TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THE CHARACTER OF THE SOVIET MODERNIZATIONS

In the context of the theory of modernization created at the turn of the 1950s and 1960s by American scientists, which explained the essence of the historical transition from traditional to industrial society using the example of Western democracies, the nature of Soviet modernization as a separate phenomenon is considered. Classical modernization of the western type was called normative. The views of Soviet historians on the economic development of the Soviet Union and the main provisions of the theory of modernization are compared. While Soviet historiography, considered the beginning of the modernization of Stalin’s industrialization, was officially proud of the latter, the proponents of the theory of modernization, on the contrary, justified its shortcomings and the general negative impact on the further development of the USSR as a whole. It is explained how, during the further development of the theory, the category of non-normative modernization was singled out, to which, according to all the main indicators, economic transformations in the USSR were assigned. Such indicators include lack of democracy, free market, restriction of private property, planned economy, presence of numerous state monopolies, authoritarian model of government. The concept of «non-normative modernization», in the opinion of the author of the article, first, better and more objectively explains the essence of economic processes in the Soviet Union, and secondly, can serve as a marker in the analysis of the economic prospects of those modern states that actually inherited the Soviet model of the economy. The author concludes on the more objective nature of the theory of modernization in comparison with the concept of catching up with modern Russian historians.

The Commitment of Packaging Industry in the Framework of the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy

European Commission is strongly committed into issues related to plastic materials production and plastic waste management. While the Circular Economy Package has set targets generally referred to recycling rates, the European Strategy for plastics in a circular economy (and related action plan), fosters sustainability along the entire plastic value chain: from primary producers to converters, brand owners and retailers to waste collectors and recyclers. The Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (more commonly known as Directive on Single-Use-Plastics, waiting for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union) rules targets on ten plastic products most often found as littering on global beaches, directly affecting plastic industry and, consequently, market. Policy makers and industrial stakeholders are called upon to collaborate. The article aims to illustrate interactions between European Commission and all plastic value chain stakeholders on implementing measures to reach ambitious targets pursued by the recent European policy. The study shows how European Commission has robustly worked to regulate production and consumption patterns on plastic carrier bags and packaging (including food packaging) thus facilitating the achievement of specific targets provided by the recent Directive. However, additional provisions concerning market restriction have been introduced; industrial stakeholders carried on a prompt response by promoting the creation of alliances, join venture and association, as well as a more integrated plastic value chain. On the base of this purpose, a virtuous example of a closed supply chain is presented.

Refugees in the UK Labour Market: The Conflict between Economic Integration and Policy-led Labour Market Restriction

This article draws on data from a survey of 400 refugees and shows low levels of labour market activity. The minority of refugees who are working are in secondary sector jobs with little opportunity for progression. Moreover, refugees with high levels of skills who are working are not in jobs commensurate with their skills and qualifications. The article examines the human capacity and personal characteristics that have an impact on refugee employment, and finds the greatest difference in employment is between men and women, although English language fluency and training are also very important. Employment is a major part of the refugee integration strategy, and employment initiatives focus on capacity-building rather than discrimination or reversing restrictive policies. The article concludes that strategies need to focus on individual employability as well as measures to overcome personal and structural barriers to the labour market.

Le contrat de concession commerciale et le libre marché

This paper deals with the exclusive sale contract or solus agreement. Its first part identifies some characteristic features of this type of agreement, which quite often is not only aimed at regulating the exercise of trade, but also serves as a technique of market organization and economic power concentration. The impact of the increasing currency of such commercial practices on the free market justifies consideration of the various forms of control that can be exercised by public authorities in order to preserve free competition. Control can be achieved through the judiciary applying concepts such as public order in civil law or public policy at common law. However, in view of the courts' reluctance to interfere with such instances of private economic power and their indifference towards the economic inequities inherent in such agreements for the distributor, legislative intervention has become necessary to protect the free market. Thus the Combines Investigation Act was amended in 1976 to allow regulation of commercial practices such as refusal to deal, consignment selling, exclusive dealing, market restriction and tied selling.