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Item Migration and National Identity in Plzeň: What’s Brewing at the Heart of Europe?(2025) Baldacchino, Godfrey; Krčál, Petr; Naxera, Vladimír; Mochernak, Nataliya-Mariya; Gekić, Haris; Redmond, JenniferBased on desk research, a site visit and 2 interviews with Ukrainian migrants, this paper examines the significance of migration as a Central European phenomenon, even in and around those practices which are deemed to be millenary European traditions. Pilsner Urquell brewery, in Plzeň, Czechia, serves as an ideal research terrain: a capitalist assemblage that brings together individuals at various levels (owners, management, specialised workers, manual labourers) with different identity documentations, statuses and origins, while preparing the traditional Czech beverage. The diversity in status and nationality is linked to the production process as well as to consumption – such as extensive beer tourism as well as alcoholism. In this way, the paper helps to establish the migrant as a constitutive and not an unsavoury derivate persona in contemporary Western society. Behind every glass of beer, there is a shifting vortex of human relations; the actors involved are likely to have different nationality, residency and citizenship statuses, different documents and therefore different rights.
Item From Anti-Politician Technocratism to Anti-Immigrant Nativism? The Changes in Populist Communication of Former Czech PM Andrej Babiš(2025) Naxera, VladimírThis article focusing on the communications of former Czech PM Andrej Babiš is a contribution to the debate on the transformation of the communications of populist actors. Using a content analysis of all Facebook communication in the profiles of Babiš and his ANO movement in the pre-election periods between 2013 and 2023, the text reveals a gradual transformation of communication. While the level of populism in communication remained relatively high throughout the decade (with a notable peak in the run-up to the 2017 parliamentary elections, after four years of government engagement), other (ideological) features accompanying populism transformed significantly. The initial technocratic, expert, and managerial rhetoric putting in contrast “bad ideological/party politicians” and “good experts and managers” was pragmatically abandoned over time and replaced by a nativist rhetoric placing in contrast “good natives” and “bad incomers,” that is, immigrants (and not immediately after the outbreak of the so-called migration crisis). In this respect, the transformation of the communication of ANO and Babiš differs from the communication of a large part of other dominant Central European populist actors.
Item Human Rights Foreign Policy: A Skeptical Perspective(2025) Drulák, PetrThis article critically reviews Czech human rights foreign policy (HRFP). It makes a conceptual distinction between three possible types of HRFP: pragmatic, neo-conservative, and cooperative. It then reviews Václav Havel’s neoconservative HRFP which shaped Czech HRFP. Following this, the role of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is discussed with a focus on an attempt to transform the neoconservative HRFP to a more cooperative format. The article concludes with a reflection on the impossibility of a credible HRFP.Item Metafory korupce v českých online médiích(2024) Štěpánková, IvaČlánek ve vazbě na zahraniční výzkumy zkoumá to, jaké metafory korupce a v jaké míře využívají česká online média. Text se věnuje tomu, jak mohou tyto metafory zdůraznit nebo naopak zakrýt specifické formy a aspekty korupce. Tím přispívá do debaty o vlivu médií na vnímání korupce.Item ‘The more populism types you know, the better political scientist you are?’ Machine-learning based meta-analysis of populism types in the political science literature(2024) Naxera, Vladimír; Kaše, Vojtěch; Stulík, OndřejThis text builds on existing debates on types of populism in contemporary political science literature. Our premise is that with new types of populism emerging in the debate, and with the significantly increasing number of texts dealing with populism, the types are being hollowed out. Using a dataset consisting of a total of 539 texts published between 2011 and 2020 containing the keyword populism and using a machine-learning based classification model of concordance data, we show that (1.) ambiguities and confusions among the different types of populism become more prominent over the study period, categories become emptier and their usefulness for classification decreases, and (2.) the only stable and consensually defined type in the long run is right-wing populism. We conclude by recommending to depart from creating classifications of types of populism based on specific ideological or non-ideological features and to keep these levels (populism and other features) – within analysis – separate.Item Looking Back on Corruption: Representations of Corruption and Anti-corruption in Czech Party Manifestos between 1990–2017(2023) Kupka, Petr; Naxera, VladimírThis study follows the constructivist tradition of corruption research. Specifically, we analyze representations of corruption and anti-corruption in the electoral manifestos of Czech political parties and movements between 1990 and 2017. In these documents, corruption is primarily construed as a security issue and is framed within the context of economic and organized crime. The causes of corruption, the main actors behind it, and the proposed countermeasures draw on three dominant discourses: neoliberal, centrist, and populist. Neoliberal discourse attributes corruption to the overextended nature of the state, with public officials as the primary perpetrators of corruption. Countermeasures are based on streamlined public administration and personal accountability of government employees in this discourse. Centrist discourse sees the interweaving of economic and political power as the cause of corruption perpetrated by the mafia or lobbyists. Countermeasures are rooted in legal regulation and cooperation with anti-corruption forces in this discourse. Populist discourse provides an updated interpretation of the former two discourses. It borrows the metaphoric labeling of perpetrators from the centrist repertoire and the logic behind the proposed countermeasures from neoliberal discourse. In the conclusion, we compare our findings with the political constructions of corruption in other cultural contexts. We also shed light on some of the circumstances that may have contributed to framing corruption as a security issue in Czechia.Item Why do some academics so often publish (letters) outside their field?(2024) Naxera, VladimírThis paper reacts to some previous letters and discusses the issues of publication ethics and accountability, especially regarding the repeated publication of letters outside of authors' fields.Item Civil society and populism in Europe: outbreak or cure?(2024) Naxera, Vladimír; Gueorguieva, Petia; Irrera, DanielaScholarly debates on the links between the rise of populist parties, leaders, and movements and the role of civil society are growing and increasingly fascinating. However, this is one of the areas within 'populism studies' that has received less attention. Exploring the links between populism and civil society opens up space for many possible avenues of research, rooted in different research traditions. This special issue, with a total of 10 papers, aims to deepen this increasingly important line of research, highlighting both lesser-described forms and examples of populism as well as dominant forms of populism in Europe, such as right-wing or left-wing populism. In this introduction, we aim to (1) outline the various links between populism and civil society and place them in the context of populism studies, and (2) summarise the papers in this issue and their main findings.Item NATO’s expanding role in the Indo-Pacific(2024) Rod, ZdeněkThe article "NATO's Expanding Role in the Indo-Pacific" explores the alliance's increasing involvement in the Indo-Pacific region, driven by rising geopolitical tensions and China's growing influence. The 75th NATO Summit in Washington underscored the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific for NATO, highlighting new military partnerships, defense industry collaborations, and a focus on countering hybrid threats. While NATO's engagement reflects a commitment to regional stability, it also risks escalating tensions with China, raising questions about the alliance's future role and strategic priorities in this vital region.Item Populistický storytelling Igora Matoviče a Roberta Fica v době pandemie covidu-19(2024) Mucinová, Alžběta; Kůsová, Aneta; Pospíchalová, ŠtěpánkaTento článek se zaměřuje na dva slovenské premiéry (Igora Matoviče a Roberta Fica) v době pandemie. V návaznosti na probíhající debaty o vztahu mezi pandemií a populismem a s využitím teoretického rámce populismu jako vyprávění příběhů, který představili Nordensvard a Ketola, analýza ukazuje, jak podobnou strukturu (i když vzájemně antagonistické co do obsahu) měly covidové narativy, které oba politici vytvořili na Facebooku v letech 2020 a 2021. Rozdíly byly způsobeny především odlišným postavením obou politiků - zatímco Fico byl v té době v opozici, Matovič byl u moci. Proto významnou část Matovičova sdělení tvořila prezentace vlastních kroků, zatímco Fico se zaměřoval především na kritiku ostatních aktérů. Nicméně oba se prezentovali jako jasní populističtí hlasatelé pravdy, kteří odhalují pravdu „lidu“ a kritizují „elity“.Item How EU Enlargement Could Transform European Defence: Scenarios for a 2030 Agenda(2024) Rod, Zdeněk; Dempsey, SamuelThis article explores the transformative potential of European Union (EU) enlargement on European defense policy and security structures. By analyzing key geopolitical, institutional, and strategic dynamics, the authors present three scenarios for how the EU's defense framework could evolve by 2030 in the context of enlargement. The scenarios range from incremental adaptation to a bold reimagining of the EU's defense architecture, emphasizing the roles of new member states and the integration of their capabilities. The article provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to balance ambition with feasibility while strengthening transatlantic ties and European strategic autonomy.Item „Všetci kradnú!“ Triumf populismu jako boje proti zkorumpovaným elitám(2021) Naxera, VladimírV posledním dílu seriálu o protikorupční rétorice se autor věnuje tomu, jakým způsobem čeští populisté využívají téma korupce k útokům na stávající politickou elitu.Item Pryč s kmotry a s dinosaury! Jak protikorupční rétorika ovládla českou politiku(2021) Naxera, VladimírVe třetím dílu seriálu textů o proměně protikorupční rétoriky se autor zaměřuje na období od konce opoziční smlouvy po pád vlády Petra Nečase v roce 2013.Item Vrtěti korupcí je tak snadné. Protikorupční rétorika českých politiků(2021) Naxera, VladimírÚvodní text celé série článků o proměnách protikorupční rétoriky českých politiků.Item Debt or Diplomacy? Inside China’s Controversial Loans to Sri Lanka, Laos, and Malaysia(2024) Rod, ZdeněkThis article dives into the nuanced debate surrounding China’s "debt-trap diplomacy," exploring whether China is truly manipulating economically vulnerable nations or if the narrative has been exaggerated by Western critics. Through detailed case studies of Sri Lanka, Laos, and Malaysia, the article examines how China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) impacts these nations’ strategic infrastructure and sovereignty. While some cases appear to validate the idea of Chinese predation, the article argues that the reality is far more complex—often shaped by local governance, corruption, and political self-interest rather than solely by China’s actions.The piece provides an in-depth look at the most-cited examples of debt diplomacy, such as Sri Lanka's Hambantota port, Laos' energy sector, and Malaysia's East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). It highlights China's aggressive lending practices but also points out the complicity of local leaders who pursue these deals for political or personal gain. Ultimately, Rod challengesItem Czechia’s quiet struggle for artillery shells holds lessons for Europe(2024) Rod, Zdeněk; JARKOVSKÝ, MichaelAs Ukraine faces an ongoing artillery shortage, Czechia has stepped up, initiating a groundbreaking plan to secure and supply much-needed shells. Yet, the road has not been easy: Funding Gaps: Despite pledges, there’s a $1.1 billion shortfall to fully meet Ukraine’s artillery needs. Time is of the essence! Logistical Challenges: Moving artillery across continents requires complex coordination, and often, secrecy to avoid retaliation. Reliability Concerns: Some rounds have faced quality issues, highlighting the need for robust supply chains and inspections. What Can Europe Learn? With European defense spending often diverted outside the EU and environmental policies limiting production, the urgency for a cohesive industrial policy is clear. 🇪🇺 Building stronger supply chains and boosting domestic ammunition production could make all the difference in Ukraine’s battle for sovereignty.Item Russia and China in the Arctic: Less Than Meets the Eye(2024) Rod, Zdeněk; Jouan, Nicolas; Růžička, MartinThe article "Russia and China in the Arctic: Less Than Meets the Eye" explores the complexities behind the seemingly close relationship between Russia and China in the Arctic. Despite rhetoric of cooperation, the two nations' interests diverge. Russia, isolated from Western Arctic partnerships, views China as a key economic partner, especially for natural gas sales and infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, China's engagement is opportunistic, driven by resource extraction and shorter shipping routes. Disagreements, especially over energy deals and infrastructure limitations, highlight distrust between the nations. Overall, China's Arctic strategy is pragmatic, maintaining relations with other Arctic countries while cautiously cooperating with Russia.Item The Czech Defence outlook after the Russian invasion to Ukraine(2024) Rod, ZdeněkThe Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly transformed Czechia’s defence and security posture through threat perceptions focusing more on Russia and a greater emphasis on societal involvement in national defence. Before the invasion, the Czech Armed Forces faced substantialunderfunding, with defence spending at 1.39% of GDP in 2021, personnel shortages, outdated equipment, and a lack of strategic foresight. Since then, the Fiala government has turned national defence into a priority.• Since 2022 Czechia has developed a new security and defence strategy to tackle 21st century challenges. The country is procuring modern military assets, such as 5th eneration fighter jets, and has actively supported Ukraine’s defence, including through a special ammunition initiative.Recruitment has also intensified.• A primary concern is defence spending of at least 2% of GDP can be sustained. According to many, Czechia should eventually surpass the 2% benchmark to address complex threats effectively.Despite government pledges to meet this target, recent allocations raise doubts about NATO’s recognition of the spending as sufficient. • Manpower is another critical issue. The Czech Army aims to expand to 30,000 professional soldiers and 10,000 reservists by 2030, but recruitmentremains challenging. The decline in public connection to the military since the end of compulsory service in 2004 and perceptions of low salaries for lower-ranking soldiers hinderrecruitment. To overcome these obstacles, theCzech Army needs to improve strategiccommunication aimed at younger generations,highlighting the benefits of military service.Item The End of a Partnership and Cooperation. How Sino-Russian partnership ruined perception of China in Central Europe(2024) Cabadová Waisová, ŠárkaSince the first decade of the 21st century, pro-China attitudes have gradually become the political mainstream in Central Europe. Today, however, the relationship between Central European countries and Beijing is different. While Beijing remains an important partner for Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland have turned away from cooperation with China, and Slovakia's enthusiasm for China has cooled somewhat. This article examines why the Czech Republic and Poland, but not Slovakia and Hungary, have stopped building and maintaining their relations with China. It uses contrafactual analysis to find an answer. The article concludes that what caused the change and ruined the relations between Czechia and Poland on the one hand and China on the other hand was China's building of relations with Russia. In contrast, Hungary and Fico's Slovakia, which have repeatedly refused to recognise the Russian invasion of Ukraine and have maintained relations with Moscow, continue to have good relations with China.Item The Security-Development Nexus in Practice: Lessons Learned from the US Provincial Reconstruction Team in Panjshir in Afghanistan(2024) Rod, ZdeněkThe article comprehensively assesses the US application of the security-development nexus (SDN) through the best-known example of SDN in practice - the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) - and explains what lessons can be drawn from this application. The Punjab PRT was unique, among other things, in that it was the only US PRT that was so-called civilian-led. The research uncovered fourteen lessons learned from the mistakes and relatively successful PRT initiatives in Punjshir. Lessons learned include the proper definition of mission objectives, the need for early identification of sources of instability, ensuring consistent funding, emphasis on security sector reform, cultural awareness in the garrison, empowerment of the local population, and continuity of leadership and mission. Depending on contextual factors and lessons learned, the duplicability of the model in future conflicts remains uncertain.Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
