Events
54. Liberal Humanism Abandoned: The Paradox of the Post-Communist Czech Republic
In their literature, culture and early twentieth-century politics, the Czech people
have a history of emphasizing moral virtue, tolerance, and respect for human dignity
and freedom. Sadly, there is a growing chasm in Czech society between pre-revolution aspirations and post-revolution reality. The Czech Republic is infected with the destructive kind of nationalism found in other parts of East Central Europe, and now is characterized by a xenophobic citizenship law and violence against Roma. Will the Czechs ultimately honor their legacy of liberal humanism? The answer will speak volumes on the compatibility of nationalism and constitutional liberalism in the heart of the European continent.
194. A Closer Look at the Slovak NGO Community
The unexpected and impressive growth and development of the Slovak non-governmental organization (NGO) community, which has simply mushroomed over the past few years, stems from a rather unique situation. Paradoxically, it was the very policies of the former Vladimir Meciar-led government, ousted from power through democratic elections in 1998 and dubbed by the West as isolationist, nationalist and, in general, domestically repressive, that are responsible for the breadth and strength of the NGO community . And this has happened in a place which until recently, with the exception of Yugoslavia, was the least likely to promote such healthy civic democratic growth.
Iuliu Maniu Foundation to Honor 2008 Ion Ratiu Democracy Lecture Award Recipient Eleonora Cercavschi
Eleonora Cercavschi, recipient of the 2008 Ion Ratiu Democracy Award was honored by the Iuliu Maniu Foundation for her work defending children's right to be educated in their own language.
274. One Hypothesis on the Different Outcomes of Soviet and Yugoslav State Collapse
In 1991, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia—two multinational Communist federal states with comparable histories of indigenous revolutions and similar nationality policies—disintegrated. As the only two countries that fully implemented the system of ethno-territorial federalism, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia shared important structural features. In both cases, the basic political-administrative units—the republics—were organized along ethnic lines and were seen as the quasi-national homelands of the titular nations.
Czech President Vaclav Klaus to Speak at Wilson Center
Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, will speak at the fourth annual Czech and Slovak Lecture Series. Due to technical difficulties, the webcast that was originally scheduled for this event has been cancelled. A video of the President's presentation will be available on this site soon.
356. Strengthening US-Slovak Cooperation and the Transatlantic Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges in Today's World
November 2008 - For Slovakia and for our friend and neighbor the Czech Republic, autumn is a good time of balancing out, commemorating and remembering many common historical events that determined the future for both of our countries. This particular autumn is marked by a growing number of global challenges, including the global financial crisis and recession which require bold and comprehensive global solutions. At the same time, for the USA and the whole world, this autumn is a time of much hope and expectation, given the presidential elections and accession of the new U.S. administration in January 2009.