Publication details
Shaping Bilateral Relationships From Below : Civil Society Actors and Their Motivations in the Czech-German Context
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | German Politics |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09644008.2025.2504566 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1080/09644008.2025.2504566 |
| Keywords | civil society; cross-border cooperation; Czech-German relations |
| Description | In the sphere of interstate cooperation, civil society organisations (CSOs) play a crucial role as mediators of ideas, facilitators of cross-border dialogue, and promoters of the cultural and creative potential of their respective nations. Within the European Union, these organisations form an integral part of the multi-level governance system. This article, based on a unique dataset comprising 45 interviews with 51 interviewees, delves into the motivations that drive stakeholders involved in Czech-German cross-border initiatives. Our comprehensive analysis of this large sample reveals that the primary motivation currently centres around fostering social connections and gaining a deeper understanding of the neighbouring country. In contrast, aspirations to promote broader democratic values or enhance professional experience appear to be secondary. By comparing our findings with insights from other examples of German bilateral relations, we offer a nuanced understanding of Czech-German civil society interactions, providing valuable perspectives for shaping broader European cross-border cooperation strategies. |