The book focuses on the cities and urban policy systems analysed in the strategic (long-term) perspective. Due to this unique perspective, the book enables the multifactorial analysis of the conditions and mechanisms of creating the urban policy system in the Visegrad Group states and Ukraine. Undoubtedly, there is a lack of studies presenting the strategic approach to creating urban policy system discussed in the broad context of the transformations of the modern democratic state and, what is connected with it, through the prism of the processes of decentralization, Europeanization and regionalization. The monograph, in the intention of the editor and the team of authors, is to fill this undeniable gap.

This book discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the European Union’s climate and energy policy. By examining the positions of the various actors involved, the book analyses whether the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has contributed to greater unity, decarbonisation, and security of energy supply, and if not, whether these crises prompted member states to turn inwards and opt for national solutions to climate and energy challenges. It thus provides a new outlook for EU energy policy in relation to the experience of the two crises. This book will be of key interest to scholars, students and practitioners of climate and energy policy, energy security, EU policy, and more broadly to energy politics, European integration and European Union governance.

Beyond the Euromaidan examines the prospects for advancing reform in Ukraine in the wake of the February 2014 Euromaidan revolution and Russian invasion. It examines six crucial areas where reform is needed: deep internal identity divisions, corruption, the constitution, the judiciary, plutocratic "oligarchs," and the economy. On each of these topics, the book provides one chapter that focuses on Ukraine's own experience and one chapter that examines the issue in the broader context of international practice. Placing Ukraine in comparative perspective shows that many of the country's problems are not unique and that other countries have been able to address many of the issues currently confronting Ukraine. As with the constitution, there are no easy answers, but careful analysis shows that some solutions are better than others. Ultimately, the authors propose a series of reforms that can help Ukraine make the best of a bad situation. The book stresses the need to focus on reforms that might not have immediate effect, but that comparative experience shows can solve fundamental contextual challenges. Finally, the book shows that pressures from outside Ukraine can have a strong positive influence on reform efforts inside the country.

Central and Eastern European region defined by the socialist past has transformed in the 21st century. We must abandon the paradigms of the Cold War period within geopolitical thought. The key question of the 21st century is whether a new gateway zone of the present forming World-Island can be developed along a north-south Baltic-Adriatic axi...

This volume is the result of the work of scientists from several scientific disciplines who used various methods and forecasting techniques to answer the question: "What would happen if NATO and the EU weakened in the 21st century and Russia continued to influence the already strongly democratized and free-market societies in the region?" It is prognostic and intended to present the results of research on the political and social perception of the surveyed nations in the face of the weakening of the EU / NATO international security structures and the constant pressure from the Russian Federation in the 21st century. Please note: The research in this book covers the period 2020–2021.

This open access book explores new research directions in social inequality and urban segregation. With the goal of fostering an ongoing dialogue between scholars in Europe and China, it brings together an impressive team of international researchers to shed light on the entwined processes of inequality and segregation, and the implications for urban development. Through a rich collection of empirical studies at the city, regional and national levels, the book explores the impact of migration on cities, the related problems of social and spatial segregation, and the ramifications for policy reform. While the literature on both segregation and inequality has traditionally been dominated by European and North American studies, there is growing interest in these issues in the Chinese context. Economic liberalization, rapid industrial restructuring, the enormous growth of cities, and internal migration, have all reshaped the country profoundly. What have we learned from the European and North American experience of segregation and inequality, and what insights can be gleaned to inform the bourgeoning interest in these issues in the Chinese context? How is China different, both in terms of the nature and the consequences of segregation inequality, and what are the implications for future research and policy? Given the continued rise of China’s significance in the world, and its recent declaration of war on poverty, this book offers a timely contribution to scholarship, identifying the core insights to be learned from existing research, and providing important guidance on future directions for policy makers and researchers.

This anthology serves as a fundamental guide to PSYOP philosophy, concepts, principles, issues, and thought for both those new to, and those experienced in, the PSYOP field and PSYOP applications. It clarifies the value of PSYOP as a cost-effective weapon and incorporates it as a psychological instrument of U.S. military and political power, especially given our present budgetary constraints. Presents diverse articles that portray the value of the planned use of human actions to influence perceptions, public opinion, attitudes, and behaviors so that PSYOP victories can be achieved in war and in peace.