Peter Hardi

Issues in analyzing data and indicators for sustainable development

This paper discusses data analysis, the most technical part of performance measurements. The aim is to address issues that are problematic in undertaking research on indicators and are related to a fundamental yet often neglected area of sustainable development (SD) projects. These projects, even if implemented by an expert team, are not yet in the phase to be verified by statistical and econometric methods. SD indices (descriptors of a new paradigm) deserve to be constructed by adopting more rigorous data analysis with a good statistical base. The paper will examine the relevant lessons of four empirical projects conducted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). The challenge is how to adopt more quantitative analysis in measuring SD. This may lead to a more comprehensive method of SD performance measures and more adequate indicators that are measurable with available data and verifiable by analysis.

Why Do Communist Parties Advocate Pluralism

The concept of pluralism has been a familiar one in political science since the first decade of this century, and has appeared in different theoretical frameworks. Pluralism is regarded as inherent in Western democracies, but it has also been interpreted as a transitional form leading to socialism. The Western communist parties, in adopting the concept of pluralism, have found a theoretical justification for abandoning the concepts of a leading model and one authentic party. The new doctrine that embraces pluralism advocates that the communist parties transform their societies to a more advanced, partly socialistic state, and then attempt to gain power by consensual means. The main issues of debate on the transformation are the abolition of the dictatorship of the proletariat, the guarantee of human rights, and the pluralist power structure.

Substance Misuse Prevention as Corporate Social Responsibility

All sectors of society should be involved in reducing substance misuse, including businesses. However, the business sector is typically involved only to the extent that their products compel them to be (e.g., alcohol producers promoting responsible alcohol consumption). This article examines why business participation has been limited and how embedding prevention within a framework of health promotion could increase participation. It reviews both Hungarian and international cases, concluding that although corporate social responsibility (CSR) offers a framework to approach substance misuse reduction, a different perception of the role of the business sector is necessary to make it viable.