The article is aimed at diagnosing the opinions of Polish theologians on the possibilities of parishes as regards organisation of free time of the faithful in order to consolidate societal security. The basis for formulating the presented conclusions were the results of empirical surveys conducted with members of the Society of Dogmatic Theologians operating in Poland (N=64). The test method used was a diagnostic survey, the technique – a questionnaire, and the research tool – a questionnaire form. A nonparametric chi-square (χ²) test and the Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyse the results. The paper is of an interdisciplinary nature. It fits in the area of research pertinent to (pastoral) theology and security studies.

The purpose of this study is to present the perceptions of Poles from Lviv regarding the aid involvement of Christian churches during Russia’s war against Ukraine. Christian churches appear privileged and effective sites of aid delivery in the narratives of respondents. However, this does not mean that they have a monopoly on aid activities. The foundation that underpins these activities is particularly evident in the categories highlighted in this article: the role of clergy in local communities (leaders), personal knowledge of society, church infrastructure, and the churches’ experience gained during the USSR’s persecution of religion. The assistance identified by respondents boils down to material and emotional support, experiencing religious practices, and involvement in direct activity on the war front. The research was based on individual in-depth interviews (IDIs), conducted in December 2023.

The scientifi c aim of this article is to present the position of the Polish Episcopal Conference during one of the stages of Russia’s full-scale war on the territory of Ukraine, namely during the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Zaporizhia Oblast and the western part of the Donetsk Oblast in 2023. The analysis concerns the following issues: the general geopolitical situation in Europe in the context of the war in Ukraine; the migration and refugee crisis on the external border of the European Union; an assessment of the foreign policy pursued by contemporary world political leaders towards the Russian Federation and Ukraine; an assessment of the position of the Holy See and Pope Francis in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine; and an assessment of Ukraine’s political aspirations related to accession to the European Union and NATO. Methodology: the author applied the method of critical analysis of political rhetorical discourse in accordance with Martin Reisigl’s approach. Results and conclusions: the Polish bishops adopted a clear position in the context of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023. They identifi ed the aggressor and the victim, stressed the need to provide assistance to refugees, and highlighted the importance of a proper understanding of the migration crisis triggered by the war. The materials analysed did not include any position taken by the Polish Episcopal Conference regarding the following issues: Ukraine’s aspirations to join the structures of the European Union and NATO; the assessment of Russia’s war in Ukraine by the Holy See and Pope Francis; or a detailed evaluation of the geopolitical situation in Europe, including, in particular, the foreign policy of global political leaders towards the Russian Federation and Ukraine. The publication contributes to the growing cognitive value on the political communication of the Polish Episcopal Conference.

The article deals with Cezary Smuniewski’s scientific queries contained in the book National Security of Poland in the Axiological Perspective. President Lech Wałęsa. First, the article describes the contexts of research taken up by C. Smuniewski. Second, it presents and analyses the assumptions and organisation of the book. Third, it outlines further directions of research mapped out by the monograph. The study fits into the area of research in security studies and political science. Artykuł dotyczy kwerend naukowych Cezarego Smuniewskiego zawartych w książce Bezpieczeństwo narodowe Polski w perspektywie aksjologicznej. Prezydent Lech Wałęsa. Po pierwsze, artykuł opisuje konteksty badań podejmowanych przez C. Smuniewskiego. Po drugie, przedstawia i analizuje założenia oraz układ rozpatrywanej książki. Po trzecie, nakreśla dalsze kierunki badań wyznaczone przez monografię. Opracowanie wpisuje się w obszar badań nauk o bezpieczeństwie i polityce.

This article provides a nuanced perspective concerning the future prospects of Sino-Russian security cooperation. It examines the image of China in Russian strategic documents during President Putin’s rule and investigates potential points of conflict arising from Russia’s perception of the post-Soviet landscape as its exclusive sphere of influence. The study is based on a systematic analysis of Russian strategic documents, specifically focusing on how they address of Sino-Russian relations, as well as Russian security and foreign policy concerning Central Asia. The analysis reveals that actual Russian security policy exhibits caution in its cooperation with China. The research contributes to the field by delineating a significant discrepancy between the role ascribed to China in Russian state propaganda, and therefore in public perception, and the more measured and reasonable formulations present in Russian strategic documents. This divergence illustrates the complexity and caution that characterise genuine Sino-Russian relations, especially in the realm of security policy.