The Multilateral Dimension of the Czech Foreign Policy
The Multilateral Dimension of the Czech Foreign Policy

Author(s): Šárka Matějková, Veronika Bílková
Subject(s): International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Political history, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Political behavior, Politics and communication, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: Ústav mezinárodních vztahů
Keywords: Czech Republic; Foreign Policy; UN; OSCE; International Law;
Summary/Abstract: Taking into account its size, geographical position and historical experiences, it certainly comes as no surprise that the Czech Republic belongs among the proponents of multilateralism in its foreign policy. Yet, its taste for it is largely consumed by its membership in the European Union, the NATO and several international organizations of an economic nature (WTO, IMF, etc.). Other international fora, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the OSCE, remain somehow in the back-ground, often overshadowed by the three main topics on the agenda. The same applies to the CR’s relationship to international law. The Czech Republic generally supports respect for and further development of international law without turning it into a truly key topic on its agenda. Despite its attention being primarily oriented elsewhere, the Czech Republic has throughout 2007–2009 continued to take part in the activities of the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE and in initiatives aimed at strengthening international law. Its accomplishments in all these spheres have been generally marked by two dominant trends: europeization and specialization.

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