Archive 1/2019

Barbara Brodzińska-Mirowska
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
e-mail: brodzinska@umk.pl

Maria Wincławska
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
e-mail: mariawin@umk.pl

Abstract

Despite the decrease in membership in European political parties, members still have an important role to play. In this paper we introduce the concept of high-quality membership (HQM) and show the organizational and communication potential of party grassroots. We distinguished factors to be taken into account in order to build the concept of party HQM. Only then is the organizational and communication potential of party membership able to be maximized. We argue that high-quality membership is valuable for parties because it helps them to establish and maintain links with voters, who then elect representatives into local, regional, and national governments; members help to collect information, understand problems and seek solutions important to local communities and to society in general; finally, HQM helps to improve the image of the party in society. The questions we raise in this article do not concentrate entirely on the above functions of party members since we advance that if a party would like to benefit from high-quality membership it must first obtain basic knowledge about its members, their needs, expectations and judgements. Therefore, in this article we discuss what kind of knowledge is necessary for parties to achieve the goal of HQM, and how the role of members is now understood and assessed by party leaders.

Key words

party membership; high–quality membership; party organization; strategic political communication; relationship between party and its members

Vladislav Strnad
Metropolitan University Prague, Czech republic
e-mail: strnad.vladislav@gmail.com

Abstract

This article analyses to what extent the Visegrad dimension of the Czech foreign policy can be considered a legitimate Czech national interest. The temporal framework of the study is driven by the paradigm shift in Visegrad cooperation in the context of the 2015 European migration crisis – from ‘inclusive’ (1991– early 2015) to ‘defensive’ (late 2015–present). Building on the conceptual framework for the legitimacy of national interest, I focused on the first period of cooperation and analysed whether the Visegrad dimension had internal and external legitimacy. Through a mixed method research design, I show that the topic of Visegrad is a long-discussed and advocated policy which has been present throughout the existence of the independent Czech state, regardless of the nature of the political leadership. As I demonstrate empirically, the Czech interest in the Visegrad policy is supported by Czech policy makers, it is acceptable for the other members, and it is compatible with the national interests of other democratic partners in the European and Euro-Atlantic area. The Visegrad policy can be considered as being in the legitimate Czech national interest during the first period of Visegrad cooperation.

Key words

Czech Republic; Visegrad Group; national interest; foreign policy; cooperation; mixed methods; migration

Tomáš Vlček
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech republic
e-mail: tomas.vlcek@mail.muni.cz

Ľubica Bodišová
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech republic
e-mail: 414926@mail.muni.cz

Žaneta Vencourová
Masaryk University, Brno, Czech republic
e-mail: 385392@mail.muni.cz

Abstract

This paper deals with the Northern Sea Route, the Russian seaway, and its potential for maritime oil transport. The main objective is to determine if the Northern Sea Route might serve as an alternative to the current Sea Lanes of Communication used for maritime oil transport. It is concluded the route is not a suitable alternative to the current Sea Lanes of Communication, especially in light of the geography of oil production and consumption, as well as economic factors, legislative issues, and the undeveloped state of infrastructure. The Russian Federation, however, envisions the route as the next maritime highway.

Key words

Northern Sea Route; Russian Federation; Maritime transportation; Oil; Arctic Council

Abstract

Nadalutti, Elisabetta, Kallscheuer, Otto: Region-making and Cross-border Cooperation: New Evidence from Four Continents. New York: Routledge. 2017. 182 pages.

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Keman, Hans: Social Democracy: A Comparative Account of the Left-Wing Party Family. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. 2017. 230 pages.

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Abstract

Pleshakov, Constantine:The Crimean Nexus: Putin’s War and the Clash of Civilizations. New Haven: Yale University Press. 2017. 200 pages.

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