Balkan Social Science Review

Table of Content

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

Tabel of content

LEGAL PROTECTION IN PUBLIC MONETARY MANAGEMENT: SOME GENERAL THOUGHTS WITH AN EXAMPLE OF SERBIAN FRAMEWORK

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

The subject of analysis in this paper is to determine the features of the legal protection procedure in the segment of public monetary management as a sui generis subsystem of public administration defined and implemented by the central bank as the supreme monetary institution and guardian of the monetary sovereignty of each state. In this sense, the first part of the paper points out the concept and features of the modern monetary order and the normative regulation of public monetary management, which aims to protect monetary stability as a public good. In contrast, the second part of the paper points out the specific way of implementing the active and passive process capability of the central bank in monetary disputes that represent a new type of administrative dispute in which the court decides on the legality of central bank measures or in which they require legal protection from the influence of other authorities. The subject of particular attention is the identification and functional analysis of the mechanism of legal protection in the domain of monetary management in Serbian monetary law to recognize the axiological matrix of existing solutions de lege lata and make concrete guidelines de lege ferenda, taking into account the fact that the procedure is in the function of protecting the rights of citizens to a safe and solid currency, the right to the monetary credibility of the domestic banking system and the preservation of living standard.

THE RIGHT TO ACCESS THE FILE IN COMPETITION PROCEEDINGS: ALBANIAN AND WESTERN BALKANS CHALLENGES IN THEIR EUROPEAN PATH

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

The purpose of this paper is to examine the right to access one's file in competition proceedings, as part of the right to fair trial provided by European legal instruments, in relation to limitations of this access imposed by competition legislation in the European Union (EU) and Western Balkan (WB) countries. Pursuant to their aspirations to become Member States in the EU, they must align their legislation with the EU's Acquis while ensuring the protection of rights, as established by the ECHR. The methodology used to answer the research question combines desk review and two-level comparative study methodologies. The desk review is applied in this paper to answer the research question, focusing on a careful examination of the EU legal framework, while comparative approach, seeks to identify similarities and differences in the provisions related to the right to access the competition file in the EU, Albania, and other WB countries such as Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro. Additionally, the study presents the interpretations of the right to access the file, as part of the administrative and/or trial proceedings in the case law of the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights from a human rights perspective. The findings of this study indicate that the right to access the file is restricted by public enforcement of competition law, only in specific cases where limitation pursues a legitimate aim, is proportionate and does not jeopardise the party's situation. The European human rights instruments mandate that the EU institutions, Member States and Candidate Member States must carefully regulate the clash between human rights and competition law. The WB countries have adopted the EU standards regulating access to the competition file. However, each jurisdiction has its own specifications, challenges and domestic factors shaping the national rules.

JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES, INFLUENCE AND THE OPERATIONS OF ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES IN NIGERIA

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

The study examined the jurisdictional issues and influence of the operations of anti-corruption agencies [Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)] with a view to identifying the challenges and opportunities in their interactions. Structural-Functional and Public Choice Theories were adopted as theoretical framework while qualitative research design was utilized. Primary and secondary sources of data were employed. The primary data were obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Eighteen (18) KIIs were conducted purposively with selected officials of the NPF, ICPC and EFCC. Secondary sources of data included the use of textbooks, journals, Acts of the agencies, etc. Data were analyzed using thematic content analyses. Findings revealed that although the interaction of these agencies caused local frictions, but were influenced through collaboration, threshold and coordination mechanisms for intelligence gathering in combating corruption. The study concluded that jurisdictional issues between the NPF and the specialized agencies have had mixed consequences. While conflicts between the NPF and the specialized agencies have occurred, there have also been synergy in their operations. The paper recommended that the agencies should streamline their operations and embrace consensus driven anti-corruption policies and practices in Nigeria.

THE MECHANISM FOR ENSURING GENDER EQUALITY IN THE FIELD OF FORENSIC EXPERTISE: A BALANCED GENDER POLICY

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

The article is devoted to the scientific problems of the theory and practice of public administration of forensic expert activity, related to ensuring the principle of gender equality in forensic activity and delineating the area of scientific research in this field of knowledge. At present there is a lack of comprehensive studies of the mechanism for ensuring the principle of gender equality in the field of forensic expert activity, which renders this research topical. The present paper aims to study the mechanism of ensuring the principle of gender equality in the field of forensic expert activity. To achieve this aim, the author used a range of scientific research methods: comparative analysis, generalization, formal-legal, systemic and structural, semantic analysis, dialectical, and legal forecasting. They were used to analyse legislation, scientific sources and formulate the author’s conclusions and proposals. The article proposes a definition of the concept of the ‘mechanism for ensuring the principle of gender equality in the field of forensic expert activity’, as well as directions for making effective management decisions and conducting a reasonable gender policy in the field of forensic science. It is imperative to implement document management in the field of forensic science with due regard for the principles of non-discrimination of speech/language by implementing strategies of feminisation, neutralisation, avoidance of androcentrism and sexism. The author emphasises the need to ensure the use of gender-sensitive, non-discriminatory speech and feminine forms, which are permissible under the modern standards of the Ukrainian language, along with masculine equivalents in order to refer to persons of different genders. Attention is drawn to the expediency of introducing gender audits of specialised state forensic institutions, their territorial branches, expert institutions of communal ownership, as well as forensic experts who are not employees of these institutions, and developing methodological recommendations as to their conduct at certain intervals. The article summarises that the gender dimension should become an integral component of the process of developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies and activities in the field of forensic science, so that women and men receive equal benefits and their rights to equality and non-discrimination be protected. On this basis, the conclusion is made that it is necessary to develop a gender equality strategy in the field of forensic science, which will define the goals, priorities, expected gender-specific results, ways, mechanisms and activities that will ensure their achievement.

AUTOMATED DECISION-MAKING AND ACCESS TO DATA

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

This paper explores the mechanisms by which companies can gain access to data necessary for automated decision-making in scenarios without direct contractual agreements, focusing on market-driven approaches. It introduces the concept of the essential facilities doctrine under EU competition law and examines its applicability to sets of data, alongside an examination of current ex-ante regulatory instruments which grant data access rights, such as the Type Approval Regulation, the Open Data Directive, the Electricity Directive, the Digital Markets Act, and the Data Act. These legal instruments are analysed in terms of their ability to facilitate access to data necessary for the automation of decision-making processes. In addition, the study looks at the challenges and opportunities presented by these legal instruments, including the nuances of applying the essential facilities doctrine to data. The article concludes that the most efficient way for a company to gain access to sets of data required for automated decision-making (in the absence of a contractual agreement) is to base its data access claim on an act of ex-ante regulation. If, however, such legal basis does not exist, a company could still base its data access claim on the essential facilities doctrine. The practical applicability of the doctrine to sets of data, however, remains unclear.

ADOPTION AND GENETIC IDENTITY: PROMOTING THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

The children have a right to live in a family unit with their parents, and in this aspect, they are provided all the rights that come out of the parenting relations. However, not all children are given the chance to grow up in a healthy and safe family, which represents a misfortune throughout history and is still evident in modern times. Acknowledging that not all children are equally fortunate, we recognize the plight of those who, through circumstances unrelated to their own actions, are excluded from family life. This paper provides fundamental data proving that through the institution of adoption, these children are provided with security, familial love, and parental care.

This paper analyzes all the facts that result in the conclusion that the adoption, as a legal institution, makes it possible that the adopted children are provided a family life that in absence of biological parents, is given to them by the adoptive parents. Parents are not only those who give birth to the child, parents are also the people that give the adoptive children family love and care, as well as help them in all the stages of their lives. The paper emphasizes that the adoption has a multidimensional importance and purposes: for the adopted children, for the parents who adopt, and for the society as well as for the biological parents that do not have means to take care of their children or for another reason abandon their children.. Knowing the genetic background is also raised as an important issue in the paper. The child's right to know their identity is emphasized in cases of adoption, artificial reproduction, when fertilization is done with donated genetic material, and in cases of children born out of wedlock. In these situations, the child's biological status does not match their legal status because the child is not genetically related to their legal parents. Related to this, the paper examines several court cases from the European Court of Human Rights, which has frequently ruled on violations of the right to privacy and family life in the context of the child's right to know their biological origin. The paper also highlights the legal barriers and gaps in the Republic of North Macedonia that prevent adopted children from obtaining information about their genetic identity. These barriers are inconsistent with international documents ratified by the Republic of North Macedonia. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the need to remove from the Family legislation the institution of incomplete adoption, which has been shown in legal practice to be ineffective in establishing a family.

LACK OF QUALIFIED WORKFORCE IN KOSOVO: BUSINESS CHALLENGES IN THE CONTEXT OF VISA LIBERALIZATION

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

As Kosovo endeavors to meet global standards amidst rapid technological advances and increasing international market demands, its path to sustainable development encounters notable obstacles. This research paper investigates the challenges faced by the Kosovo's business sector, stemming from a significant lack of qualified workforce. This shortage impedes not only competition and business growth but also stifles innovation, adaptation to technological advancements, and overall expansion. This study methodically examines the repercussions of this skills deficit on local enterprises through a detailed statistical data analysis, interviews with business representatives, and an extensive review of prior research. Additionally, it assesses how visa liberalization could influence the local labor market by potentially intensifying brain drain—where skilled individuals might emigrate in search of better opportunities, thereby further depleting local talent pools. The paper proposes targeted recommendations to enhance educational systems, vocational training, and workforce development strategies. These suggestions aim to foster sustainable, innovative, and vigorous economic growth, enabling Kosovo to integrate more effectively into the global economy and harness the advantages of increased labor mobility. This analysis provides critical insights into strategic planning necessary to overcome labor market challenges, crucial for Kosovo's economic and social progression.

HARMONIZATION OF FAMILY LAW IN THE EU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT

2024-06-23T13:05:53+00:00

Family law is not uniformly regulated in the European Union. There are numerous reasons for the absence of uniform regulation (family law regulation is strongly influenced by the culture and traditions of a nation, and as such is not easily subject to change; great complexity of issues family law deals with; nonexistent uniform positive attitude of legal theorists regarding the necessity and usefulness of harmonization, etc.).

The increased movement of people and goods within the Union conditioned an increasing number of cases where problems arose precisely because of non-existing uniform rules in this area. In this paper, we analyze the development of views on the harmonization of marital matters in the EU in general. Special attention is paid to the steps taken in the EU to harmonize property-related family matters. In the process of harmonization, property law issues proved to be a more suitable ground for harmonization, considering their lesser attachment to certain characteristics of the community. In addition, harmonization is easier to imagine in contractual matrimonial matters (compared to legally prescribed property models), and the marriage contract is considered to be a very suitable instrument for the potential harmonization of this legal area. For this reason, the paper analyzes in more detail the acts passed in connection with the marriage contract. Based on the analysis of the mentioned questions we give our proposal of possibilities for further harmonization in this legal area.

THE IMPACT OF GLOBALIZATION ON POVERTY AND PROPERTY RIGHTS IN KOSOVO: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

This research analyzes the impact of globalization processes on poverty levels in Kosovo. The research findings indicate a significant increase in Kosovo's exports and foreign direct investments, particularly in the real estate and tourism sectors. However, poverty remains a major challenge, deepening social and economic disparities. A comprehensive analysis of the labor market emphasizes the need for policies that encourage sector diversification and equal participation of women. Social issues such as disparities in employment rates and inflation are highlighted as challenges requiring immediate and long-term solutions. The research contributes to understanding the impact of globalization on economic and social dynamics in Kosovo, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies and continuous commitment to address challenges and build a more sustainable and just society. This research aims to be a valuable resource for decision-makers, researchers, and those interested in Kosovo's sustainable economic and social development in the context of globalization.

CONCEPTUAL VIEW AND LEGAL REGULATION OF PROJECT-ORIENTED PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: THE RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE (2011-2020) AND FOREIGN PRACTICES

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

This research paper examines the conceptual and legal aspects of project-oriented public administration, focusing on the Russian experience and comparing it with practices from the USA, UK, and Malaysia from 2011 to 2020. The study aims to identify specific features of project-oriented public administration, provide a comparative analysis of methodologies for managing national projects, and formulate recommendations for improving legal mechanisms based on national experiences from both developed and developing states. The research highlights the formation and implementation of public administration aimed at realizing national projects, emphasizing the establishment of public and legal foundations for their implementation. Using a comparative case study approach, the study employs document analysis, secondary sources, and expert interviews to examine the legal frameworks, organizational structures, implementation challenges, and performance metrics of project management in the selected countries. The findings reveal significant differences in the legal frameworks and implementation practices across the four countries, with Russia showing a fragmented legal framework primarily governed by federal laws and presidential decrees. In contrast, the UK and USA have more comprehensive legal frameworks with detailed regulations, and Malaysia’s framework focuses on government-led initiatives with clear procedural regulations. The paper concludes by proposing recommendations for improving the legal and institutional frameworks for project-oriented public administration in Russia, including systematizing and consolidating its legal framework, improving coordination among government levels, investing in capacity building, and enhancing engagement with the private sector and civil society.

COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: DEVELOPING LEGISLATIVE AND SOCIO-ORGANIZATIONAL MEASURES TO PROTECT WOMEN IN KAZAKHSTAN

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

Domestic violence remains a widely prevalent issue worldwide. International organizations recognize the necessity of improving the legislative framework to prevent domestic violence and protect victims. However, the application of only legislative measures will not change the situation in countries where domestic violence against women is common, based on the patriarchal understanding of women’s role in society. This article explores the possibility of applying measures to combat domestic violence at the current stage of Kazakhstan's development. Special attention is given to evaluating the effectiveness of these measures. The purpose of the article is to assess the possibility of using legislative, organizational, educational, informational, and technological measures to combat domestic violence from the perspective of their applicability in Kazakhstan. This study proposes measures to improve the legal system, including legislative and socio-organizational measures, to prevent domestic violence and support victims.

SECURING THE DIGITAL FOOTPRINTS OF MINORS: PRIVACY IMPLICATIONS OF AI

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

The unprecedented growth of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (hereinafter referred to as AI) has brought immense benefits but at the same time has posed complex challenges that has impacted users’ lives, including privacy and data security, particularly, children who are vulnerable to these problems. This paper examines privacy of children in the era of AI and the legal framework’s adequacy in protecting children’s privacy, focusing on India, the world’s most populous nation in 2024,^[1] with over 833.7 million^[2] internet users, accounting for more than half of its population. With the advent of AI, unprecedented accumulation, processing, and analysis of massive datasets has become possible by algorithms applying predictive analytics on discrete datasets. Nevertheless, AI’s pattern recognition ability has blurred privacy boundaries which has enabled it to feed on sensitive information such as that concerning health, emotions, interests, and behaviours. Due to innate curiosity and digital immersion, children are more susceptible to privacy violations in this ‘AI-driven’ digital era. Since children possess a limited understanding of privacy risks, they are more likely to share information online. Consequently, there is an urgent need to address the issue concerning the increased digital footprint of children and the associated conflict between the ‘age of consent’ and the ‘age of contractual capacity’ for the purpose of fixing the ‘digital age’ of the child. Such a requirement can be potentially addressed through legislative intervention by enacting a comprehensive piece of legislation to regulate the ubiquitous collection of data. Facial recognition, predictive analytics, autonomous systems, and other AI applications, could be the reason for the apprehensions that systemic discrimination could occur and governance is also at stake that points out the need for transparency and accountability. While AI brings with itself exponential growth, there is also a need to underscore the importance of protecting children’s right to privacy, given their vulnerability. A comprehensive legislative framework, responsible corporate policies, and increased awareness can help strike a balance, allowing children to harness AI’s benefits while safeguarding their fundamental rights.

DEPLOYMENT OF AUTONOMOUS WEAPON SYSTEMS IN THE WARFARE: ADDRESSING ACCOUNTABILITY GAPS AND REFORMULATING INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW

2024-07-02T12:50:18+00:00

The importance of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) is particularly apparent in contemporary conflicts, in which all parties are striving to expand the autonomy of these systems, particularly in offensive contexts. The traditional understanding is that the deployment of AWS poses significant threats to civilian life, as well as a range of delicate legal concerns. The narrow understanding is evident in the principal drawbacks of AWS in the absence of human supervision, which results in unpredictable and unreliable outputs, particularly during the targeting and engagement stages, leading to a clear breach of international humanitarian law (IHL). This creates a legal vacuum regarding the attribution of criminal responsibility. This research paper aims to characterise AWS and the implications of their potential deployment, with the primary goal of better identifying and understanding emerging legal concerns. Furthermore, the authors seek to offer a comprehensive understanding of the concept of autonomy, which is internationally accepted. Additionally, they explore the validity of the statement that AWS create an accountability gap relating to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute by analysing various types of AWS that are categorised in this study and deployed in modern wars. While the ICC Statute does not explicitly address all issues raised by using AWS, the study presents an interpretation that criminal responsibility could be assigned to all individuals involved in the use of AWS, especially in thorny situations. This study employs an analytical approach to examine and analyse traditional theories of criminology and the ICC Statute in relation to the ability to attribute individual criminal responsibility when AWS may be used. This study aims to provide a new perspective on criminal legal rules that are compatible with modern technology.

REFORM OR TRANSFORM: THE RISE OF CHINA’S NATIONAL SUPERVISION SYSTEM

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

China’s 2018 constitutional adoption of the National Supervision Commission marked a watershed in the country’s supervision system and anti-corruption work. This article seeks to investigate the power dynamics between the state machinery and the Chinese Communist Party as the newly supervisory power has come into being. It delves into the National Supervision Commission’s origins, mandate, structure, and potential impacts on China’s political sphere. It suggests that the emergence of the National Supervision Commission is a testament to the consolidation of the Chinese Communist Party control, potentially contradicting earlier attempts to separate party and state functions. This institutional novelty represents a paradigm change. The article proposes a nuanced understanding of the National Supervision Commission, considering both its potential to strengthen party authority and its bifurcated relationship with other state bodies.

SECURITY DILEMMA UNVEILED: A SCHOLARLY INQUIRY INTO THE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI AND UKRAINIAN-RUSSIAN CONFLICTS THROUGH THE PRISM OF OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE REALISM

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

This research uses a comparative case study approach to explore the Israeli-Palestinian and Ukrainian-Russian conflicts within the framework of the Security Dilemma. It employs primary and secondary sources. The study analyzes each conflict individually while allowing for meaningful comparisons between them to identify patterns in each case. The research challenges the traditional dichotomy between offensive and defensive realism by proposing that state behavior is influenced by an interplay between both paradigms based on strategic calculations. States may engage in offensive behavior when advantageous or adopt defensive strategies out of necessity. This paper offers insights into these dynamics, thereby generating new perspectives in political science debates.

NEO-AUTHORITARIAN INTERVENTION: PURPOSE, SUBJECTS, TOOLS, CONSEQUENCES

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

This paper will explore the purpose, system of subjects, principal tools and consequences of neo-authoritarian intervention. The peculiarities of the neo-authoritarian regime, neo-authoritarian intervention, and export of neo-authoritarianism are clarified. China and Russia are selected as the main cases for analysis. The purpose of neo-authoritarian intervention is defined as the intention to strengthen the internal stability of non-democratic regimes and to broaden their influence on international processes, the effort being to change the world order and destroy liberal-democratic values. It is argued that the key subjects of neo-authoritarian intervention are the governments of neo-authoritarian states and a great number of actors (puppet parties; government-organized non-governmental organizations; marginal, ultra-radical social and political movements; state-controlled media; unscrupulous analytical centres; and international multilingual networks of TV, radio broadcasts, news agencies, which are financed by neo-authoritarian governments). The system of tools of neo-authoritarian influence includes tools of: power; influence within the soft power; subversion; value modification; election tampeering; and pressure on international organizations. The tools of neo-authoritarian intervention are based on the classic tools of authoritarianism, but are modernized due to digitalization, information and communication progress, and the other technologies. Neo-authoritarian intervention is proven to increase the risks to global security. The main consequences of the strengthening of neo-authoritarian intervention on a global scale are the growth of threats to democracy, the risks of changing the world agenda. The consequence of neo-authoritarian interference in the internal affairs of non-democratic states is the growth of dependence on neo-authoritarian exporter states, further socio-political instability, increased use of force in solving socio-political problems. The research states that in the case of neo-authoritarian intervention in the affairs of democratic states, the consequences may include both effective counteraction to neo-authoritarian interventions and thus strengthening of the quality of democracy, and destructive tendencies including the growth of populism, radicalism,corruption, and hate speech.

PRINCIPLE OF NON-REFOULMENT AND ITS LIMITS IN THE CONTEXT OF CONFLICTS IN SYRIA AND UKRAINE

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

This paper examines complexities and dynamics surrounding the principle of non-refoulment within the context of the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, both of which significantly influence European Union refugee policies. While one conflict is intrastate and the other interstate, each of them plays a pivotal role in shaping how refugees are received and treated within the European Union. The study explores the legal framework, practical applications, and arguments concerning exceptions to non-refoulment, focusing on its significance. Furthermore, it highlights contrasting responses that reveal disparities in treatment and pose challenges, such as contradictory safety assessments in Syria and variations in the European Union’s reception of the Ukrainian refugees. The swift activation of the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) in Ukraine serves as a model for effective international response, yet critiques emerge regarding unequal treatment and perceptions of racial bias. Conversely, the Syrian situation highlights the complexity of the crisis with debates over safety assessments and the reluctance of certain countries to accept refugees. While security concerns might occasionally warrant the categorization of refugees, such actions must strictly adhere to the principles outlined in international law and human rights norms. The study underscores the importance of upholding the non-refoulment principle in addressing the refugee crisis amidst present-day complexities and challenges.

NORTH MACEDONIA AFTER THE RESOLUTION OF THE NAME ISSUE

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

When North Macedonia separated from Yugoslavia and declared its independence in 1991, it chose the Republic of Macedonia as its country name. However, this name was not accepted by Greece because it was the same as a region in northern Greece. Macedonia, on the other hand, argued that its name was a constitutional right, by international law and reflected its national identity. Macedonia was temporarily recognized by the United Nations as the “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, but this name was not accepted by Macedonia either. The name issue between the two countries could not be resolved despite various mediation attempts for 27 years. However, in 2018, a new political will emerged between the two countries, and the Prespa Agreement was signed. According to this agreement, the new name of Macedonia was determined as the “Republic of North Macedonia”. The agreement aimed to normalize Greek-Macedonian relations, accelerate North Macedonia’s NATO and EU membership process, and increase stability in the region. In this study, the historical development of the name issue between Greece and Macedonia will be touched upon and the process that resulted in the solution of the problem with the Prespa Agreement will be examined. In addition, by including the views of the supporters and opponents of the agreement between the public opinion of the two countries, which emerged after the agreement came into force in 2019 having been approved by the parliaments of the two countries, the legitimacy, and permanence of the solution will be explained with the arguments defended by constructivism, one of the theories of international relations.

POLITICAL AND SECURITY IMPLICATIONS OF THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

2024-06-23T13:05:54+00:00

The Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022 has created a sense of urgency across Europe and thus pushed forward significant changes and readjustments of foreign, security, and defense policies. These major shifts have been referred to as Zeitenwende by the German chancellor Olaf Scholz, the turning point not only for Germany but for the whole European security architecture. Western Balkans is increasingly stated as an area of strategic importance for the European (Euro-Atlantic) security community, whereby it is the geopolitical interest of the both the EU and NATO to have the Western Balkans integrated. This is one of the regions where the interests of the West and Russian Federation collide – this factor adds to the already complex security dynamics resulting from domestic, bilateral, and regional issues that affect regional security and stability. Hence, one characteristic of the regional political and security dynamics is the long-term presence of external actors. This paper explores the effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the Western Balkans’ political and security dynamics from the perspective of Regional Security Complex Theory.

TESTING LOWI'S POLICY TYPES ON CROATIAN PUBLIC POLICIES

2024-06-23T20:20:02+00:00

The public policy classification developed by Theodore Lowi is one of the most frequently referenced, utilized, and debated frameworks in political science. This paper delves into the question of whether the concepts of distributive, redistributive, regulatory, and constitutive policies can be applied to the context of Eastern Europe. To explore this issue, a subnational comparative research design was developed to examine six Croatian public policies (economic policy, social policy, education, gender equality, media, and culture). The primary method of data collection involved expert reports, akin to Lowi's original research approach. The characteristics of sampled sectors were summarized through open coding conducted at three levels, allowing for a comparison with Lowi's policy types. The findings indicate that the fundamental idea of this seminal taxonomy, which highlights the variation in links between policy and politics within a single country, remains relevant. Additionally, the analysis revealed that policy goals, policy instruments, non-state actors, and their relationships with state actors are fundamental features upon which classification should be based. Future research endeavors should aim to construct a robust methodological framework with clear indicators for selected features corresponding to each policy type. This would enhance the sophistication and empirical applicability of the theory, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of policymaking dynamics in diverse contexts.

THE IMPACT OF SELECTED SOCIAL INDICATORS ON INDIVIDUAL HAPPINESS IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

2024-06-23T13:05:55+00:00

Happiness as a complex combination of individual, collective, affective, rational, and circumstantial constituents is either integrated or should be integrated in the policy-making of modern states and societies, in line with the global endeavor towards achieving sustainable development goals. Given the social relevance of happiness, the most broadly accepted relevant indicators for its attainment, and the great gap that exists due to insufficient empirical treatment of the matter in North Macedonia, this exploratory paper aims to determine the impact of age, gender, health, unemployment, religion, ethnicity (by spoken language), and language-based discrimination on individual happiness in the Republic of North Macedonia.

The research was based on descriptive statistical operations and regression analysis of the ESS 10 data regarding the Republic of North Macedonia, obtained for the first time for this country; as well as on secondary analysis of studies considering wide-range surveys, statistical data and reports.

Health, employment, ethnicity, and ethnic and linguistic discrimination represent strong determinants of happiness in this country. Indications are high that age and happiness are linearly correlated. The gender is less important in defining happiness in North Macedonia; however, women are slightly happier than men. The majority population, speaking the Macedonian language and practicing Orthodox Christianity, experience higher levels of happiness than the linguistic and religious native minorities in North Macedonia. Further in-depth research based on consistent and compatible data is needed, to the end of advancing research-based policies in the social, economic and healthcare systems of this county.

GENDER PAY GAP IN ALBANIA: SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

2024-06-23T13:05:55+00:00

The gender pay gap or gender gap is a relative disparity between women and men which is reflected in a variety of sectors in many societies. This difference exists in many countries and industries and is often related to factors such as occupational segregation, and differences in education and experience. The gender gap must also be considered in the context of gender inequality. The focus of this paper is to analyse the gender pay gap and gender inequality in participation in the labour market in Albanian society. Albanian society is committed to and has made significant progress towards gender equality policies. However, the gender gap is still present. The paper aims to analyse and interpret indicators of the Albanian gender pay gap in the context of culture of gender roles. Cultural values and socio-cultural conditions of one’s society significantly impact the gender gap. The paper will highlight the sources of the gender gap in Albania as cultural and socio-economic. Understanding the gender inequality in Albanian society requires a complex analysis that examines the impact of socialisation, cultural norms and values, the division of gender roles, access to public life and the social privileges that gendering creates asymmetrically for men and women.