The Phenomenon of Euroscepticism – A Comparative Analysis of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Czech Republic

Henner Brandes

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis aims to shed light on the phenomenon of Euroscepticism, while comparing its differing origins and manifestations in the Federal Republic of Germany and the Czech Republic. The central research question hereby is as follows: How does the practice of Euroscepticism differ in Germany and the Czech Republic? In order to explain the different characteristics in greater detail, it is therefore important to firstly explain the concept of Euroscepticism itself, while examining its differing typology, origins and peculiarities. Subsequently, both countries will be introduced, focusing on their main right-wing Eurosceptic movements: Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland and Czechia’s Občanská demokratická strana. Due to their size, these parties function as appropriate exemplary representations for their countries and simultaneously offer an appropriate common base for the subsequent comparison. It is hereby the Eurosceptic character that is going to be analyzed primarily. Finally, both countries face a comparison, outlining the key similarities and differences.

Abstract:

This thesis aims to shed light on the phenomenon of Euroscepticism, while comparing its differing origins and manifestations in the Federal Republic of Germany and the Czech Republic. The central research question hereby is as follows: How does the practice of Euroscepticism differ in Germany and the Czech Republic? In order to explain the different characteristics in greater detail, it is therefore important to firstly explain the concept of Euroscepticism itself, while examining its differing typology, origins and peculiarities. Subsequently, both countries will be introduced, focusing on their main right-wing Eurosceptic movements: Germany’s Alternative für Deutschland and Czechia’s Občanská demokratická strana. Due to their size, these parties function as appropriate exemplary representations for their countries and simultaneously offer an appropriate common base for the subsequent comparison. It is hereby the Eurosceptic character that is going to be analyzed primarily. Finally, both countries face a comparison, outlining the key similarities and differences.

Keywords

euroscepticism, Czech Republic, comparative analysis, Germany

Keywords

euroscepticism, Germany, Czech Republic, comparative analysis

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 6. 2019

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 26. 5. 2020
• Supervisor: Jeremy Alan Garlick
• Reader: Kateřina Kočí

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Mezinárodní ekonomické vztahy / International and Diplomatic Studies