Archive 3/2012

Michal Kořan
Institute of International Relations, Czech Republic
email: koran@iir.cz

Abstract

The aim of the article is to offer a theoretically grounded explanation of the long-term continuity of Czech foreign policy. Czech foreign policy displays long-term continuity and consensus at the level of policy, but, at the same time, exhibits deep ideological differences among political and societal elites at the level of politics. The article argues against the mainstream (neo)liberal and (neo)realist theories that explain foreign policy outcomes in pure rationalist and materialist terms. Instead, the text follows the line of the critical constructivist school of International Relations and borrows heavily from post-structuralism. Thus, the article takes into account the ideational background of Czech foreign policy and argues that these deeply seated differences at the level of politics, stemming from mutually contradictory normative, philosophical and political beliefs, are subsequently neutralized by what is called the “hegemonic internationalist discourse”. In this context, the article explores the origins, nature and consequences of the power of the hegemonic internationalist discourse.

Key words

Czech foreign policy, internationalism, identity, hegemonic discourse, critical constructivism

Simona Kukovič
Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
email: simona.kukovic@fdv.uni-lj.si

Miro Haček - Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
email: miro.hacek@fdv.uni-lj.si

Anja Grabner - Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
email: anja.grabner@fdv.uni-lj.si

Abstract

The paper analyses the position and role of the mayor in the Slovenian system of local self-government. This role has changed significantly since the communist times, and even since the mid-1990s, when Slovenia re-introduced the system of local self-government. We track these changes and analyse them in this paper. Our theoretical anchor is the work by Mouritzen and Svara (2002), in which they categorise ideal-type models of executive government at the sub-national levels of government and the relations inside the executive. Using data gathered in 2011 and 2012 in a majority of Slovenian municipalities, we analyse the governing of the mayor and try to ascertain the extent to which it depends on the political parties that constitute municipal councils, on the municipal administration, and also on the institutional framework within which municipal governments function.

Key words

Slovenia, local self-government, municipality, relations, mayor, municipal council, director of municipal administration

Radomír Sztwiertnia
Institute of Central European Studies, Faculty of Public Policies, Silesia University in Opava, Czech Republic
email: radomir.sztwiertnia@fvp.slu.cz

Dana Hellová
Institute of Central European Studies, Faculty of Public Policies, Silesia University in Opava, Czech Republic
email: dana.hellova@fvp.slu.cz

Abstract

The inadequate representation of women at various levels of politics is a much discussed topic among politicians and the public. Socio-economic, institutional and cultural factors are often perceived as the main reasons which influence the supply and demand sides of political competition. In Czech local politics, the situation seems to be more propitious. The proportion of women in municipal assemblies is significantly higher, which brings us to the question of the influence of traditional barriers to women‘s decisions to enter politics. On the basis of quantitative research among representatives of municipalities of up to three thousand inhabitants in the Moravian-Silesian Region, we conclude that the defined barriers are present; however, their influence on the decision of women to enter politics is weakening.

Key words

representation of women in politics, barriers to entry into politics, local politics, Moravian-Silesian Region

Linda Piknerová
Department of Poltiical Science and International Relations, Faculty of Arts, University of Western Bohemia, Czech Republic
email: lpiknero@kap.zcu.cz

Abstract

This study deals with the issue of development relations between China and Africa in the context of the Beijing concensus. It attempts to provide an analysis of Chinese foreign policy since the beginning of the 90’s. The text is divided into three basic parts. The first contains discussion on the theories of development, including the main features of the (post)Washington concensus based on liberalism, decentralization and privatization, followed by the Beijing concensus representing the counter-paradigm. The second focuses on the historical roots of bilateral relations since the beginning of the 20th century until the end of the Cold War. TAZARA, the Tanzania-Zambia railway built by China is chosen as the most representative example of Chinese foreign policy during the Cold War period. The last part deals with current relations influenced by Chinese oil diplomacy and the so-called one-China policy. Sudan and Angola are chosen as significant examples of African states in which China is involved.

Key words

China and Africa relations, development, development relations, new scramble for Africa, Beijing Concensus, oil diplomacy, FOCAC, AGOA

Radana Kubová
Department of International Relations and European Studies, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
email: kubova@fss.muni.cz

Markéta Pitrová
Department of International Relations and European Studies, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
email: pitrova@fss.muni.cz

Abstract

The aim of this article is to underline a more broad and complex approach towards the regulation of lobbying. Our objective here is to provide a systematic enumeration of possible regulatory alternatives. This research involves the examination of the most notable and significant cases of lobbying regulation in the western world and is based largely on the textual analysis of relevant regulatory documents. We do not, however, intend to present the detailed mapping of lobbying regulation in all possible arenas, or evaluate these means, or even recommend particular regulatory options or instruments. We therefore suggest an analytical framework highlighting three important points that should be clarified in each regulatory system: 1) the actors involved in lobbying, 2) the form of regulation, and 3) the regulatory means and instruments. The proposed topography of lobbying regulation can serve as a general basis for the further analysis of regulatory schemes and their comparison, but also as a guide for those considering regulatory options.

Key words

Lobbying regulation, self-regulation, lobbyists, policy-makers, public office holders, code of conduct, register, legislative footprint, revolving door

Abstract

Bastl, Martin; Mareš, Miroslav; Smolík, Josef a Vejvodová, Petra. 2011. Krajní pravice a krajní levice v ČR, Praha: Grada Publishing, a. s., 288 pages.

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Hobsbawm, Eric. 2009. Globalizace, demokracie a terorismus. Praha: Nakladatelství Academia, 136 pages.

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Gerdes, Louise I. (eds.). 2011. Should Religious Symbols be Allowed on Public Land? Greenhaven Press: Gale Cengage Learning, 1st edition, 126 pages.

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