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31. Latin America in the Czech Foreign Policy

Author:
Martin Hrabálek
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
Latin America is a distant region. Its political affairs do not play a really important role in the Czech foreign policy in general. The Czech interest in the region is primarily economic, as a number of countries in the region are already quite developed or on the way to becoming developed. The economic ties with Latin America are growing steadily, as is the volume of trade between the Czech Republic and countries in the region. Generally the Czech Republic pursues a rather neutral foreign policy towards Latin American countries, and the events there are unlikely to become subjects of politicization in the Czech Republic or to polarize the Czech political scene. Otherwise, on the part of the Czech Republic, an economically more proactive policy toward Latin America could be identified in 2017, with a growing perception of Latin America as an attractive region for both trade and investments.
Topic:
International Relations, Foreign Policy, Economy, and Trade
Political Geography:
Europe, Latin America, and Czech Republic

32. Foreign Security Policy of the Czech Republic

Author:
Lukáš Dyčka
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
The Czech foreign security and defence policy in 2017 was influenced mainly by the Russian threat, terrorism and migration – nevertheless, Brexit and the new US administration under President Trump were also important external drivers for it. These factors resulted in various steps taken within the Czech defence sector. The policy faced changes ranging from renewals of strategic documents, an increased defence budget, the high (yet still problematic) support from the public and rising numbers of Armed Forces personnel to problems with the age structure within both the military and the civilian part of the defence sector. Finally, the foreign security policy will likely be heavily influenced by the results of the parliamentary elections in October 2017 and also by the new government of Andrej Babiš, but this is rather to be expected in 2018.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Defense Policy, Migration, Terrorism, and Armed Forces
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, Czech Republic, and United States of America

33. The Economic Dimension of the Czech Foreign Policy

Author:
Štěpánka Zemanová and Miloslav Machoň
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
In 2017, the domestic support of the Czech Republic’s external economic relations (EER) maintained its continuity and corresponded with the recent developments in the world economy and the EU’s proactive policies in the internal market. It derived from the recent updates of the Export Strategy of the Czech Republic for 2012–2020 and the Map of Global Export Opportunities 2016/17 and profited from the improved relations between the relevant stakeholders and their ever-extending activities as well as newly introduced export and investment promotion tools. The period was successful in terms of performance as the Czech Republic achieved both an extraordinary increase in exports and a remarkable rate of GDP growth. This was combined with a growing emphasis on sustainable development. On the other hand, several questions relating to the institutional architecture remained. The adaptation of the system to the needs of a 21st century small open economy will be a challenge, and its possible failure one of the main risks in the future.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Economics, and European Union
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

34. Energy in External Relations of the Czech Republic

Author:
Lukáš Tichý
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
In 2017, the Czech Republic focussed mainly on the issue of strengthening energy security, both within the EU and the V4, and bilaterally in its relations with Germany, Austria, Russia, USA and France. In this context, the politicisation of the Czech discourse regarding the external dimension of energy security has been rather limited. Similarly, the polarisation of the Czech external dimension of the energy security discourse has also been limited. Despite this, the Czech government has relatively successfully tried to maintain a unified position in its energy policies, which is why in this case we can talk about a coherence within time, and across different players, as well as through the declared priorities of both the government and the EU. Last, but not least, the Czech Republic was supportive of creating common policies based on its proactive approach and co-operative position. The Czech Republic also adapted to external politics in the area of energy – which was the result of its reactive approach and neutral position.
Topic:
International Relations, Security, and Energy Policy
Political Geography:
Russia, Europe, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and United States of America

35. Human Rights Dimension of the Czech Foreign Policy

Author:
Veronika Bílková
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
In 2017, the Czech Republic went through the third round of the Universal Periodic Review and, for six months, it assumed the chairmanship in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the main European human rights organisation. These events might help promote the Czech human rights foreign policy both inside and outside the country. Yet, they were largely overshadowed, first, by the crisis in the government coalition, and, later on, by the parliamentary elections. The elections, resulting in the victory of Andrej Babiš’s ANO and the defeat of virtually all the traditional political parties, heralded potential changes in the Czech human rights foreign policy. Yet, since so far, ANO has been rather ambiguous in its approach to human rights, it is not easy to predict what direction such changes may take.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Politics, Governance, and Elections
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

36. The Development Dimension of the Czech Foreign Policy

Author:
Jan Werner
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
Following the European Year for Development 2015 and the transitional year 2016, 2017 promised to be the year when the Czech development agenda would find a new direction thanks to the introduction of a comprehensive sustainable development framework, new strategic documents, increases in funding and the evolution of the development institutions. Looking back, however, we can safely say it did not happen. While the new framework and strategies have been put in place and the institutions are evolving accordingly, most of the political scene seems to have once again lost interest in the agenda, or even question its utility. Amid growing pragmatism and polarisation, the main question increasingly faced by the Czech development policy is not whether and how it should relate to other dimensions of foreign policy (be it security, migration or business promotion), but rather whether, and to what extent, it will remain one of the country’s pursuits and priorities.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Development, Migration, Business, and Institutions
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

37. Public Diplomacy: A Lack of Political Support and Long-Term Vision

Author:
Jana Peterková and Eliska Tomalova
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Book
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
In the field of Czech public diplomacy, the year 2017 did not represent an exceptional year that would bring new major topics or changes. It can be characterised as a transition period from a situation of instability and maybe even uncertainty about the future and leadership of the most visible actor of Czech cultural diplomacy – the Czech Centres (CC). In the second half of the year, however, we may identify new positive ways of strategic thinking about their future. 2017 also saw a continuous trend in the diversification of fields and practices in public diplomacy areas where new forms of diplomatic practice and fields of activity gained a greater place and more attention, such as sports diplomacy. Last, but not least, the Czech public diplomacy has remained dominated by a pragmatic view prioritising the economic potential of various public diplomacy activities without a stronger support for a longer-term vision.
Topic:
Diplomacy, Culture, Sports, and Economy
Political Geography:
Europe and Czech Republic

38. The European Union must effectively develop energy relations with global producers and partners

Author:
Lukáš Tichý
Publication Date:
10-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
There are almost no oil or gas resources in the EU. To strengthen its energy security, the EU has taken a number of measures in its energy policy. Russia is currently the main energy supplier of oil and gas to the EU. In addition, the EU has been developing “energy relations” with existing and potential energy producers from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), sub-Saharan Africa, North America, and Latin America. The European Union should complete the creation of a fully liberalized and interconnected internal market to which energy sources, especially gas, can be delivered effectively from around the world. The EU also has to pursue more efficient relations with its current and, especially, future producers and suppliers of energy.
Topic:
International Affairs and Europe Union
Political Geography:
Europe

39. European Strategic Autonomy: Distant but Irresistible

Author:
Michal Šimečka
Publication Date:
02-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
Under pressure from overlapping crises, writes Michal Šimečka in his newest policy paper, the European Union is embracing a more assertive role in security. The election of Donald Trump has added a further sense of urgency and purpose to EU defence cooperation. The pursuit of European strategic autonomy is not just a matter of upgrading capabilities, building institutions, or re-calibrating EU–NATO cooperation. It is also a struggle to re-invent the EU’s identity. The Czech Republic emerged as a supporter of the new dynamic, but Prague should do more to back its rhetorical support with tangible commitments and policy leadership.
Topic:
International Political Economy and International Affairs
Political Geography:
Europe

40. Principles of Russian Military Thought

Author:
Nicolò Fasola
Publication Date:
11-2017
Content Type:
Commentary and Analysis
Institution:
Institute of International Relations Prague
Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to identify the enduring principles at the basis of Russian military thought, offering an alternative to the contemporary analytical mainstream – which deems Moscow’s military behavior to be revolutionary and unprecedented. This is based on comparative analysis of Russian official military discourse and practice between 2008 and 2016. Critical inspection of the two Military Doctrines approved during this timeframe and of various military drills will reveal a series of rhetorical and operational recurrences. Notwithstanding numerous changes at the international and domestic levels that could have had an impact on Russian military behavior, no substantive shift is distinguishable. These empirical findings will constitute the basis for a reconstruction of Russian military thought. Through a deductive method, we will be able to reconstruct the ultimate assumptions granting them logical coherence and legitimization. Far from being incomprehensible, Russian military thought will be presented as the adaptation of classical strategic principles to contemporary contingencies.
Topic:
International Affairs and Military Affairs
Political Geography:
Russia