Mary PlasenciaIRP 413Dr. D’AmicoReflection Paper/Senior Capstone

The Czech Republic

January 1, 1993: on this day the Czech Republic become an independent state; it had

previously been part of Czechoslovakia. Since then, the Czech Republic has remained part of

some international organizations it was a member of as Czechoslovakia, for example the United

Nations (UN). It has also joined other international organizations for example the European

Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Membership in these

organizations has allowed the Czech Republic to pursue Foreign Policy objectives while

maintaining strong diplomatic relationships with many countries both in Europe and around the

world. The Czech Republic is a strong believer in sovereignty and does not believe a states’

sovereignty should be infringed upon unless absolutely necessary. This paper will discuss the

Czech Republic’s foreign policy, security, and diplomacy objectives and concerns as well as

include a reflection of the Model United Nations course at Syracuse University.

According to the Embassy of the Czech Republic, the Czech Republic is a country in

Central Europe surrounded by Poland, Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. It was previously known

as Czechoslovakia before “Velvet Divorce” from Slovakia in 1993, after the peaceful Velvet

Revolution overturned communist rule. The largest city and capital of the Czech Republic is

Prague. The political system in the Czech Republic is a parliamentary democracy and its current

President is Milos Zeman. The currency used in the Czech Republic is the Koruna, and its

population is estimated to be around 1,162,921. While the Czech Republic has only been an

independent country for twenty years, it has accomplished a great deal, and one of the ways it

has chosen to play a role on the world stage has been through joining international organizations.

The United Nations is a major source for cooperation amongst countries, and the Czech

Republic takes great pride in its UN membership and service by playing an active role in

promoting and maintaining peace and security around the world (Permanent Mission of the

Czech Republic). One of the many ways the Czech Republic participates in the United Nations

is through peace operations. Over 3,000 Czech soldiers, civilian police, and experts have

participated in these missions (Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic). While the Czech

Republic takes great pride in its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions, this is not the only

way it is involved in the United Nations.

The Czech Republic was elected to be a non-permanent member of the UN Security

Council for the first time in 1994-1995 (Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic). While a

member of the Security Council, the Czech Republic had to deal with approximately twenty

conflicts around the world. It also had to manage issues, for example, conducting peacekeeping

missions, non-proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and reforming

working methods of the council (Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic). Finally, not only

did the Czech Republic chair the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee on Libya, it also

actively participated in other sanction committees, especially those focusing on the former

Yugoslavia and Iraq (Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic). Other examples of the Czech

Republic’s participation in the United Nations include: Presidency of the 57th General Assembly

in 2002 and contributing financially to the Peace Building Commission and many other

subsidiary UN organs (Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic). The United Nations is a great

source, which the Czech Republic uses for security and diplomatic means; NATO is another

organization to which the Czech Republic is a member.

The Czech Republic became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization

(NATO) on 12 March 1999 (Embassy of the Czech Republic). By becoming a member of NATO

the Czech Republic acquired collective defense guarantees, undertook to participate in the

defense of its Allies and enhanced its defense capabilities. By joining NATO the Czech Republic

achieved one of the top foreign policy strategies, which was declared a priority by the former

Czechoslovakia in 1992 (Embassy of the Czech Republic). Furthermore, “Membership to NATO

determines Czech Republic's security policy in a decisive manner” (Embassy of the Czech

Republic). By taking part in decision that affect the security situation in the entire Euro-Atlantic

area means member states must assume full responsibility of these decisions and must be ready

to carry them out at any time (Embassy of the Czech Republic). The Czech Republics has been a

part of safeguarding security and stability in South-East Europe, stabilizing Iraq, and stabilizing

and fighting against terrorism in Afghanistan (Embassy of the Czech Republic). In 2002, a

historic NATO summit, which determined the Alliance's direction for years to come, was held in

the Czech Republics capital city Prague (Embassy of the Czech Republic). This was a big step

for the Czech Republic as a member of NATO; another international organization in which the

Czech Republic is a member of is the European Union.

The Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004, seven years after summiting its

candidature (Embassy of the Czech Republic). There were nine other countries that joined with

the Czech Republic, they included: Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland,

Slovakia, and Slovenia. In its first five years in the European Union, the Czech Republic has

head rotating EU membership (Embassy of the Czech Republic). The Czech’s term in presidency

encountered some difficult situations because of the economic crisis and unstable economic

situation (Embassy of the Czech Republic). However, even through these challenges the Czech

Republic was able to: brokered more than 80 concrete measures in the European Parliament,

proved to be a good crisis manager, rejected projectionist tendencies and passed measure that

boosted the European economy (Embassy of the Czech Republic). Also, “Under the Czech

leadership the European Union took important steps towards diversification of energy supply and

towards climate protection” (Embassy of the Czech Republic). While the Czech Republic is not a

member of the Eurozone, its economy was affected due to the crisis within the zone, as were

other none Eurozone countries due to the trade relationship it has with many of the countries

within the Eurozone. Through joining many international organizations the Czech Republic has

shown the importance of cooperation in today’s world.

Not only does the Czech Republic play a role in international organizations, it has great

relationships with individual states. The Czech Republics relationship with the United States has

been one of mutual cooperation (US Department of State). The two countries established a

diplomatic relationship in 1993, after the establishment of this relationship the Czech Republic

made “integration into Western institutions its chief foreign policy objective” (US Department of

State). The two countries have a great relationship, which can be attributed to a like-minded

approach of dealing with the issues the world is currently facing (US Department of State).

Furthermore, as a member of the European Union and NATO the Czech Republic is an important

and reliable ally in promoting the interest of the United States. The two countries have worked

with one another to: help make integration into Western institutions one of the chief foreign

policy objectives of the Czech Republic (US Department of State). The two countries see each

other as partners in issue ranging from Afghanistan to the Balkans and look forward to going the

relationship between the two countries (US Department of State). The two countries have

worked closely with one another on a variety of topics over the past twenty years. The United

States is just one of many examples of countries the Czech Republic has worked closely with in

the past and would like to continue to work closely with.

Another example is the United Kingdom, like the United States, the relationship with

United Kingdom was established after the separation with Slovakia in 1993. But this relationship

actually goes back further to 1918, when Czechoslovakia was established (Embassy of the Czech

Republic). Furthermore, the relationship between the two countries is not only based on political

and economic cooperation, but also in social, cultural, scientific and educational areas (Embassy

of the Czech Republic). Like with the relationship with the United States, the relationship with

the United Kingdom improved when the Czech Republic joined NATO and the EU, as the two

countries have similar views in many foreign policy and global security issues (Embassy of the

Czech Republic). One sign of the positive relationship between the two countries was seen

after the expansion of the European Union, when the United Kingdom allowed Czech

citizens into its labor markets (Embassy of the Czech Republic). Also, the economic relationship

between the two countries has continued to grow, as the United Kingdom is now the Czech

Republics sixth most important export market and its thirteenth trading partner (Embassy of the

Czech Republic). These two countries are just two examples of the great relationships the Czech

Republic holds with countries around the world.

In regards to security issues, the Czech Republic has worked with many other nations to

make sure the issues is deems important are dealt with in a timely manner. Disarmament is one

of the topics in which the Czech Republic has chosen to focus on with great detail in the past.

The Czech Republic has been a part of the conference of disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland,

which is where the only multilateral disarmament negotiating body meets (Embassy of the Czech

Republic). One of the conventions held by the conference was the convention on Certain

Conventional Weapons (CCW). “The purpose of the Convention is to ban or restrict the use of

specific types of weapons that are considered to cause unnecessary or unjustifiable suffering to

combatants or to affect civilians indiscriminately” (Embassy of the Czech Republic). The Czech

Presidency cooperates with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in

terms of the EU Joint Action in implementing the Convention’s Plan of Action on Promoting the

Universality of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and its annexed Protocols

(Embassy of the Czech Republic). Due to the fact that the Czech Republic held the presidency of

the European Union at the time of the conference, it made the opening and closely statements at

the opening and closing of the CCW on behalf of the EU (Embassy of the Czech Republic).

Having the opportunity to speak on behalf of the European Union at the conference allowed the

Czech Republic an opportunity to speak about the issues currently facing disarmament.

Nuclear Proliferation is another issue in which the Czech Republic has worked diligently

trying to improve. In regards to the Nuclear Situation in North Korea, the Czech Republic is an

advocate of Charter 77, in particular the principal “freedom from fear,” which has been

undermined by states failing to support previously established terms of nuclear non-proliferation

(Isabelle, Zhivkov). While the Czech Republic recognizes the need for nuclear energy, it

denounces its utilization for military purposes (Isabelle, Zhivkov). The Czech Republic is in

agreement with the United Nations’ Responsibility to Protect (R2P), which offers assistance to

countries who are under stress before a crisis breaks out (Isabelle, Zhivkov). Furthermore, the

Czech Republic is in favor of gradually disabling the DPRK’s Military Nuclear Power Program,

by peaceful diplomatic talks and mutual cooperation (Isabelle, Zhivkov). The Czech Republic

understands the importance of sovereignty but also recognizes when a line is passed the

international community must step in.

“The Czech Republic honors its international obligations and responsibilities associated

with the use of nuclear power” (Isabelle, Zhivkov). The Czech Republic has improved its

national and regional nuclear infrastructure and safety by expertise applications and financial

contributions (Isabelle, Zhivkov). Therefore, they invite international inspectors to inspect to

inspect its nuclear facilities, believing in the importance of trust and clarity within the

international community (Isabelle, Zhivkov). Furthermore, as stated in the Convention Physical

and Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), the Czech Republic believes that in order to

ensure nuclear safety and proper waste management within countries, it must being with their

national governments (Isabelle, Zhivkov). As can be seen in the speech made to the United

Nations General Assembly, by former Czech President Vaclav Klaus, the Czech Republic is a

strong advocate for state sovereignty.

The following information was taken forma speak given by former President of the

Czech Republic to the United Nations General Assembly in September of 2012. Of the variety

of topics former President Klaus addressed, included was how to handle international disputes, in

particular Syria, and why the Czech Republic can speak to these topics. In regards to how to deal

with international disputes, former President Klaus said they should be done by peaceful means

internally. He uses the peaceful break up Czechoslovakia as an example of why these issues

should be dealt with internally. He says, experience points to domestic politics being the driving

force internally, not international agencies. International agencies should only intervene if the

problem cannot be solved internally. President Klaus discussed the situation in Syria and what

the Czech Republic believed was the best way to deal with the situation. President Klaus said he

did not see a feasible solution to the issue in Syria, but believed sending humanitarian aid and

having a medical evacuation program should be some of the steps taken by the United Nations.

Furthermore, President Klaus said, the Syrian problem needs to be seen in a boarder and long-

term situation instead of just a short-term issue. He also said the United Nations needed to learn

from the mistakes when dealing with the situation in Libya to make sure the same mistakes are

not made in Syria. President Klaus said he believed the United Nations needed to be active but

not intrusive in the affairs of states (UN News Center). The Czech Republic is a strong supporter

of state sovereignty and believes states should be given the opportunity to deal with internal

matters themselves before the international community steps in.

In regards to its Security Policy much information can be found on the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs website. The Czech Republic analyses threats based on, on the analysis of the

security environment and the corresponding risk assessment (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Not

only does the Czech Republic have to be aware of possible threats to itself, but also possible

threats towards its allies. The Security Strategy identifies threats such as: terrorism, proliferation

of weapons of mass destruction, cyber attacks and threats of critical infrastructure, just to name a

few (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). In regards to terrorism, the Czech Republic views it a

transnational threat. Its terrorism strategy focuses on preventive measures like information

sharing and controlling financial flows (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The Czech Republic also

views cyber attached as an increasing threat as they are becoming more frequent and better

organized. They believe potential cyber attacks could threaten, “critical infrastructure to

leaks/loss of strategic information and damage to the information systems of public institutions

as well as private businesses” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The Czech Republic believes it has

an increased risk of being attacked via cyber attacks because of its, dependence on information

and communication technologies (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The Czech Republic takes great

pride in its security policy, and takes the same pride in its Foreign Policy Objectives.

The Czech Republic has many foreign policy objectives. They include, safeguard the

Czech Republic’s security, to develop and maintain transatlantic links, develop good

relationships with neighboring countries, promote human rights and democracy worldwide,

promote its economic interest aboard and promote a positives images aboard (2011 Foreign

Policy overview). One of the methods the Czech Republic goes about pursing its foreign policy

objectives is by using the European Union to promote its national interests (2011 Foreign Policy

overview). Also, the Czech Republic believes there should be a greater focus on innovation for

increased import and export policies (2011 Foreign Policy overview). Finally, the Czech

Republic has been a defender of Human Rights for a long time. There foreign policy follows a

belief that, “human rights element, including democratization and the sharing of transition

experience, must be given a greater role in development cooperation strategies” (2011 Foreign

policy overview). The Czech Republic’s foreign policy has gown exponentially over the past

twenty years and will only continue to do so.

As has been demonstrated in the paper, the Czech Republic takes great pride in its

Foreign Policy, pays close attentions to security threats and has great diplomatic relationships

with many different countries around the world. Through its involvement in international

organizations such as NATO, the European Union and the United Nations, it has expanded its

foreign policy beyond Europe. The Czech Republic has built strong relationship with countries

both in Europe like the United Kingdom and beyond to nations such as the United States. Similar

foreign policy objectives have allowed these countries to build strong relationships. Furthermore,

while the Czech Republic is an advocate fore international intervention when necessary, it

believes state sovereignty should be respected and states should be allowed to deal with matters

internally. Finally the Czech Republics security policy focuses on matters such as terrorism and

cyber attacks. On January 1, 1993, this was the day the Czech Republic become and independent

country and has come a long way in terms of Foreign Policy, Security and Diplomacy, but still

has much more to accomplish. This Central European country has much to offer the rest of the

world.

REFLECTION: Substance

I am sitting in Bird Library when a ring goes off; it is a familiar tone, the one made by

my MacBook every time I receive an email. Expecting an important email I quickly open the

page. It is not the email I was expecting, but another email from Dr. D’Amico regarding the

application for the Model United Nations team. This is probably the fifth email I receive from

the International Relations Department regarding the team. I had heard great things from two

former members of the team while studying abroad in Strasbourg, France. They both had great

things to say about the course, the conference and Dr. D’Amico, but I still was not convinced I

wanted to apply, after skimming through the first four emails. There was something about this

fifth email that changed my mind. With only a few hours left to apply, I printed an application

and returned it to the International Relations office. A couple weeks went by before the familiar

ring went off with another email from Dr. D’Amico congratulating the members of the 2013

Model United Nations team. I was ecstatic to see my name of the list along with two other

friends who had gone to Strasbourg with me the previous summer.

The work above discusses the role played by the Czech Republic at the United Nations;

in terms of the United State system this course allowed us a students a hands on experience to

learn about both the UN system and the practice of diplomacy. By reading about the United

Nations system and practicing the rules and procedures from day one, we learned how to act,

think and behave like diplomats, not just learn about them. I had never taken a class on

International Organizations prior to taking this course and what I know now about the United

Nations, it role in the world, and the rules of procedure will be with me forever. The conference

simulation was a great experience in allowing students to learn how difficult international

diplomacy truly is. Just when we thought a resolution would be passed one of sponsors wanted to

add a clause that other member states did not agree with. Which would put us back at square one.

Every diplomat has the best interest of his or her country first, which leads to a constant struggle

of trying to find middle ground.

I learned so much about the Czech Republic and the United Nations, but the larger

lessons learned in this course were things I learned about myself. After the first day of class I

seriously thought of dropping the course, I did not think I had what it took to be a diplomat, but

was convinced otherwise from my two friends in the course. Not dropping the course was one of

the best decisions I could have made. Going to the conference last minute and having to prepare

to represent the Czech Republic in a committee I had not prepare was a large challenge, but a

great learning opportunity. I spent the day before the conference learning as much as possible

about the Czech Republic’s stance on the issues in the Human Rights Council. With help from

the best partner one could ask for, I felt confident speaking with other delegations on the first

day. While I was still learning about the Human Rights council I was well prepared for the

conference itself and this allowed me stand straight and discuss various topics with other

delegations. By the end of the conference I had the belief and courage to speak about the Czech

Republics opinion on any topic in the Human Rights Council. The Model United Nations course

pushed me academically in ways I did not expect, but I would not change the experience, for

what I learned along the was about myself is more important and anything I learned about the

Czech Republic and the United Nations.

Process

As previously mentioned I was not sure I wanted to take the course, it was not until I

learned that the country that we would be represented would be Central Europe (a country not

focused on in my other European Courses) that I decided to take the course. The information sent

out by our head delegate Ivan was very useful in getting to know the basic of the Czech

Republic. I just wished I had done a better job looking the information over. I believe sending

information regarding the United Nations itself over winter break would also be helpful to future

delegates, that way they can become accustomed with the rules and procedures of the

conference.

The readings that are required for the course do a great job of introducing delegates to the

United Nations; it’s history and possible future. The quizzes were the most difficult aspect of the

course for me, there was so much information that I was not quiet sure what I needed to focus on

and what was just secondary information. Working with delegate Iggy was one of the most

enjoyable aspects of the course for me. We spent countless hours in the undergrad study bay

and/or the library discussing what should be included in the positions paper and the best way to

present the information. Building the caucusing strategy was another long night with delegate

Iggy, as we discussed whom the Czech Republic should be working with and what the best

possible strategy would be for every topic.

Stand and delivers were a great learning experience. Having to stand in front of Madame

Director and our two head delegates was terrify to thinking about, especially if you are one of the

last delegates to go, as you are just sitting there waiting for your turn to come. Having to discuss

the Czech Republics positions on a variety of topics was terrifying, but I believe it was great

preparation for the conference. It also made positions speeches made in class easier, as this time

around we had pre-written speeches. The course does a great job of being a conference

simulation; the conference was in many ways like a typical day in the conference room by the

Intentional Relations office, just with a few more delegates. Furthermore, Team building allowed

delegates to get to know one another outside of the classroom environment, which I believe,

helped us become friends, not just fellow delegates.

I was originally an alternate on the team, which was why receiving an email from

Madame Director the day before the conference was going to start was a bit shocking. I was told

delegate Aryn was very ill and would not be able to attend the conference and was asked if I was

willing to take her spot on the Human Rights Council. After letting the initially shock to pass I

gladly accepted and quickly reached out to both Aryn and Chinenye so I could start learning as

much about the Human Rights Council and the Czech Republics position as possible. I arranged

my bus so Chinenye and I could be on the same bus to New York City this would allow me an

opportunity to pick her brain regarding anything I was still not sure about.

From the moment delegates enter the room for the opening ceremonies caucusing

beings, looking for delegates in your committee and asking what their agenda preferences are

and seeing which countries have similar preferences. It was in these initial meetings that I

learned the importance of staying in character. The delegates you were meeting did not know

your name, they knew what country you represented, I would not be addressed as Mary, but as

the Czech Republic. Which is why it would be very important to be the Czech Republic outside

of the hotel room.

The opportunity to go the Bohemian National Hall and listen to the Minister Counsellor

of the Czech Republic to the United Nations was very enlightening. Especially because I still had

a few questions regarding the position the Czech Republic had on the topic we were discussing

in our committee (Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs). Our committee sessions

were very productive. In the beginning my partner Chinenye and I worked with other European

countries to create a more concrete definition of returnees and IDPs. Once the definition was

something all of our countries agreed with we set out to combine our definition with a working

paper our countries believed would work best with our definition. Resolution paper writing was

the part of the conference, which leads to the long night, as there were many delegations that all

had different agendas. If one word was changed a countries no longer agreed with the paper and

there would be long conversations regarding what direction needed to be taken that would be

best for the majority of the countries. Our committee voted on four resolutions, we were

sponsors of one and signatories of two additional papers. Our committee passed three of the four

resolutions, and our resolution was one of them, which brought us great joy.

During our final meeting in Madame Directors hotel room the night before the closing

ceremonies was exciting, as we were told we would be allowed to go to the United Nations for

the closing ceremonies after some discussion that we would not be allowed to attending closing

ceremonies at the UN and instead would be having them at the hotel. The next morning was one

filled with excitement as we were off to the United Nations for closing ceremonies. Being able to

sit in the General Assembly of the United Nations and thinking about the people who had spoken

in the room and the topics, which had been discussed, was the experience of a lifetime. Sitting

behind the Czech Republics official placard is something I will remember forever and a story I

will tell me children one day.

Waiting to hear the results was a nerve-racking experience, as I really wanted to come

back with an outstanding delegation award for Aryn. We were awarded a distinguished

delegation, which felt great! Thinking back to the beginning of the semester and all of the hard

work my fellow delegates and I had put in receiving an award was a great accomplishment.

I sent Aryan a text to let her know how we had done. With that, it was over, there was

nothing left to do other than the team dinner later that night.

The team dinner was a great way to relax, enjoy some great Czech food and most

importantly enjoy our last night in the city with a great group of people. Much of the night

was spent talking about the experiences in our committees. I was particularly interested in

how UNHABITAT tuned out for delegate Iggy, as this was the committee I spent much time

preparing for throughout the semester. It was great talking to Iggy about his experience

and what work and did not work for him. After the team dinner, there was one more thing

that needed to be done. We went to an Irish restaurant to cheer on the SU basketball team,

who were playing Indian in the sweet sixteen game that night. Watching the basketball

team beat Indiana that night was the perfect ending to an incredible experience.

This course was unlike any other I had ever taken. The opportunity to become

delegates and become the Czech Republic is something I will carry with me forever. There

are a few ways in which the class could be changed to better help prepare delegate for the

conference. One of the aspects of the conference, which I was not as confident with, was

resolution paper writing. There should be a class scheduled to help delegates learn how to

go about writing a resolution paper. Also, having the ability to make a speech on a topic

after only having a few minutes to prepare will benefit delegates at the conference. Instead

of allowing delegates to make a speech before class, having them pull topics out of hat and

giving them 10 minutes to give a 30 second speech is a skill that would be beneficially

when at the conference.

In regards to caucusing, a class needs to be set aids to help delegates with caucusing

and caucusing strategies. While we practiced during one class period on caucusing, more

time needs to be spent on this. The ability to caucus successfully will go a long way in terms

of building connections with countries delegates would like to work with. Overall, the way

the course is structured does excellent job-preparing delegates for the conference. While I

was nervous about being in the Human Rights Council I was not nervous about what the

conference would be like or the rules of procedure, I felt very prepared for the conference

itself and feel very lucky to have experienced all I did. I am proud of what we accomplished

this semester, and am happy to say the people who were once complete strangers have

become my Czech family. The first day of class was a terrifying experience, but I learned so

much about the Czech Republic, the United Nations and myself, that I would not change my

experience for it forced me to grow so much along the way.

Works Cited

About the Czech Republic. Embassy of the Czech Republic in London. Web. 4 May 2013. http://www.mzv.cz/london/en/about_the_czech_republic/index.html

At UN, Czech President flags roles of domestic dispute settlement in revolving conflict. UN News Center. 25 September 2012. Web. 6 May 2013. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=43020&Cr=general+debate&Cr1=#.UYqXM5WRnwx

Czech Republic. European Union. Web. 4 May 2013. http://europa.eu/about-eu/countries/member-countries/czechrepublic/index_en.htm

Czech Republic and the UN. Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN in New York. Web. 29 March 2013. http://www.mzv.cz/un.newyork/en/czech_republic_and_the_un/index.html

Isabelle Brianna, Zhivkov Ivan. (2013). Position Paper for the International Atomic Energy Agency. Syracuse University-Maxwell School. N.P.

The Czech Republic’s Foreign Policy in 2011: A Brief 0verview. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. Web. 2 May 2013. http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/foreign_relations/reports_and_documents/the_czech_republic_s_foreign_policy_in.html

U.S. Relations with the Czech Republic. US Department of State. 14 December 2012. Web. 1 May 2013. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3237.htm