Archive 4/2010

Abstract

This article examines the development of framing processes of the so-called Roma movement in the Czech Republic after 1989. Although there have been studies describing several and predominantly general frames in relation to the Roma movement in post-Communist countries, there has still yet to be a systematic analysis. Using frame analysis we examine diagnostic, prognostic and motivational frames in three years – 1992, 1996, 2006. We find important variation over the years and speculate about possible explanatory factors such as changes in integration policies, the level of extreme-right violence, public debate, and opportunities in fundraising. The last part of the article focuses on European Union funding and its possible relation to framing.

Key words

frames, frame analysis, Roma movement, social movement, self-naming, collective identity, EU structural funds

Abstract

The Czech Republic and other pos-communist countires in Central Europe (Poland, Hungary and Slovakia) joined the European Union in 2004. However, political and economic integration is a continual process that had already commenced with the democratic and market transitions of these countries. This paper discusses the recent condition of convergence in the above-mentioned countries with special attention to exploring possible relationships between level of current convergence and economic openness. We argue that Central European countries are a clear example that proves that a significant level of convergence through economic openness is possible, although not without possible future risk.

Key words

convergence, economic development, Central Europe

Abstract

This article analyses social policy in the programs of the relevant political parties. Right-wing political parties have profiled themselves as the main bearers of social reform. The pace of social reform started to drop in the second half of the nineties with a complete break down between 1997 and 1998. The political and voting programs of right-wing political parties have been the main source for this research.

Key words

social policy, right-wing political parties, voting program, social reform

Abstract

The aim of the article is to apply the approach of new institutionalism to the development of the institutional framework for Slovenian regional development policy. In the first part, we present the elementary principles of new institutionalism and its typology, including the three basic types: historical institutionalism, sociological institutionalism, and rational choice institutionalism. We apply the concepts of logic of appropriateness and logic of consequences to explain and understand the stimuli, dynamics and scope of these changes. In Slovenia, one can identify two main phases of institutional adaptation: 1) the architecture of the institutional system for programme administration in the pre-accession period (interpretation and translation of the rules); and 2) editing the established structure for the period of full EU-membership.

Key words

new institutionalism, European regional policy, Slovenia, accommodation

Abstract

The Arctic has not been in the centre of attention of national states only for the last several years. The states in the region have been acting actively and asserting their goals for several decades. The region’s military-strategic importance was fully recognized as early as in the Cold War era. The ongoing climatic changes represent the fundamental factor co-affecting the increase of the states’ interest in the region. It is believed that climate changes could open new territories for economic activities and new transport routs. Generally speaking, the driving force of today’s activities in Arctic region is supposed to be the economic interests, i.e. the states’ efforts to gain control of and exploit certain tangible goods (fish, oil, gas, minerals) or the control of new transport routes. However it does not mean that the conflict over Arctic region is inevitable. There are some factors – such as the geographical and climatic circumstances, the level of development and accessibility of necessary technologies, and last but not least, also the financial demandingness of the projects struggling for the exploitation of the Arctic – that might rather support the cooperation of states in exploiting the Arctic potential.

Key words

Arctic, economic potential, conflict

Abstract

Comparative politics textbooks play an important role in scientific socialization within political science. Thus, textbook reviews should take their role in this process into account. Analytical review criteria have to be based on understanding the different potential roles textbooks may play within tertiary education and of the goals they may fulfill. The argument about different strategy patterns of comparative politics textbooks is illustrated here on the example of relatively recent textbooks by Daniele Caramani and Alan Siaroff. Such an analysis may serve not only to identify reasonable criteria to assess comparative politics textbooks, but it also utilizes the findings of Thomas Kuhn about the „discipline-forming“ role of textbooks. Textbooks also play an important role as a space for meta-reflective analysis of comparative politics as a field of. To study textbooks therefore also means to study authoritative texts about comparative politics.

Key words

extbooks; comparative politics; disciplinary role; Daniele Caramani; Alan Siaroff; Thomas Kuhn; normal science

Abstract

Being a part of the social world, international law is not closed nor isolated system – on the contrary, it is in an intimate interaction with international relations and politics. Richard Falk, Professor of International Law, taught for example at the Princeton University and presently at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is interested in the connections between IL and IR and is a prolific writer on this topic. Two of his last books, The costs of War – International Law, the UN and World Order After Iraq (2008) and Achieving Human Rights (2009) are reviewed in this essay in highly critical manner. In the essay, Falk’s normative inquiry into the legal and political developments is contrasted with the latest discussions in both the International Law and International Relations. In the review essay, Falk is criticised for his unconvincing criticism of the US foreign policy, for his intelectual shortcuts and excessive idealism. However, very interesting and significant parts of both books are emphasized and Falk’s books are considered to be worth reading. His insight into the international legal problems and into the developments of human rights is outstanding.

Key words

international law, human rights, Iraq war, George W. Bush, neoconservatism

Abstract

Petr Kratochvíl. 2010. Původ a smysl národního zájmu: Analýza legitimity jednoho politického konceptu, Brno, Centrum pro studium demokracie a kultury, 211 pages.

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Abstract

Petr Jüptner, Martin Polinec, Kamil Švec et al. 2007. Evropská lokální politika, Praha: IPS FSV UK, 251 pages.

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Abstract

Milan Valach. 2009. Svět na předělu: O politické a morální krizi kapitalismu, Všeň: Grimmus, 406 pages.

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