The course covers the time scope of 1945-2010 (more precisely, from the end of WWII to the World Financial Crisis). Its main aim is to explore the political economy of the area, divergences and convergences in the countries' developments. It is not meant to be a history of the region. Territorially, it deals with East Central European countries excluding former Yugoslavia (the country will be covered only to the extent of its interaction with other socialist countries). During the course, we should seek answers to questions such as: Can we speak of one region? What are the similarities and differences? What were the patterns of cooperation? Thematically, the course is divided into two parts, with relations and conditions within the socialist bloc being the first part and the post-socialist reality being the second.
- Teacher: Karel Svoboda