|
|
Legal regulation of consumer credit in selected jurisdictions
Teplý, Jan ; Kotáb, Petr (advisor) ; Kohajda, Michael (referee)
Legal regulation of consumer credit in selected jurisdictions - abstract This master thesis is a comparative study of consumer credit regulation. Consumer credit regulation is compared in three different countries: the Czech Republic, Russia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The distinctions between the Czech regulation on one hand, and Russian and British regulations on the other hand are analyzed and evaluated in terms of their reasonability. The conclusion summarizes the recommendations for optimization of the future consumer credit regulation. Keywords Consumer credit, annual percentage rate of charge, interest, consumer credit advertising, Russia, United Kingdom
|
|
|
Gibridnaya Voyna in Light of the War in Ukraine: Analysing Changes in Russian Interpretations and the Use of Hybrid Warfare Concept.
Filina, Anastasia ; Bahenský, Vojtěch (advisor) ; Kučera, Tomáš (referee)
After military invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian Hybrid Warfare went from being a convenient 'bogeyman' of Russian military strategy interpretation, to a conceptual pariah of Western political and strategic discourse. This was not, however the case in Russia, where, admittedly, gibridnaya voyna transformed into the phase of 'rationalisation propaganda' in an attempt justify Kremlin's self-made threat perception. This study aims to fill the research gap in Western contemporary analysis of gibridnaya voyna by conducting an exploratory research to see if there have been any changes in the interpretation and the use of gibridnaya voyna in Russian military scholarship after Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. The study will demonstrate that although conceptual understanding of the term remains the same, its interpretation in military and linguistic (buzzwords) domains experienced significant changes. Keywords Hybird warfare; Russia; West Title Gibridnaya Voyna in Light of the War in Ukraine: Analysing Changes in Russian Interpretations and the Use of Hybrid Warfare Concept.
|
|
|
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...
|
|
|
Strategické cíle Ruska v pásmech otřesu v Africe a středním východě: soupeřen se Západem
Schwarzer, Jiří ; Riegl, Martin (advisor) ; Weinfurter, Jaroslav (referee)
This thesis focuses on Russia's strategic goals in Africa and the Middle East. To help gain deeper understanding of Russia's behaviour in these two regions, the author utilizes the concept of shatterbelts developed by Saul B. Cohen. Shatterbelts are regions that are highly fragmented by civil wars and other internal issues while also at the same time destabilized by two or more competing great powers. Africa and the Middle East both fit the definition of a shatterbelt. Apart from the research question concerning Russia's strategic goals, two hypotheses are presented. The first one asks whether Russia is currently reviving the Soviet Union's Cold War strategy for the two shatterbelts in order to restore its first-power status. The second hypothesis questions whether Russia utilizes military power as a main tool to achieve its objectives in both shatterbelts. In order to answer the research question, a qualitative approach is utilized, and two case studies are selected, each concerning the country of one of the shatterbelts where Russia has seen the most success: the Central African Republic and Syria. This study concludes that Russia mostly targets states that face dire security issues and are largely dysfunctional. Moscow's goals are grouped into four main categories: geostrategic, economic,...
|
|
|
The Nature of Conflict in the Arctic: A Rationalist Approach to the Conflict Triggers
Benda, Lukáš ; Solovyeva, Anzhelika (advisor) ; Střítecký, Vít (referee)
Lukáš Benda Master's thesis 2023 The Nature of Conflict in the Arctic: A Rationalist Approach to the Conflict Triggers Abstract This Master's thesis explores the triggers of the conflict in the Arctic between the littoral states. Its goal is to identify key conflict drivers, based on the existing literature, then assess their intensity, based on the existing framework and supplemented by this thesis' own definition of conflict. By using the theory of rational choice and the bargaining model of war, it is studied why and how has the Arctic issues not escalated into armed confrontation, a topic which has been prominent in the literature at one time. By applying the aforementioned theories, this thesis links the conflict triggers to an intensity level, while applying the bargaining model of war on a non-violent conflict. The conclusions should determine the intensity of each conflict trigger, while explaining the changes in the conflict, including the external influencing factors. Developing its own definition of conflict and an intensity scale, this thesis aims to fill the gap in the existing literature, which usually focuses on the conflict as a singular topic, while introducing and exploring different layers of the conflict derived from identification of the conflict triggers.
|
|
|
Rise of illiberal peace? Russian perspective on the sustainability of post-conflict arrangements
Žilka, Peter ; Karásek, Tomáš (advisor) ; Aslan, Emil (referee)
The central idea of this master thesis is based on the recent normative contestation of the rules-based international order by authoritarian great powers such as Russia or China, whose activities are becoming more and more alarming. As the Western community since the end of the Cold War decided to take a big share of responsibility for the worldwide prevention and resolution of conflicts, their promotion of liberal values within peacebuilding frameworks nevertheless did not meet the set goals. Hence, academic debates recently engaged in the inquiry of alternative peacebuilding frameworks, including those that involved practices of illiberal actors. Consequently, this thesis focus on a qualitative analysis of Russian peacebuilding practices throughout its involvement in Tajikistan, Chechnya, Nagorno- Karabakh, and Syria. While looking for some possible overlapping with liberal practices, the analysis will primarily focus on technical processes of peacebuilding such as institution building and governance; security sector reform; and economic recovery. The overall finding demonstrate a fragile post-conflict environment based on dependency, ineffective governance, occasional re-emergence of violence or economic stagnation.
|
|
| |
|
|
Wartime propaganda: media coverage of Russo-Ukrainian conflict 2022
Levenstam, Vasily ; Miessler, Jan (advisor) ; Gomes Lapa, Tiago (referee)
This study examines the characteristics and purposes of propaganda narratives employed in the media coverage of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Through a content analysis of 89 articles from three Russian media outlets, namely governmental, affiliated with the government, and free-non-governmental, the study aims to shed light on the nature and objectives of these narratives. By employing comparative analysis and coding techniques, the research identifies and describes the propaganda narratives present in the articles, providing real-life examples to illustrate their usage. The major findings reveal the presence of both strategic and tactical propaganda narratives, with distinct characteristics and goals. The study contributes to understanding the role of propaganda in shaping public perception and offers insights into the dynamics of information dissemination during conflict situations. The conclusions highlight the need to differentiate between journalism and propaganda and emphasize the significance of media ownership and proximity to the government in influencing the utilization of propaganda narratives.
|
|
|
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...
|
|
|
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.
|
guest ::
