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Geopolitical analysis of the armed conflict in Yemen
Brzicová, Kateřina ; Jelen, Libor (advisor) ; Tureček, Břetislav (referee)
This thesis delves into a detailed geopolitical analysis of the armed conflict in Yemen, examining the influences and factors that led to this conflict and the actors that have shaped this conflict since its escalation in 2015. The thesis aims to find the interconnectedness and motivations for the involvement of internal and external actors in the conflict in Yemen. Its primary goal is to find what motivates these actors to engage in the Yemen conflict and to examine their influence on the course and dynamics of the conflict. The thesis uses the methods of critical discourse analysis to examine the narratives and positions of the involved parties, enabling a deeper understanding of the political and ideological motivations and strategies that influence the course of the conflict. The analysis revealed the dominant narrative of internal and external actors through which they present and conceptualize the conflict and their role in the conflict and how they use this narrative to legitimize their actions - military and political. Despite standing on opposite sides of theconflict, the actors utilize similar narratives, adapting language to fit their agendas. Emphasizing defense and sovereignty, regional and security and stability, they accuse their opponents of responsibility for the continuation of...
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Attitudes of Philippines and Vietnam on China's geopolitical activities in the South China Sea
Mlíková, Anna ; Horálek, Adam (advisor) ; Šebok, Filip (referee)
This thesis examines the attitudes of the Philippines and Vietnam towards China's geopolitical activities in the South China Sea between 2013 and 2023. The thesis aims to analyse the attitudes of the Philippines and Vietnam with an emphasis on the official policy discourse of both countries. Through critical discursive and content analysis, the evolution of their attitudes and responses to Chinese activities in the region is examined. Drawing on the theoretical framework of geopolitics, specifically classical and critical geopolitics, the thesis places contemporary territorial disputes in historical context and explains the geo-economic and geostrategic significance of the South China Sea. The thesis results show that the attitudes of both the Philippines and Vietnam have evolved over the period 2013-2023. Both countries were highly critical of Chinese activities in the first half of the period under review and gradually shifted to a more conciliatory stance and sought dialogue with China. However, both countries continued to assert their claims and sovereignty over the disputed areas. The analysis also showed that the official political discourse of both countries reflected their efforts to maintain a balance between protecting their interests and maintaining good relations with China. Keywords:...
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Geopolitics of Border Hardening: Protecting Statehood through Re-territorialisation
Mičko, Branislav ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Doboš, Bohumil (referee) ; Lepič, Martin (referee)
The presented dissertation seeks to answer why states construct barriers on their borders. In order to provide an answer, a new theoretical approach is proposed based on re-reading the works of Carl Schmitt. The offered theory builds upon existing scholarship and is centred around the concept of nomos, defined as a political order consisting of a performative way of life and land division that is underlying the political existence of states. The basic argument advanced here is that border barriers are constructed against hard-to-identify strangers to this order. Seven case studies are offered where the process of barrier construction is tracked back- to-back with various developments pertaining to the identified nomos. The results confirm the existence of hard-to-identify strangers challenging the respective nomos in different ways and their role in the process leading to the barrier construction. For the study of border barriers, this implies the importance of the issue of strangeness and identification in predicting barrier construction. The work also demonstrates nomos' potential usefulness as an analytic prism for geopolitical research.
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Russian threat through the prism of British competitive liberalism
Samborskyi, Artem ; Riegl, Martin (advisor) ; Hynek, Nikola (referee)
1 CHARLES UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Institute of Political Studies Department of Security Studies Master's Thesis 2023 Artem Samborskyi 2 CHARLES UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Institute of Political Studies Department of Security Studies Russian threat through the prism of British competitive liberalism Master's thesis Author: Artem Samborskyi Study programme: International Security Studies Supervisor: doc. Martin Riegl, Ph.D. Year of the defence: 2023 3 Abstract The thesis is aimed at addressing the existing lack of academic understanding of the United Kingdom's foreign policy towards the Russian Federation, which stems from insufficient conceptualization of the current posture of Britain on the international stage and lack of in- depth research of the reasons behind the apparent animosity between London and Moscow. Specifically, the work answers the question of why the Russian Federation is designated the most acute direct threat to the United Kingdom and its "most urgent" foreign policy priority. The thesis is comprised of three major parts, each dedicated to a specific source of explanations of the mentioned research problem. Namely, the first two chapters constitute a document analysis of governmental, publicly available British thinking on the matter and academic literature...
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No (geo)politics, just altruism: an analysis of the discourses by Serbia's political elite on the successful procurement of COVID-19 vaccines
Harmens, Hans Zdravko ; Žíla, Ondřej (advisor) ; Styczyńska, Natasza (referee)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serbian government procured COVID-19 vaccines before some of the more prosperous EU Member States could. From the Serbian government's perspective, this success was attributed to its "pragmatic" and "rational" policies. In essence, it leveraged competing geopolitical interests that the Serbian government has benefitted from. Nonetheless, it is through these geopolitical games that Serbia and its political elite have created a narrative that portrays Serbia as a bridge between the West and East. In light of this, this research seeks to understand to what extent these geopolitical discourses were incorporated into the discourses of Serbia's political elite and their transmission in the publications of Danas and Politika.
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Developing SpaceX's Grand Strategy Amidst A New Cold War
Tigmo, Christopher ; Doboš, Bohumil (advisor) ; Landovský, Jakub (referee)
The Current Cold War poses a significant threat to SpaceX's terrestrial and extraterrestrial operations. This thesis aims to develop a SpaceX grand strategy with geopolitics and geoeconomics as the primary motives. The goal is analyze how this corporate grand strategy can be aligned with U.S. foreign policy ambitions, so that there is a symbiotic relationship and stable growth for both of them. By utilizing strategic coordinated investments the US can help SpaceX diversify and improve its economic/logistical resilience to foreign power influence, while simultaneously accomplishing US foreign policy ambitions.
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NORTHERN EUROPE AND THE LOOMING RUSSIA: IS EUROPE (NOT) ENOUGH? Different approaches to a European integrated defence: the cases of Norway and Finland.
Bertoldini, Raul ; Kofroň, Jan (advisor) ; Riegl, Martin (referee)
RAUL BERTOLDINI MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT 08/2023 NORTHERN EUROPE AND THE LOOMING RUSSIA: IS EUROPE (NOT) ENOUGH? Different approaches to a European integrated defence: the cases of Norway and Finland This master's thesis investigates Finland and Norway's geopolitical landscape and security strategies amid Europe's evolving security environment. The research scrutinises how these Nordic nations have managed their relations with the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Russia, set against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Arctic region. An in-depth analysis of historical contexts, paths to EU membership, and debates on NATO affiliation underscore the intricate balance these countries maintain in preserving their unique national identities and sovereignty while engaging with regional structures and alliances for security. The study illustrates how the Ukraine conflict prompted strategic realignments, with both Finland and Norway opting for closer ties with the EU and NATO to protect their sovereignty, yet they perceive the security guarantees offered by these two organisations differently. Ultimately, the thesis offers valuable insights into the adaptive and proactive strategies these countries employ in response to current...
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Mongolia: A land between the Bear and the Dragon
Sutherland, Owen ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Doboš, Bohumil (referee)
This study delves into the geopolitics of buffer states, using Mongolia as a case study, providing a comprehensive analysis of its role in geopolitics. The research focuses on how Mongolia's interactions with Russia and China have shaped its pursuit of democracy. By exploring the interplay between recent and historical events, Mongolia's Third Neighbour Policy, and its extensive mineral wealth, this study offers a unique perspective on the role of buffer states in geopolitics. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that combines soft power and buffer state political theories, the research aims to dissect the complex dynamics of Mongolia's foreign policy. The central argument of this thesis is that a nation's recent past plays a crucial role in influencing its aspirations for democracy. Through examining Mongolia's historical context, this research demonstrates how experiences under Russian and Chinese influence have not only shaped the country's political landscape but have also impacted its commitment to democratic ideals. Moreover, the study highlights the significance of Mongolia's Third Neighbour Policy and the strategic utilisation of its vast mineral wealth as key factors in shaping its pursuit of democracy.
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