A Comparison of the of Czech and Slovak Foreign Policies towards the United States and Russia from 1993 to 2008

Bc. Monica Dobrovolny

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Abstract This work will compare the similarities and differences in the foreign policies of the Czech and Slovak Republics towards the United States and Russia since the “Velvet Divorce” in 1993. In general, the Czech Republic focused on a “Return to Europe” and integration into NATO and EU structures. On the other hand, Slovakia missed the first round of enlargement in both organizations and maintained close ties with Russia. This work begins by briefly describing Czech and Slovak governments since the elections in 1992. Then it focuses on the main issues that surrounded bilateral relations between both countries and the USA and Russia, as well as their development. Next, it applies the foreign policy ideologies of Atlanticism, Europeanism, Internationalism and Autonomism to the different governments that were in power during the 1993-2008 period, and compares which of the four viewpoints dominated foreign policy relations in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Lastly, it focuses on energy security and the effect energy dependence has on the bilateral relations with Russia. This work concludes that both elected governments and their interpretations of international relations, and energy dependency play a significant role in shaping the bilateral relations with Russia and consequently the USA.

Keywords

foreign policy, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, USA, Russia, Atlanticism, Europeanism, Internationalism, Autonomism, energy security, energy dependency

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 29. 4. 2009

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 12. 1. 2010
• Supervisor: doc. PhDr. Břetislav Dančák, Ph.D.
• Reader: PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Politics (Eng.)