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The Iberian Peninsula's role on the European energy networks as a gateway to the global market
Mineiro Gonçalves, João Pedro ; Doboš, Bohumil (advisor) ; Romancov, Michael (referee)
Bibliographic note GONÇALVES, João P. M. (2023). The Iberian Peninsula's Role in the European Energy Networks as a Gateway to the Global Market. 98 p. Master thesis. Charles University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Political Studies, Supervisor Mgr. Bohumil Doboš, Ph.D. Abstract This thesis examines the role that the Iberian Peninsula might play within the European Union's efforts for energy integration, while also analysing the potential of this region to produce and export energy from renewable sources and renewable gases through the development of renewable industrial capacities. The research looked at official documents and legislation from the EU, as well as reports from expert groups and international institutions to collect and analyse data regarding energy consumption, production capacity and interconnectivity in Iberia and its neighbouring region. The research showed promising data for a largely untapped renewable potential across Portugal and Spain, accompanied by optimal conditions for a large-scale production of green hydrogen, which allowed us to conclude that the Iberian Peninsula can become one of the main hydrogen corridors in the world in the near future, contributing to the clean energy transition in Europe and the European neighborhood. Keywords: Energy, Renewables,...
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The Argentine-Brazilian bilateral nuclear verification protocol in the light of trust-building cooperation theory
Argüello, Facundo ; Parízek, Michal (advisor) ; Doboš, Bohumil (referee)
The Argentine-Brazilian bilateral nuclear verification protocol in the light of trust-building cooperation theory Argüello, 2023 Abstract This work aims to identify the reasons for ABACC's continued success in securing a strong reception by Argentina, Brazil, and the NSG, and well as predict the impact of Brazil signing the IAEAAdditional Protocol in its search for a nuclear submarine as part of the PROSUB. The thesis analyzes ABACC from a neo-institutionalist theoretical framework of Regime Theory, cooperation patterns, Rational Design, and studies on International Organization centralization, independence, and enforcement problems. The work concludes that ABACC is successful because, firstly, its credibility and reputation are convenient for both state members, which share similar gains of prestige from the institution's success. This is because the agency has encompassed the interests of both. Secondly, ABACC is the work of a careful institutional design that rests on centralization, independence, high-quality of information, and strictly enforced bilateral symmetry between Argentina and Brazil. Regarding the impact of Brazil's nuclear submarine project, it can be said that it threatens ABACC's success because it changes the interests of Brazil, which are no longer encompassed by the Agency. This means...
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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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An analysis of Taiwan as a geoeconomic actor.
van Malderen, Otto ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Doboš, Bohumil (referee)
This thesis contains a geo-economic analysis of the Taiwanese Semiconductor industry from the perspective of the government of Taiwan ROC. Its goal is to expand the current literature on geoeconomics by proposing a model, taking into account the state's capacity to control its economy, and applying it to the case of the Taiwanese semiconductor industry. Specific consideration has gone into defining geo-economics so that it combines both internal coherence with external differentiation. The model applies developmental theory to the geoeconomic framework to incorporate structural constraints by political and economic interest groups on state-led geo-economic policy. The case study contains an in-depth analysis on the global semi- conductor industry, as well as Taiwan ROC's place within it and recent examples of its geo- economic use. While Taiwan ROC occupies a prominent place in the world of semiconductors, it is limited in its capacity to use it due to the contested identity of the Taiwanese people. This contested identity leads to a fractured political scene with distinct political goals between the two biggest parties, making long term strategic policy unattainable. This identity is moving closer and closer together over time, which might eventually increase the Taiwanese capacity to use its...
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Can't Buy Me Love: The Limitations of EU Intervention in Promoting Tunisian Democracy
Roman, Kelsey Elizabeth ; Doboš, Bohumil (advisor) ; Martinková, Viera (referee)
Despite significant amounts of democratic and civil society aid offered by the EU over the past decade, Tunisia has backslid towards authoritarianism. What lessons can be learned about the effectiveness of democracy promotion in Tunisia from the EU perspective? This thesis aims to examine possible missteps of EU support for Tunisia's transitional democracy. I will argue that populist movements and civil society made transitions into democracy possible for Tunisia, and elite cooperation guaranteed initial success. The EU has made meaningful contributions to this process. However, E. U. funding funneled into narrow channels of civil society, as well as particular definition of democratic norms and development goals, and EU migration and trade agendas have neglected significant segments of the population and their grievances. In these ways the EU has undermined some of its substantial efforts in long-term democracy promotion. Unanswered grievances have set the stage for widespread political disillusionment and the populist backlash against democracy and civic engagement that led to the election of Kais Said. Finally, this thesis will make suggestions towards future EU democracy promotion in Tunisia in light of recent authoritarian regime shifts. For this case study, I will base my arguments on...
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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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Prevention of threats to Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System
Kouba, Tomáš ; Doboš, Bohumil (advisor) ; Ludvík, Jan (referee)
This diploma thesis presents a single case study exploring how the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a European autonomous navigation system, deals with threats. Space systems nowadays face many types of dangers including electronic, cyber, kinetic physical, directed energy or natural attacks. At this point, since Galileo GNSS is one of the most advanced technologies that is also considered to be a strategic one (for EU and ESA), it is important to reveal and describe the system's vulnerabilities to external material or technical threats. This diploma thesis describes the history, development, current situation and position of Galileo GNSS on the global scene. Furthermore, this thesis will summarize the possible material threats to space objects and finally operationalize them to the conditions of Galileo. The prevention measures identified as insufficient or improvement-worthy are then presented with recommendations for possible future development or enhancing factors which would increase Galileo's strategic service (PNT) safety.
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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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Russian soft power under Putin: The case of Cyprus
Varnava Tsiappas, Georgios ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Doboš, Bohumil (referee)
This thesis explores Russian soft power in Cyprus and how Russia uses specific techniques and strategies to exert this influence. Divided into eight sections, including a literature review on soft power, key concepts, theoretical framework, research methodology, historical overview and analysis of soft power tools employed by Russia; it reveals that Russia implements diverse methods such as media coverage, religious tactics cultural interventions or economic incentives in order to shape Cyprus' perceptions. Furthermore, the study demonstrates through exploration of domestic politics and societal attitudes towards Russian culture or values that their approach is indeed effective. This thesis, due to its uniqueness, contributes significantly to the academic literature regarding Russian soft power in the Eastern Mediterranean and specifically in Cyprus.
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