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Problems of quasi-states : typology and trends
Riegl, Martin ; Hnízdo, Bořivoj (advisor) ; Romancov, Michael (referee) ; Baar, Vladimír (referee)
Thesis "Questions of quasi-states: typology and trends" deals with a specific range of anomalous political units - the so called quasi-states. They represent an unfavourable anomaly in the political space after 1945 which, according to conventional wisdom deemed to be divided between the territories of sovereign states. The international community approach follows from it to their existence but it is strongly differentiated with respect to their heterogeneity. Thesis in its theoretical chapters focuses on the precise definition of terms of sovereignty, sovereign and quasi-state, which definition is in the current environment of political science the subject of academic debate. For this reason I mention the term quasi-state in different conceptions. Subsequently I suggest my own definiton of the quasi-state, which allows the elimination of terminological confusion. The practical part of the work responds to a frequent point of criticism, which is the absence of a comprehensive typology and the list of these specific political-geographical entities.
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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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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,...
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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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Influence of Violent Non-State Actors on Corporations in the Sahel
Dziak, Adam ; Doboš, Bohumil (advisor) ; Riegl, Martin (referee)
West Africa's Sahel is one of the most unstable regions in the world. Despite its turbulent security situation and high amounts of political risk, foreign corporations dominate the region's extractive industry. Violent non-state actors and their activities present tangible physical risk to operations and employees of these corporations. Since extractive corporations present an important source of foreign direct investment in the region, if the risk far outweighs the costs for corporations they could be expected to pull out leaving the region in a worse economic state. Despite the salience of the topic, it is academically severely underdeveloped, with the majority of scholarship focusing on the region's broader geopolitical situation or specifically at the act of kidnapping with the intent to ransom. Aim of the research is to study the dynamics between violent non-state actors and corporations in order to identify security risks they face and how they react to them. This is accomplished through qualitative analysis of specific incidents, with special attention paid to countries of origin in order to determine whether non-western or western corporations are more risk averse. Findings indicate that corporations tend to halt their operations temporarily if attacked directly by violent non-state actors,...
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French Foreign Policy In The Middle East, And North Africa, Through Neoclassical Realism
Pochat, Aymeric ; Doboš, Bohumil (advisor) ; Riegl, Martin (referee)
The Mediterranean Sea binds the future of two worlds: Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). France has long been involved in the region as a foreign power promoting security and stability. French foreign policy follows two guidelines: national independence and multilateralism. The objective is to remain an autonomous actor and secure French interests. To study its foreign policy, the cases of Libya, Lebanon, and Iran since 2011 were selected. In a world where power has fragmented, greater competition between multiple nations has accentuated insecurity. Adding to that socio-economic grievances that sparked the Arab Spring, the MENA region became a geopolitical battleground. The French responded to the growing restrictive and dangerous environment by further emphasising the need for security. Structural factors, such as its position within the system, create opportunities for formulating foreign policy; however, domestic issues, such as its weakened economy, also impedes the freedom with which it can pursue its objectives. Multilateralism has varying purposes; its variable nature can benefit immediate national interests but also hinder French efforts for greater influence, cooperation, and integration.
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