Climate negotiators’ and scientists’ assessments of the climate negotiations

Climate negotiation outcomes are difficult to evaluate objectively because there are no clear reference scenarios. Subjective assessments from those directly involved in the negotiations are particularly important, as this may influence strategy and future negotiation participation. Here we analyze the perceived success of the climate negotiations in a sample of more than 600 experts involved in international climate policy. Respondents were pessimistic when asked for specific assessments of the current approach centered on voluntary pledges, but were more optimistic when asked for general assessments of the outcomes and usefulness of the climate negotiations. Individuals who are more involved in the negotiation process tended to be more optimistic, especially in terms of general assessments. Our results indicate that two reinforcing effects are at work: a high degree of involvement changes individuals’ perceptions and more optimistic individuals are more inclined to remain involved in the negotiations

Западный эзотеризм: путеводитель для запутавшихся. Гл. 3: Апологетика и полемик

Wouter J. Hanegraaff. Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed. Ch. 3 (“Apologetics and Polemics”) / Tr. from English by Kateryna V. Zorya. The “Aliter” journal presents a Russian translation of Chapter 3 from Wouter Hanegraaff’s “Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed”. Wouter Hanegraaff is one of the most important scholars in the study of Western Esotericism and is one of the founders of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE). The “Guide for the Perplexed” is conceived as a practical and accessible introduction to Western Esotericism as a field of study, meant to furnish its readers with basic knowledge and tools necessary for further autonomous exploration of the subject. Chapter 3 is an exploration of discourses that led to the creation of Western Esotericism as a category of knowledge which are little known to the general public. The chapter follows esotericism's story from Catholic and Protestant “genealogies of darkness” and to the Enlightenment’s battle against superstition and paganism