Archive 2/2001

Abstract

Scientific approaches and generally accepted definitions in the research in far right extremism have not been united yet. The so called theories in this research are not often real theories but mere typologies. There are disputes about the fact whether far right extremism should be studied together with far left extremism or other forms of extremism (ethnical, religious, “new extremes” ets.). Some other, not so negative expressions, such as radicalism or populism are being used, but with other meanings. Also the relation between political extremism and terrorism is disputable. Research in extremism requires not only a highly qualified methodology, but also ethics.

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Right Extremism, Research, Pravicový extremismus, výzkum

Abstract

Progressive supranational integration in Europe raises the question about the survival of the nation state and the demise on the nation as the principal and highest focus of collective identity. This essay discusses, as background, the processes of modern nation states and then attempts to establish whether the same mechanism may apply to some form of supranational integration. It dismisses Anthony D: Smith’s vertical as well as lateral paths of this process as applicable to a Pan-European nation formation because Europe as a whole lacks ethnic homogeneity as their fundamental prerequisite. The analysis of the history of European nationalism, nation formation and the role of the nation state on the one hand, and of the forces, processes, and institutions of European supranational integration leads the author, as it does most students of these phenomena, to two conclusions: (1) that the nation as the focal point of collective identity has a secure place in today’s Europe and the continents foreseeable future, and (2) that, as Josep R. Liobera points out, the European Union “will not abolish the sovereignty of the state, though undoubtedly certain aspects of sovereignty will continue to be put voluntary into a joint pool of sovereignty” exercised by supranational authorities.

Key words

nation, národ, Evropa, Europe, nation states, národní státy

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to briefly introduce the broad field of electoral threshold. The poper focuses only on the thresholds of proportional representation systems. This topic is practically unknown in Czech political science literature. Electoral threshold is very important for electoral studies, because it strongly affects representation of small parties. The first part describes theoretical computational methods of effective threshold at district level. The effective threshold depends on the threshold of inclusion and the threshold of exclusion. They are, respectively, the vote shares below which a party cannot possibly win a seat, and above which it cannot possible fail to do so. There is not a consensus above computational methods of threshold of inclusion. Therefore, we distinguish three possibilities how to count dependent values of effective threshold. The second part shows theoretical computational methods of the average threshold at national level. It is connected witch the threshold of inclusion and the threshold of exclusion at national level. It is important to keep in mind, that every theoretical pattern gives only approximate results. We can count really values of electoral thresholds of concrete election results by the practical methods described at the third part. We distinguish methods for systems using electoral quotas and for systems using electoral divisors. Computational methods of real values of electoral threshold (practical methods) give more exact results those theoretical methods, which give only appropriate values. On the other hand, practical methods need much more incoming information and their results could not possibly be as general as theoretical methods.

Key words

Electoral Threshold, volební práh, poměrný volební system, Proportional Representations Systems

Abstract

Main formal economic interest groups in Slovakia in nineties were Labour unions associated in Confederation of Labour Unions of S.R. and organizations of entrepreneurs associated in Association of Employers Unions of S.R. These Associations were (with the Government of S.R.) exclusive members of the Council of Economic and Social Agreement – the institution of social partnership at the macro-level of the society. State corporatism was prevailed pattern of interest representation in this area in nineties. Informal economic interest groups are small groups who are composed of businessmen, bankers, entrepreneurs, politicians etc. These groups were set up for purpose to represent and maintain economics aims of its members to take on political ways. Political patronage and corruption were main tactics that these groups used in nineties. These activities concerned mainly in the process of privatization of the state property and in the governance of the privatized property.

Key words

zájmové skupiny, Slovensko, odbory, economic interest groups, Slovakia, Labour union

Abstract

The paper discusses a complex of issues related to phenomenon of “party migration”, i.e. the changing of party affiliation of deputies in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. The nature and impact of the phenomenon could not be explained by referring to individual political factors viewed in isolation. The paper describes and analyses the historical, institutional and behavioral context in which the party migration has become a common practice in Brazil. The destabilization of the Brazilian party system represented a crucial prerequisite for an extensive party migration. Since the mid 1980s Brazilian deputies have gained large capacities of maneuver among parties by changing their individual party affiliations. Within a destabilized party arrangement, due to generalized weakness of party – voters’ linkage and to the “liberal” legal framework, the risks of such a strategy have become minimal. Therefore, large numbers of Brazilian deputies have adopted the strategy of “party migration” in order to maximize their chances for successful political career.

Key words

Brazílie, Brazil, Chamber of Deputies, poslanecká sněmovna, changing of party, stranická migrace

Abstract

The Slovak Party of Democratic Left and its Political Transformation This text describes and analyses one of the most important political parties of the slovak left – the Party of Democratic Left (SDĽ). SDĽ is a post-communist party that has been developed into a western-type of a social democratic party. SDĽ was established in the lap of the former ruling communist party after the 1989 revolution, thanks to the attempts of the young generation of “perestroyka” intellectuals. SDĽ was led by Peter Weiss from 1990 to 1996. Then he was replaced by Josef Migaš. SDĽ was on opposition parliament party from 1990 to 1994. In the elections of 1992, 14, 7% voters preferred SDĽ. In 1992 a deputy of SDĽ Ján Ľupták initiated a founding of the Slovak Worker’s Front (ZRS). His aim was to defend worker’s interests. In 1994, Ľupták transformed an originally civic association into a political party. Between March and October 1994, SDĽ was a part of the government coalition and held the offices of the vice prime minister (Brigtia Schmognerová) as well as the Minister of Economy, Defense and Justice. The participation was seen as a betrayal of its natural supporters. ZRS with its populist program took over a part of the SDĽ voters and won 13 of 150 mandates (7,3% of the votes) in the parliamentary election (in autumn 1994). Left coalition the Common Choice led by SDĽ was preferred by only 10,4% voters. (Until 1998, ZRS was an ally of Meier’s Movement for Democratic Slovakia in the government coalition.) In the parliamentary elections 1998, SDĽ standing alone increased its share of the votes to 14,7% (23 seats). It has become a part of the grand government coalition since that time. SDĽ politicians hold the offices of the vice prime minister and Ministers of Finance, Defense, Education, Social Affairs and Agriculture. Party Chairman Migaš is a president of the Parliament. In December 1999, there appeared a new political party the Smer on a slovak political scene. The populist program of this party took over a part of SDĽ voters. (Smer’s chairman Robert Fico is former vice chairman of SDĽ.)

Key words

Strana demokratické levice, Party of Democratic Left, SDĽ, Slovakia, Slovensko, Směr, Smer, Migaš, Fico

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Luthar, B., Kuzmančić, T. A., Dragoě, S. (Eds.): The Victory of The Imaginary Left. The Relationship of The Media and Politics in The 2000 Parliamentary Elections in Slovenia, Lubian: Peace Institute, 118 pages.

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Kubát, M. (2001): Politika v Polsku po roce 1989. Volby, volební systémy a jejich politické konsekvence, Praha: Karolinum, 149 pages.

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W. Beck, L. J. G. van der Maesen, F. Thomése, A. Walker (eds.) (2001): Social Quality: A Vision for Europe (2000), The Hague: Kluwer Law International, 390 pages.

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Kollár, M., Mesežnikov, G. (Eds.) (2000): Slovensko 2000. Súhrnná správa o stave spoločnosti, Bratislava: Inštitút pre verejné otázky, 790 pages.

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Pekník, M. a kol. (2000): Pohľady na slovenskú politiku. Geopolitika, slovenské národné rady, čechoslovakizmus, Bratislava: VEDA, vydavateľstva SAV, 759 pages.

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