crisis communication particularly difficult in this crisis are: the unreliability/uncertainty of expert knowledge, unclear national strategies/approaches to pandemics, widespread infodemia (myths and conspiracy theories), and various national and global attempts at political instrumentalization of the crisis. All of this is happening incircumstances where trust in experts, the health care system and government institutions in general and political leaders in particular has been severely weakened (“post trust society”).Based on previous experiences, it can be concluded that there is no best and universally applicable crisis communication strategy in this crisis. What is certain, however, is the fact that this crisis represents an opportunity to learn in many segments, including crisis communication. In every state/society/community it is important to analyse particular segments of the public and understand their perception of the situation (e.g., young AfroAmericans in the US). In addition to the general rules and principles of effective crisis communication, the following factors are very important in its design: starting points and value systems, the interests and needs of those who manage the crisis; the pandemic strategy chosen; country development level, the educational level of the population, the availability of ICT; the characteristics of public opinion (critical or subject to manipulation);predominant national culture, mentality, values, tradition.

WOMEN´S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AFTER THE COVID-19: STATE OF THE ART AND SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA

WOMEN´S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AFTER THE COVID-19: STATE OF THE ART AND SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA

Author(s): Ana Belén Perianes Bermúdez / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: Gender Equality; Post conflict Settings; COVID-19; Economic Empowerment; Economic Justice

The aim of this paper is to provide a global view of the significance and state of the art of women´s economic empowerment and economic justice in post conflict settings for achieving not only gender equality but also the Women, Peace and Security Agenda as a broader goal in the framework of the 22th anniversary of the UNSCR 1325, the challenges this goal faces, opportunities, recommendations and future lines of research. Gender equality, human rights, poverty, development, climate change and peace are very closely linked. As a consequence, gender inequality is particularly severe in conflict affected and post conflict settings. The inequality that women suffer in these contexts increase several times over because of the structural discrimination they experience (as problems to access to education, health care, decent works and lacks of representation in political and economic decision-making processes) added to their situation as victims of violence. But above all these issues, women should not be just considered as victims as it seems to have been the case often throughout the years. It is indispensable to recognize them as leaders, referents and agents of change and to ensure they count with the required tools to achieve their full or wished potential. Women’s economic empowerment, economic justice and inclusive economic growth are critical to reaching gender equality and human rights, sustainable peace and development and resilient societies. The consequences of gender inequality in these contexts not only affect women and their families but also the whole of society and countries, leading to a huge loss of their collective potential which impacts on every political systems, social welfare, economy and workforce for generations. In this regard, the COVID-19 increased poverty, insecurity, gender inequality and vulnerability all around the world, but especially in conflict, post conflict and humanitarian settings.

COVID-19: IMPLICATIONS AT NATIONAL AND GLOBAL LEVELS

COVID-19: IMPLICATIONS AT NATIONAL AND GLOBAL LEVELS

Author(s): Dragan Trivan,Slavisa Kristic,Ena Todorović / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; conspiracy theories; vaccination; restrictive measures; consequences

The COVID-19 pandemic is in its third year and it has affected all continents, causing the biggest international crisis after the Second World War. Although the global vaccination process began in the beginning of 2021, continuous mutations and the emergence of new coronavirus strains have made it impossible to put the pandemic under control, leading to a wave of massive spread of the disease across the planet and causing the death of several millions of people. The very present anti-vaccine propaganda and the expressed resistance to vaccination have made the vaccination process of the population in many countries much slower and with less coverage than expected. Authorities in many countries have resorted to radical measures in the past period, including closing borders, rigorous surveillance, long-lasting and discriminatory restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly. The circumstances of the pandemic outbreak are not much clearer today than they were in the beginning, which is in favour of the widespread conspiracy theories, being promoted through social networks and internet portals. Economic consequences of the coronavirus are primarily linked to a significant decline in global GDP, reduced investment and the range of international trade, the rise in unemployment, the rise of fiscal and public debts, especially during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, the most powerful corporations, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry, reached the point of making extra profits. The already existing inequalities in healthcare and economic positions within national countries, as well as the differences among countries and regions, increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the general trend of increasing state aid and subsidies, the consequence of the coronavirus affected more vulnerable social groups much more severely. With general negative consequences in the medium term, the pandemic could encourage the acceleration of technological innovations, further change son the labour market and development of artificial intelligence in the long run. The world will not be the same in any case after the coronavirus, and along with other, things will change towards creating a safer society, with a higher level of healthcare and safety cultures.