Publisher: Ústav mezinárodních vztahů

Seventh year of refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon: Falling humanitarian budgets and economic crisis

Sedmý rok uprchlické krize v Jordánsku a Libanonu: Klesající humanitární rozpočty a ekonomická krize

Author(s): Jan Daniel / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: refugee crisis; Jordan; Lebanon; humanitarian budget; economic crisis; labor market; international help;

V obou zemích trvá nutnost reakce na základní humanitární potřeby uprchlických komunit, které se potýkají s menším zájmem některých donorů a nižší průběžnou naplněností finančních zdrojů. Ambiciózní reakce na uprchlickou krizi kombinující humanitární a rozvojové přístupy zafungovala jen do určité míry. Jak Jordánsko, tak Libanon stále trpí zásadními ekonomickými problémy a vyšší kontrolované zapojení uprchlíků do pracovního trhu se nezdařilo. I přesto má kombinovaná forma reakce na krizi smysl i do budoucna. Byť v Libanonu existuje silný tlak na odchod uprchlíků, je pravděpodobné, že jak v Libanonu, tak v Jordánsku zůstanou velké uprchlické komunity vyžadující mezinárodní asistenci i v dohledné době.

Czech Republic with OSCE: From passive absorption to active transformation of Czech foreign policy

Česká republika s SZBP/SBOP: Od pasivní absorpce k aktivní transformaci české zahraniční politiky

Author(s): Petr Kratochvíl,Vít Beneš,Mats Braun,Tomáš Dopita,Vladimír Handl,Michal Kořan / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: Czech Foreign Policy; OSCE; Cze EU-accession;

While in the pre-accession period, the Czech Republic focused mainly on the internal functioning of the European Union and the adaptation deriving from it. The situation changed dramatically after joining the EU. For the first time, the Czech Republic has been given the right to participate actively in the decision-making process on EU policies and thus contribute to strengthening cooperation between EU Member States. Although the Czech political elites continued to deal primarily with the institutional mechanisms of EU functioning, the Czech representation in these mechanisms and the functioning of the internal market, membership of the Union had - and still has - a substantial impact on the foreign policy of the country. The representatives of the Czech Republic not only gradually understood the functioning and principles of EU external policy making but also gained experience with the representation of the European Union externally (eg. during the Czech Presidency of the Council). This experience had a major impact on the formation of Czech foreign policy; the Czech elites, however, were somewhat ambivalent about this development because their previous experiences with equivalent cooperation in the multilateral format were very limited.

Success or Failure? Assessment of the Readmission Agreement Between the EU and Turkey from the Legal and Political Perspectives

Success or Failure? Assessment of the Readmission Agreement Between the EU and Turkey from the Legal and Political Perspectives

Author(s): Berfin Nur Osso / Language(s): English

Keywords: refugee crisis; Dublin System; EU Asylum Procedures Directive;

The current refugee crisis, which created a collective action problem among the EU Member States in terms of sharing the responsibility, is indeed an indicator of the lack of solidarity as regards the implementation of the Dublin System. The pressures over the Common European Asylum System due to the high refugee influx from the Middle East into Europe following the Arab Spring and the Syrian civil war has driven the EU to cooperate with its neighboring states at its external frontiers and the transit countries. Turkey, which is a transit country located at the external borders of the EU, and the only passage between Syria, Iraq and the EU, has been one of these countries with which the EU has negotiated a cooperation in solving the crisis. However, the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the treatment of asylum-seekers in Turkey, brought forward the questions of considering Turkey as a “safe third country,” which is one of the principles lying on the basis of the agreement. Although there are several concerns at this point, the EU and Turkey agreed to sign the agreement, where the motive of national interest prevails over the protection of human rights from the point of view of both sides. In the light of this background, the aim of this paper is to discuss the motive behind the agreement, as well as elaborate whether Turkey is a “safe third country” under the Asylum Procedures Directive.

Arctic Region: Political, Security, and Aspects of scientific Research

Region Arktidy: aspekty politicko-bezpečnostní, ekonomické a vědecko-výzkumné

Author(s): Barbora Padrtová,Zuzana Trávníčková / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: Strategic interests in the arctic region; economic interests in the arctic region; scientific exploration of the arctic region;

Worldwide interest in the Arctic has increased considerably since the beginning of the 21st century. At the same time, its importance and geostrategic importance are increasing. With advancing climate change, the Arctic region is undergoing a dynamic development that brings with it a host of new research and economic opportunities, along with security risks and challenges. The Czech Republic currently has no political or economic interest in the Arctic. Nevertheless, involvement in international cooperation in this field is an important factor positively influencing the national security and the international position of the Czech Republic, especially within the framework of the EU and NATO structures. In addition, the interests of the world powers (including Czech allies in the Alliance), which have a direct and indirect impact on security in Europe and, respectively, in the Czech Republic, are in the Arctic. The interest of the Czech Republic is to stay out of this development and to develop engagement in the region.The presented RESEARCH REPORT is based on the identified research needs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. The aim of the analysis is to acquire knowledge on the basis of which six long-term and three short-term recommendations for the decision-making of the state administration in the field of international relations and foreign policy of the Czech Republic are formulated. The RESEARCH REPORT contributes to the more active participation of the Czech Republic in shaping Arctic policy at European and global level. At the same time, it serves for qualified decision-making in the political, economic and international legal issues of the Arctic, increasing the importance and prestige of the Czech Republic, and directing further scientific research in the region.

The Czech-German Strategic Dialogue: Assessment of Current State and Future

The Czech-German Strategic Dialogue: Assessment of Current State and Future

Author(s): Benjamin Tallis / Language(s): English

Keywords: Czech-German relations;

This discussion paper seeks to examine such competing evaluations of the current state and future prospects of the CGSD. Partly this focus on the future is due to the ongoing nature of the work in the various working groups of the CGSD, which it is difficult or too soon to judge but also because of the predominance of underlying and overarching issues that will continue to affect the success- or otherwise – of the dialogue regardless of the specific decisions made by the working groups and the eventual review of their work that will be conducted in 2017. Also in keeping with the terms of the project, the discussion paper does not provide historical background to, nor a legal overview of the dialogue, but instead examines the current state and future potential of the dialogue to serve and fulfill the common values and interests of the partners in both bilateral and regional terms.This assessment is informed by the conceptual framework for evaluating the strategic partnerships of the Czech Republic that was devised in an earlier report(on conceptualizing strategic partnerships in general). The current discussion paper draws on this framework – and presents relevant aspects of it in Chapter 2, adapted for the specific purpose of this discussion paper – but also contextualizes the present and future of this specific partnership and its new expression in the CGSD in light of a variety of issues that arose in the course of the research conducted on Czech-German relations but which also have wider and deeper impacts and implications for Czech (and German) domestic, European and foreign policy. This approach allows for an in-depth look not only at the relationship itself but its present contingencies and conditions of possibly and how these may need to be changed or challenged if the CGSD is to deliver on its potential and the Czech Republic and Germany are to truly become strategic partners. The discussion paper also recognizes that the focus on ‘strategy’ is not the sole concern in Czech-German relations and that the CGSD has had positive impacts on these relations in more general terms. However, given the very branding of this dialogue as ‘Strategic’, the dialogue must either be evaluated on these terms or will force a re-think what is considered strategic in and by the two countries.

Clash over policy towards the People’s Republic of China in 2016: Actors of Czech policy in the Far East and public and media debate

Střet o politiku vůči ČLR v roce 2016: Aktéři české politiky na Dálném východě a veřejná a mediální debata

Author(s): Rudolf Fürst / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: Czech-China relations; Dalai Lama; Jiří Dienstbier; Pavel Bělobrádek; Xi Jinping

Participation of actors in the Czech political agenda and public debate, problematic acceptance of President Si Jinping's visit to Prague and split between state institutions at the time of the visit to the Dalai Lama. The continuing trend of the strong role of lobbyist circles in the bilateral agenda. Increasing polarization and thickening of the Czech debate on relations with China, the ideology of most Czech media and their securitization obsessions.

Invented Traditionalism vs. Entrenched Informal Institutions: Viability of Hybrid Governance and Democratization Prospects in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland

Invented Traditionalism vs. Entrenched Informal Institutions: Viability of Hybrid Governance and Democratization Prospects in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland

Author(s): Tamar Lagurashvili / Language(s): English

Keywords: Hybrid governance;

Hybrid governance as a coexistence of state and traditional institutions challenges the conventional understanding of state fragility/failure and offers a new perspective for developing states. Being capable of overcoming the modern-traditional dichotomy, hybrid governance represents the fluidity of a formal-informal institutional setup where the informal actors, including “Big Men”, chiefs or other traditional leaders, complement the state capacity. This study builds on the premise that a higher importance of traditional institutions vis à vis the state can be less conducive to democratization due to the inherent incompatibility of the indigenous traditional tenets with democracy and reflects on the role of the pre-colonial state and the colonial legacy in molding hybrid governance. The research shows that democratic transition in the context of hybrid governance is likely to occur only when relatively strong state institutions subsume traditional ones, as in such a case a cooperative framework of state-traditional dualism not only strengthens the state capacity, but also makes basic goods and services equally accessible to a wider population.

Principles of Russian Military Thought

Principles of Russian Military Thought

Author(s): Nicolò Fasola / Language(s): English

The aim of this paper is to identify the enduring principles at the basis of Russian military thought, offering an alternative to the contemporary analytical mainstream – which deems Moscow’s military behavior to be revolutionary and unprecedented. This is based on comparative analysis of Russian official military discourse and practice between 2008 and 2016. Critical inspection of the two Military Doctrines approved during this time frame and of various military drills will reveal a series of rhetorical and operational recurrences. Notwithstanding numerous changes at the international and domestic levels that could have had an impact on Russian military behavior, no substantive shift is distinguishable.These empirical findings will constitute the basis for a reconstruction of Russian military thought. Through a deductive method, we will be able to reconstruct the ultimate assumptions granting them logical coherence and legitimization. Far from being incomprehensible, Russian military thought will be presented as the adaptation of classical strategic principles to contemporary contingencies.

The US Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council

The US Withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council

Author(s): Veronika Bílková / Language(s): English

Keywords: UN Human Rights Council;

In mid-June 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council. It sat in the Council for the third time since the establishment of the organ in 2006. This time, however, it left is three-year mandate (2017–2019) unfinished. The paper analyses the four main arguments that the US put forward to justify its withdrawal from the Council. It shows that while some of the arguments have some merit, none is truly convincing. The paper also warns against any re-assessment of the current Czech candidacy to the Council.

Judgment in the Savchenko case

Judgment in the Savchenko case

Author(s): Tamás Lattmann / Language(s): English

Keywords: Nadiya Savchenko;

On 22 March, Nadiya Savchenko, a Ukrainian servicewoman was sentenced to 22 years in prison by a court in the Russian city of Donetsk, after being convicted of directing artillery fire to kill two journalists in eastern Ukraine during the hostilities in June 2014, during the course of the “War in Donbass”. The defendant of the case had earlier been captured by separatist forces and taken over to Russian territory by force. Not surprisingly, the Ukrainian government has stated that they would never accept the verdict as legitimate, expressing strong criticism towards the procedure and Russia in general. Other countries have also expressed their disdain, though employing much less harsh wordings. For example the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement on the situation, demanding the release of Nadiya Savchenko, but it has appealed to humanitarian reasons, and has only carefully mentioned Russia’s „international commitments”, mainly referring to the 2015 Minsk agreement, which had been concluded by the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany, assisted by the OSCE to work out and uphold a ceasefire.

Fifty shades of terrorism?

Padesát odstínů terorismu?

Author(s): Veronika Bílková / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: terrorist threat; state vigilance against terrorism;

On 25 January 2016, the Government of the Czech Republic approved the material of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, on the basis of which a system of proclamation of threats of terrorism was introduced. After the terrorist attacks in Brussels on March 22, 2016, the system was first activated, i.e. the Czech Republic switched from normal state to state of vigilance. This material briefly summarizes the content of the new system, compares it with systems used in other countries, and formulates some general recommendations.

The case against Russia for the attack on flight MH17

The case against Russia for the attack on flight MH17

Author(s): Tamás Lattmann / Language(s): English

Keywords: MH17; European Court of Human Rights;

According to the news, a new legal proceeding has been initiated against Russia and its president Vladimir Putin for the downing of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in the airspace of Ukraine on 17 July 2014. The present analysis examines the outlines of the case.

Reinstating the death penalty in Turkey after the attempted coup?

Reinstating the death penalty in Turkey after the attempted coup?

Author(s): Tamás Lattmann / Language(s): English

Keywords: Attempted Coup d’État in Turkey; Venice Commission; Öcalan;

After the unsuccessful coup attempt in Turkey, both high-level officials and the pro-government public suggest the reinstatement of the death penalty. Unfortunately the question tends to re-surface from time to time in other states as well, but rarely with such political weight. It is important to evaluate the possibility of this step.

The Derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights by Turkey after the Attempted Coup

The Derogation from the European Convention on Human Rights by Turkey after the Attempted Coup

Author(s): Tamás Lattmann / Language(s): English

Keywords: Turkish state of emergency; Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms;

After the unsuccessful coup attempt in Turkey, its high-level officials, including the president, have constantly talked about the necessity of the introduction of a state of emergency, and it has actually been declared on 20 July. At the same time, the president has also mentioned the “suspension” of the European Convention on Human Rights. What does this exactly mean? What are the effects and consequences of this step?

When the Gloves Go Off? Turkey Intends to Suspend the European Convention on Human Rights

When the Gloves Go Off? Turkey Intends to Suspend the European Convention on Human Rights

Author(s): Veronika Bílková / Language(s): English

Keywords: Erdogan; Öcalan; death penalty;

Could the state of emergency and the suspension of the ECHR justify the measures which have been adopted in Turkey in the past days (removal of public servants and teachers, purge in the judiciary, ban on academic travel, etc.)? With the ECHR suspended, are the (legal) gloves off in Turkey? Can the government use just any means it finds appropriate to suppress those segments of society in which it sees a threat? This reflection shows that all these questions have to be answered in the negative. It gives more details on the topic discussed in paper #5 of these “International Law Reflections”.

Referendum on the refugee quotas in Hungary – protection of sovereignty or much ado about nothing?

Referendum on the refugee quotas in Hungary – protection of sovereignty or much ado about nothing?

Author(s): Tamás Lattmann / Language(s): English

Keywords: Dublin agreement; refugees in EU; quota system;

The migration crisis has stirred up political debates within the EU and its member states regarding not only possible solutions, but also about the future of the organisation. The first shock has come in the form of the Brexit referendum, the second one could have been the referendum in Hungary “against the quota system”, as the initiating government has calculated. The current analysis gives information about the referendum and examines its possible effects in the near future.

No Revolution Has Taken Place: The Post-2015 Human Rights Foreign Policy of the Czech Republic

No Revolution Has Taken Place: The Post-2015 Human Rights Foreign Policy of the Czech Republic

Author(s): Veronika Bílková / Language(s): English

Keywords: Petr Nečas; Petr Drulák;

In 2015, two new conceptual documents were adopted in the Czech Republic, under the Government of Bohuslav Sobotka –the general Concept of the Czech Republic´s Foreign Policy (available in English here) and a more specific Concept of Human Rights Promotion and Transition Cooperation(available in Czech here). The former document replaced an older text entitled Conceptual Basis of the Foreign Policy of the Czech Republic (available in English here) which had been adopted in 2011 by the Government of Petr Nečas. The latter document builds on the 2010 Concept of Transition Policy,but it is broader in scope, covering not only transition policy/cooperation but also human rights promotion.

The Winner takes It All. Election of UN Secretary-General 2016

Vítěz bere vše. Volba generálního tajemníka OSN 2016

Author(s): Veronika Bílková / Language(s): Czech

Keywords: UN Secretary-General; António Guterres;

The next UN Secretary-General will be António Guterres of Portugal. On Thursday 13 October, on a recommendation by the Security Council, the UN General Assembly decided to oppose the nomination of a Portuguese candidate. Despite this consensus, the outcome of the elections is a great surprise for many. Since Guterres has had strong support from the beginning, it has long been expected to elect a candidate with a different profile and from another geographic area. So why did he become the winner? What can be expected of it? And what is the role of the Secretary-General within the World Organization?

Can the Necessary International Legal Framework to Achieve a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World Be Reached?

Can the Necessary International Legal Framework to Achieve a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World Be Reached?

Author(s): Miroslav Tůma / Language(s): English

Keywords: nuclear disarmament;

If we look at the issue of nuclear disarmament from the point of view of the development of multilateral disarmament negotiations at the main forums of the disarmament apparatus (the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, the UN Disarmament Commission, the First Committee of the UN General Assembly and the review process of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) the situation is rather dismal. Given the principle of consensus decision-making, including consensus decision-making on proposed agreements, which applies to all negotiation forums, with the exception of the First Committee and also given the lack of political will and unwillingness to reach a compromise in the results on the side of nuclear-weapon powers, the multilateral disarmament negotiations process of these bodies has stagnated for the past several years. At the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, which is the most important body with a mandate for negotiating disarmament agreements, all action has been blocked for the last twenty years. In contrast to other types of weapons of mass destruction, that is chemical and biological weapons, which are banned by relevant conventions in the long-term, there is no similar international legal instrument for the much more destructive nuclear weapons. Yet, when they discuss the issue of nuclear weapons and disarmament, all of the representatives of both nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon states simultaneously support the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free world and, in this context, they sometimes recall the “Prague speech” of US President Barack Obama in April 2009, in which he unequivocally supported this goal.

Preliminary legal opinion from the European Court of Justice – maybe green light to the emergency relocation system, hundred meters after having left the crossing

Preliminary legal opinion from the European Court of Justice – maybe green light to the emergency relocation system, hundred meters after having left the crossing

Author(s): Tamás Lattmann / Language(s): English

Keywords: Yves Bot; European Council; asylum seekers; redistribution of refugees;

The Opinion of Advocate General Yves Bot, published on 26 July 2017 signals an important step towards closing the legal case initiated by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers, created by the Council in September 2015 to assist Greece and Italy. It is not favorable towards the two member states’ arguments. It proposes that the Court shall dismiss them, and uphold the Council’s decision. This Reflection analyses the original decision, the arguments and the possible political consequences.