Issue No. 48

2025 Issue No. 48 / September

1. Zoltán GRÜNHUT,PhD, Ákos BODOR,PhD THE POST-WEST OF POST-NATIONS AND THE EAST AS NEW WEST VIKTOR ORBÁN’S VISION FOR EUROPE AND THE CULTURAL GAP IT TRIES TO EXPLOIT

Abstract
Based on political speeches, the paper summarizes Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s idea of the ‘Europe of nations’, the main pillars of the general framework, as well as the modernization context, in which it is recently interpreted. The paper argues thatt Orbán initially pushed for comprehensive reforms of the European Union (EU) structure, but this political endeavor remained largely unsuccessful, so he has changed strategy and instead of focusing on institutional revisions, he brought back the sensitive and divisive issue of defining Europeanness. He suggests that the Western framing of Europe’s future is a total failure, leading to the collapse of the EU and, more generally, of European civilization as a whole. To avoid this cultural catas-trophe, the Hungarian PM argue, Central and East European nations must preserve their authentic Europeanness, based on Christianity, traditional values, social homogeneity (i.e., no immigrants), and gender normality (i.e., no LGBTQ ideology). The paper emphasizes that this shift in Orbán’s EU and European discourse was not merely rhetorical, but strategic, as he realized that there are disagreements between the West and the East as regards to the above-mentioned identity issues, and he tries to reinterpret this gap as a choice between authentic and destructive Europeanness. The last section of the paper presents a compar-ative statistical analysis in order to explore whether the described gap really exists or not.

  • Keywords: Viktor Orbán; Hungary; European Union; Europe of nations; Europeanness; ESS.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.01

2. Alika GUCHUA, PhD, Besik ALADASHVILI, PhD SANCTIONS: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL IN GLOBAL AFFAIRS? EVALUATION IN LIGHT OF SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA

Abstract
This research is focused on the effectiveness of sanctions based on measures applied against large states, such as Russia, which are more than capable of mobilizing financial and human resources and of finding alternative routes to avoid or counteract sanctions, dampening their effectiveness. Objective: The study aims to assess and analyze the effectiveness of sanctions policy. The impact of sanctions imposed by the West on the Russian economy, as well as how it affects its foreign policy towards Ukraine. The study aims to assess and analyze the effectiveness of sanctions policy. The impact of sanctions imposed by the West on the Russian economy, as well as how it affects its foreign policy towards Ukraine. Theoretical Framework: Political realism and game theories are used to analyze international relations theory and geoeconomic factors and explain current geopolitical problems and processes. Method: Based on the objectives of the research, the selection of the methodologist was carried out according to the requirements of the mentioned article. In particular, data analysis and case study, content analysis, comparative research method, and political analysis method were used, the results of which were researched and analyzed in the background of the current war between Russia and Ukraine. That is, what impact did the sanctions have on the Russian economy and political processes, as well as on security? Results and Discussion: In the final part, the importance of the economic sanctions factor as one of the most central levers for stopping Russia’s aggressive policy is discussed. It is also emphasized that it is important to use the synergy of measures, where sanctions play the main, but not the only, role. Research Implications: The results of the research contribute to raising awareness of the sanctions imposed against Russia and their effectiveness during the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as to the accumulation of knowledge that enriches political science with theoretical and practical value.

  • Keywords: Sanctions; Russia-Ukraine War; Effectiveness; Measures; Synergy.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.02

3. Valur INGIMUNDARSON, PhD HEDGING VERSUS BALANCING: SMALL STATE POLICY OPTIONS AND GEOPOLI-TICS IN THE NORTH

Abstract
The article discusses the role of hedging and balancing in Iceland’s foreign and defense policies. The focus is on how Iceland, which played a key role in U.S. and NATO military balancing of the Soviet Union, has dealt with shifting geopolitical developments since the end of the Cold War. It is shown that a hedging strategy was initially adopted to respond to the loss of Western political and military interest in Iceland—in the late 2000s—which included an engagement with Russia, and China. The argument is made that Iceland’s maneuvering space to hedge came to a close in the late 2010s because of repolarization pressures generated by increased Western-Russian tensions after the Crimea annexation and the U.S.-Sino rivalry. It paved the way for a return to Iceland’s participation in U.S. balancing of Russia and, to a lesser extent, China. Finally, the question is raised whether the anti-European stance of the Trump Administration will lead to new hedging attempts or whether Iceland’s military dependence on the United States will constrain its foreign policy choices.

  • Keywords: U.S.-Icelandic defense and security relations; Western-Russian antagonism; Russian invasion of Ukraine; Iceland’s foreign and security policy; Cold War.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.03

4. Bacho Bitari KHUROSHVILI, PhD candidate POLICY PLANNING SYSTEM IN GEORGIA: EVOLUTION AND ENDOGENOUS CHALLENGES

Abstract
Policy planning maintains its relevance across public policy, administration, and politics, spanning academia and practical application. The latter represents pivotal elements within the European Union’s public administration framework and their significance within the European Neighborhood Policy. Georgia strives to align its institutional and policy design with Sigma-OECD standards and has been harmonizing with the EU acquis since 2014. The article aims to study Georgia’s policy planning system, describe its evolution, and identify endogenous challenges using qualitative methods like in-depth interviews and document analyses. Employing the multiple streams theory, the paper examines system changes, presenting new agendas in policy planning and coordination. It highlights key challenges such as aligning stated goals with actual practices, incremental progress within the system, insufficient financial support, inefficiencies in resource utilization, and heavy reliance on political will. Additionally, it addresses the lack of empirical evidence and cultural non-compliance in achieving an evidence-based policy (EBP), results-based management (RBM), and whole-of-government (WOG) approaches.

  • Keywords: Public administration reform; Sigma/OECD; Policy development; Policy-making; Government policy.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.04

5. Iryna SHKODINA, PhD, Marina IVASHCHENKO, PhD INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO GREEN INVESTMENT: A DECENTRALIZED FI-NANCIAL MODEL FOR THE EUROPEAN

Abstract
The increasing fragmentation of the global economy, driven by disparities in governance, trade policies, and eco-nomic priorities, poses significant risks to multilateral efforts to combat climate change. In the current economic landscape, a paradigm shift is required – from traditional models focused primarily on efficiency and profitability toward resilience-driven approaches in both policy and corporate strategy. This study examines the role of DeFi and digital financial platforms in financing green technologies through blockchain mechanisms and tokenization, which enable lower capital mobilization costs and improved financial accessibility.

The paper proposes an integrated digital finance model for sustainable investment, addressing key challenges in the European market, such as accelerating capital flows into green projects, expanding small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) access to financing, and enhancing transparency through dynamic ESG metrics. The methodological framework is based on a quantitative model that predicts the impact of digital innovations on investment attraction for sustainable projects, reducing transaction costs, and eliminating access barriers for private investors. By leveraging blockchain, DeFi, and artificial intelligence (AI), the proposed model fosters an efficient, transparent, and inclusive financial ecosystem for sustainable investment. Additionally, this paper out-lines the necessary regulatory steps for adapting the proposed model, emphasizing policy harmonization, digital infrastructure development, and financial literacy initiatives. The findings conclude that integrating digital finance into sustainable financial systems is a critical driver in achieving EU climate goals, while also unlocking new financing avenues for green projects in Euro-pean countries and Ukraine. Future research will focus on empirically testing the model across different EU regions, considering levels of digitalization, regulatory frameworks, and socio-economic conditions, with particular attention to developing economies.

  • Keywords: sustainable finance; decentralized finance; asset tokenization; blockchain; Green FinTech.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.05

6. Jarosław SZCZEPAŃSKI, PhD IDEOLOGICAL TRIANGLE: HOW TO OVERCOME THE LEFT-RIGHT MODEL OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM

Abstract
Political spectrum, mainly left-right one-dimensional axis even thought driven from the field of political theory and moved smoothly to the field of political struggle. 21st century is marked by the rise of populism and polarization. The two highly researched and debated phenomenon’s affecting democracy in Europe and collective West. One of the drivers of polarization and populism are framing and disinformation. The way one is presented on the spectrum and way of usage of the most popular models of political spectrum shows that political science is in need of new – politely neutral and based on political theory and philosophy models. Models in which a left-right axis(es) will be treated as a subject of study not a model of classification itself. Them main aim of this article is to present a way of modelling political spectrum accordingly to the classical political theory and philosophy and how to apply left-right axis(es) as a subject of study whin several political systems.

  • Keywords: political spectrum; left-right; political theory; methodology; political triangle.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.06

7. Alban RELI, PhD candidate, Anjeza XHAFERAJ PhD PERMANENT REVOLUTION: THE IMAGE OF THE CLASS ENEMY IN THE LITERATURE OF SOCIALIST REALISM IN ALBANIA

Abstract
This paper examines the construction of the “class enemy” in Albanian socialist realist literature through a critical discourse analysis lens. Under Enver Hoxha’s leadership, the Party-State politicized aesthetics to convince citizens that Albanian society was ostensibly unified, with any divisions attributable to social elements—kulaks, bourgeoisie, and clerics—linked to the old order or to imperialist forces. Drawing on Arendt’s concept of permanent revolution and Lefort’s notion of social prophylaxis, the paper demonstrates how the Party continuously produced the “enemy of the people,” not only by reimagining genuine opponents in fictional terms, but also by inventing new adversaries whenever ideological expediency demanded it. Waves of exclusion, persecu-tion, and terror periodically shook the country, reaching even the upper echelons of the Party of People of Albania. Legitimated by literature and other artistic productions fully subjugated to Party directives, these purges depicted enemies as parasites or remnants warranting eradication. Through a close reading of key socialist realist works published between 1945 and 1989, the analysis highlights how specific rhetorical and narrative strategies—derogatory epithets, dehumanizing imagery, and insistence on sabo-tage—reinforced the totalitarian discourse of vigilance, suspicion, and annihilation. It further explores how economic position, social standing, and family background became markers for identifying the “enemy,” shaping the fates reserved for such figures. The study concludes that Albanian socialist realism texts not only portrayed an “evil Other” but also served as a disciplinary apparatus in the Foucauldian sense: they rationalized ongoing purges and bolstered the state’s full-spectrum control over politics, culture, and society. Ultimately, this literary deployment of the “enemy” concept sustained the Party’s permanent revolution narra-tive, perpetuating an atmosphere of fear and legitimizing the regime’s authoritarian measures

  • Keywords: permanent revolution; social prophylaxis; totalitarianism; literature; discourse analysis.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.07

8. Jón ÓLAFSSON, PhD CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM REVISITED: FROM CROWDSOURCING TO STAGNATION

Abstract
The paper examines two core issues in the Icelandic constitutional revision process (2009–2024) arguing that a major reason for the Icelandic failure to finish the process is the standoffish relationship between constitutional activists and the main political parties. Activists have staged very efficient campaigns, yet, for several different reasons, leading politicians see no political gain from supporting either a return to a constitutional bill drafted by the Constitutional Council in 2011, nor from joining forces on other paths to incremental constitutional reform. The paper argues that the Icelandic parliament’s failure to properly define the role of a Constitutional Council established in 2011 opened the way for increased political division instead of giving the public a greater role in the design of a new constitution. In the first part of the paper I give a brief overview and interpretation of the process. In the second and third part I discuss two important stages of the process – first the debates in the Constitutional Council on what the nature of its work and objectives should be; second the debate on natural resources and the rejection of incremental reform. The Icelandic constitutional process failed in important ways but it shows that consensus-based public engagement processes also need institutional coordination.

  • Keywords: Constitution; Constitutional Council; constitutional activism; constitutional revision; natural resources.
  • DOI: 10.24193/OJMNE.2025.48.08
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