Annales Scientia Politica

4

Authors: Юрий О. ОСТАПЕЦЬ

The results and flow of local elections in the Transcarpatian region and Ukraine have been analyzed in the article on the basis of statistic data. The positive spesifics and lacks of the normative part of elections holding have been characterized, as well as their influence on the evolution of the party system of Ukraine. The conclusions have been made on the prospects of party composition in Ukraine.

5

Authors: Vasyl M. KUPRIYCHUK

This paper deals with the state and management influence of the Ukrainian People’s Republic Directory on the national and cultural development of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (December 1918 - 1920). Peculiarities of the cultural development in this historical period are under the review, positive experience of the Directory humanitarian policy in the context of humanitarian development of modern Ukraine is analyzed.

5

Authors: Vladimír DANČIŠIN

The author analysis the origin of idea of proportional representation. The study focuses on origins of two basic forms of proportional representation electoral systems – Party-list Proportional System and Single Transferable Vote System. The article also focuses on the way the idea of proportional representation was introduced into practice.

6

Authors: Gita GEREMEŠOVÁ

The study analyzes the metamorphoses of the phenomenon of religion at the secular age; more precisely it analyzes the intensifying process of the individualization of religion. It is based on the concept of the non-existent secularization as metanarrative. Post-modern society has been undergoing extensive secularization on the one hand but on the other hand religion has been experiencing a resurgence within the public arena (deprivatization of religion). New cults (movements, religions) engaging in detraditionalization and deinstitutionalization are being formed; faith is experiencing deregulation, and religious symbols and various levels of transcendence are invoked applying liberal logic. Deregulated and liberaly chosen religious approaches epitomize the particular dialectics of individualization and deindividualization, i. e. they represent an attempt at a parallel individual and societal spiritual metamorphosis.

11

Authors: Jussi LAINE

Increased inclusion of non-state actors in world politics has brought up the need for a wider understanding of power and agency. In a new Europe of post-national borders, the state sovereignty and authority has been weakened not just upwards and downwards, but also sideways by social movements and civil society organizations. The re-scaling of state, multileveled governance, and the cross-border initiatives fuelled by them, have initiated a transition from international to transnational relations. Reflecting this shift from debordering to rebordering, the role of borderlands has changed from integrators to buffer zones. More attention needs to be paid on those actors and processes that respond to globalizing forces by propelling border-spanning activities and foster cross-border relations. Building on empirical material collected from the Finnish-Russian border, this paper argues that cross-border civil society has the potential to address bi-/transnational problems and push governments toward binational solutions.