|
|
France in the Arctic
Domkář, Michal ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Perottino, Michel (referee)
This bachelor's thesis deals with the modern French Arctic policy and its gradual evolution. A crucial prerequisite is the transformation of the Arctic narrative, that is how the region is generally seen. While it had been previously understood as a place for international cooperation, global warming has dramatically changed the region. Thus, both the key points of the Arctic debate and its participants and the overall narrative have changed. The goal of this thesis is to find out whether France reflects this change of the narrative and if so, how. France has shown interest in the region for a long time and its long-lasting presence makes it an important actor. The research has been done through the analysis of relevant government documents and proclamations which demonstrate the official country's approach the best. The resulting findings confirmed the transformation of Arctic policy, which changes its main proclaimed interest over time. The emphasis is no longer on scientific activity as it once was. Although it is increasingly incorporating security and the strategic importance of the region into its approach, given the recency of the phenomenon, it cannot yet be said with certainty that this will become the central focus of future policy, although the trend described suggests that it will.
|
|
|
Visualization of the change of the Arctic glaciation using thematic cartographic technique
Havelka, Ondřej ; Žáková, Zuzana (advisor) ; Jaroš, Jakub (referee)
Ways of cartographic visualization of artic glaciation changes by using methods of thematic cartography Abstract The aim of this thesis is to make a research of available geographic data relates to the development of glaciation of the Artic and also to assess the suitability of selected methods of thematic cartography to represent geographical phenomenon: change of glaciation in time. The first part is devoted to detailed research of the available databases produced by foreign research organizations. This part is followed by research of Czech and foreign literature which is focused on cartographic visualization and methods of thematic cartography suitable for expression of dynamics phenomenon. In the conclusion are shown the ways of proper choice of data with relevant cartographic method, illustrated on the attached maps. Keyword: geographic data, thematic cartography methods, glaciation changes
|
|
|
Applicability of Systemic Approach to the Analysis of Geostrategic Importance of a Transborder Region: the Arctic Case
Valková, Irena ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Ženka, Jan (referee) ; Landovský, Jakub (referee)
The purpose of this dissertation is to demonstrate a new empirical and systemic geopolitical approach to the study of the ongoing territorial dispute in the Arctic resulting from the desire of two nation states, Denmark and Russia, to extend their own northernmost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone to the central part of the Arctic Ocean. This approach combines geographic, legal and political analytical perspectives with quantitative research design to produce an inter-disciplinary study. Empirical evidence on the long-term socio-geographic development in the region (1993-2013) is provided together with information on particular territorial gains and losses for all decision-makers that arise in a number of potential scenarios (options). Variation in each decision-maker's aggregate national socio-geographic resource, as implied by particular territorial modifications in the central part of the Arctic Ocean, serves as a basis for derivation of nontrivial payoffs on each option in the dispute. These payoffs are introduced into a three-player graph model for conflict resolution (Denmark, Russia, and the World) and stable dispute solutions are suggested on the basis of different combinations of decision-makers' strategies, whose optimality is evaluated as well. Finally, alternative scenarios of...
|
|
|
The analysis of the Russian environmental cooperation with the Arctic Council member states
Němá, Olga ; Svoboda, Karel (advisor) ; Šír, Jan (referee)
The recently intensifying climate changes enable a large-scale economic development of the Arctic region. This region is characterized by the vast hydrocarbon resources, but also by the unique fragile ecosystem. Therefore, any economic development must be aligned with environmental protection. This protection is encouraged by the leading intergovernmental institution in this area, the Arctic Council. This master thesis aims to analyse Russian environmental cooperation with the Arctic coastal states within the Arctic Council. Its structure follows a theoretical framework, introduced by the liberal intergovernmentalism. Firstly, formation of Russian national Arctic interests is analysed, using the key legal documents. Secondly, Russia's participation in the Arctic Council is studied. Thirdly, bilateral environmental cooperation between Russia and other four Arctic coastal states is analysed. Based on the performed research, the Russian Federation is aware, that reaching its very ambitious plans for economic development of the Arctic is only possible along with improvement of environmental protection. Russia cannot ensure this alone and therefore it actively seeks international cooperation. The research also pointed out, that before the establishment of the Arctic Council, the bilateral cooperation...
|
|
|
Ecology and diversity of microbial phototrophs in biological soil crusts of Polar Regions
PUSHKAREVA, Ekaterina Sergeevna
Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are important components of semi-arid and arid environments and occupy a large area in Polar Regions. However, their ecological functions and the diversity of major organisms are still ambiguous. Given that rapid climate change is of particular significance and the current warming is already attributed to small variations on the Earth, it is important to obtain a more comprehensive picture about the environment to predict its changes. Moreover, climate change is faster and more severe in Polar Regions than in other parts of the world. In this context, the thesis is focused on the community structure of microbial phototrophs and their ecological functions in BSCs of the Arctic (Central Svalbard) and Antarctica (Dronning Maud Land). Combining molecular and morphological techniques we described cyanobacterial community composition in BSCs and its changes along the gradient of soil crust development. Moreover, we showed how the different stages of soil crust development (from poorly-developed to well-developed) influence photosynthetic and nitrogenase activities associated with the phototrophic community.
|
|
|
The Arctic Region - New Arena for Cooperation or Conflict? Race for Arctic Resources
Grishko, Valeria ; Svoboda, Karel (advisor) ; Young, Mitchell (referee)
Nowadays the Arctic becomes a new arena for political and economic interrelation of different states in their will to gain future benefits, which the region can bring. The aim of the thesis is to investigate the Arctic as an area of cooperation and (or) conflict between Russia and three EU states: Denmark, Finland and Sweden as well as the EU itself. This research paper looks on the problem from the perspective of rational- choice theory of international relations, which allows comparing the Arctic strategies of observed actors and their interests in the region. Despite existence of the Arctic Council as a platform for negotiations and multilateral agreements, as well as common will to solve the disputes there is still place for uncertainties in actor' view on the development of the Arctic. For this reason the question of the Arctic region is urgent for all above mentioned countries including the EU, which seeks to take its place in the debate.
|
|
|
Critical assessment of the Arctic's geostrategic importance during World War I and World War II
Pastorková, Sabrina ; Valková, Irena (advisor) ; Kofroň, Jan (referee)
in English This work is devoted to the role of the Arctic region during World War I and World War II. It is aimed to assess the strategical importance of the Arctic based on the analysis of classical geopolitical theories of Sir Halford Mackinder and General Karl Haushofer. The analysis is supplemented by historical outline of military activities in the Arctic during world wars. The method used in this interpretative study of the role of the Arctic region is comparison. We use historical-analytic approach which takes into account the role of system structures of macrosocial features and specific behaviour of actors in particular cases. It is a basic attempt to a comparative history which is a part of the analytical- descriptive comparative study. We compare different approaches of the classical geopolitical theories towards the Arctic region. Subsequently, we focus on military activities from the beginning of the World War I till the end of World War II in the Arctic. We deal with significant issues such as resources, transport routes or the role of Alaska. The work is concluded by critical assessment of their approaches and their potential correlation with military operations of World War I and World War II.
|
|
|
Applicability of Systemic Approach to the Analysis of Geostrategic Importance of a Transborder Region: the Arctic Case
Valková, Irena ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Ženka, Jan (referee) ; Landovský, Jakub (referee)
The purpose of this dissertation is to demonstrate a new empirical and systemic geopolitical approach to the study of the ongoing territorial dispute in the Arctic resulting from the desire of two nation states, Denmark and Russia, to extend their own northernmost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone to the central part of the Arctic Ocean. This approach combines geographic, legal and political analytical perspectives with quantitative research design to produce an inter-disciplinary study. Empirical evidence on the long-term socio-geographic development in the region (1993-2013) is provided together with information on particular territorial gains and losses for all decision-makers that arise in a number of potential scenarios (options). Variation in each decision-maker's aggregate national socio-geographic resource, as implied by particular territorial modifications in the central part of the Arctic Ocean, serves as a basis for derivation of nontrivial payoffs on each option in the dispute. These payoffs are introduced into a three-player graph model for conflict resolution (Denmark, Russia, and the World) and stable dispute solutions are suggested on the basis of different combinations of decision-makers' strategies, whose optimality is evaluated as well. Finally, alternative scenarios of...
|
|
|
Applicability of Systemic Approach to the Analysis of Geostrategic Importance of a Transborder Region: the Arctic Case
Valková, Irena ; Romancov, Michael (advisor) ; Ženka, Jan (referee) ; Landovský, Jakub (referee)
The purpose of this dissertation is to demonstrate a new empirical and systemic geopolitical approach to the study of the ongoing territorial dispute in the Arctic resulting from the desire of two nation states, Denmark and Russia, to extend their own northernmost limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone to the central part of the Arctic Ocean. This approach combines geographic, legal and political analytical perspectives with quantitative research design to produce an inter-disciplinary study. Empirical evidence on the long-term socio-geographic development in the region (1993-2013) is provided together with information on particular territorial gains and losses for all decision-makers that arise in a number of potential scenarios (options). Variation in each decision-maker's aggregate national socio-geographic resource, as implied by particular territorial modifications in the central part of the Arctic Ocean, serves as a basis for derivation of nontrivial payoffs on each option in the dispute. These payoffs are introduced into a three-player graph model for conflict resolution (Denmark, Russia, and the World) and stable dispute solutions are suggested on the basis of different combinations of decision-makers' strategies, whose optimality is evaluated as well. Finally, alternative scenarios of...
|
|
|
Visualization of the change of the Arctic glaciation using thematic cartographic technique
Havelka, Ondřej ; Žáková, Zuzana (advisor) ; Jaroš, Jakub (referee)
Ways of cartographic visualization of artic glaciation changes by using methods of thematic cartography Abstract The aim of this thesis is to make a research of available geographic data relates to the development of glaciation of the Artic and also to assess the suitability of selected methods of thematic cartography to represent geographical phenomenon: change of glaciation in time. The first part is devoted to detailed research of the available databases produced by foreign research organizations. This part is followed by research of Czech and foreign literature which is focused on cartographic visualization and methods of thematic cartography suitable for expression of dynamics phenomenon. In the conclusion are shown the ways of proper choice of data with relevant cartographic method, illustrated on the attached maps. Keyword: geographic data, thematic cartography methods, glaciation changes
|
guest ::
