Jerzy Wiatr Book order

This book sheds light on the theory of political leadership, which is still an under-researched field of political science. It is related to the philosophical argument about determinism versus activism and helps to understand the basic conflict of the 21st century between liberal democracy and new authoritarianism. The book looks at Max Weber's typology of political rule and his concept of the ethics of responsibility, which are key to the theory of leadership. The author shows that the unfinished contest between democracy and new authoritarianism in the 21st century confirms the importance of leadership in old and new democracies as well as in the neo-authoritarian regimes and calls for a new type of political leaders.

The authors deal with comparative aspects of contemporary authoritarianism. Authoritarian tendencies have appeared in several “old democracies” but their main successes take place in several states which departed from dictatorial regimes recently. The book contains case-studies of contemporary Hungarian, Kenyan, Polish, Russian and Turkish regimes.

This sociological analysis explores the origins of Polish-German antagonism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the journey toward reconciliation. The author highlights the influence of religious and political leaders, as well as intellectuals, while presenting survey data that indicates significant improvement in relations. Following World War II, tensions reached an all-time high due to the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939 and the subsequent atrocities, which fueled intense Polish hostility. Conversely, the loss of territories in Germany fostered feelings of grievance and reinforced anti-Polish stereotypes. Reconciliation efforts emerged from initiatives by Christian churches and courageous individuals, but a pivotal moment occurred in 1970 when Chancellor Willy Brandt and Polish communist leader Wladyslaw Gomulka established a comprehensive agreement to normalize relations. After the fall of communist regimes and Germany's unification, the relationship evolved into cooperation and partnership within a democratic Europe. Today, both nations are on the path to overcoming historical stereotypes. Although some differences persist, the current state of Polish-German relations demonstrates that even the deepest wounds can be healed, allowing nations to foster friendly ties.