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Transnational Corporations' Extraction as a Continuation of Colonial Inequalities in DRC: A Case Study of North Kivu
No full textTato diplomová práce zkoumá, jak nadnárodní korporace (transnational corporations - TNCs) přispívají k drancování přírodních zdrojů a prodlužování konfliktu v Severním Kivu v Demokratické republice Kongo (DRK). Navzdory svému obrovskému nerostnému bohatství zůstává DRK jednou z nejchudších a nejméně stabilních zemí světa. Aby bylo možné tento paradox prozkoumat, výzkum kombinuje tři teoretické rámce: neokolonialismus, teorii světového systému a politickou ekonomii konfliktu. Prostřednictvím komparativní studie práce analyzuje tři typy nadnárodních korporací - Alphamin Resources Corporation (průmyslová), Société Minière de Bisunzu (hybridní) a čínští zprostředkovatelé (neformální) - s cílem pochopit, jak různé podnikatelské modality fungují v křehkém a konfliktním prostředí. Analýza globálního komoditního řetězce (global commodity chain - GCC) slouží k mapování toho, jak se hodnota vytváří, odvádí nebo ztrácí na místní i mezinárodní úrovni. Výzkum vychází ze tří hlavních tezí: Za prvé, zahraniční angažovanost v sektoru přírodních zdrojů posiluje ekonomickou závislost. Za druhé, nadnárodní korporace profitují z nestability, konfliktu a militarizované správy. Za třetí, globální kapitalistický systém udržuje DRK v roli vývozce surovin. Zjištění práce ukazují, že se TNCs přizpůsobují slabým institucím a..
Russian mercenary diplomacy: the activities of the Wagner Group in Mali and the Central African Republic
No full textThis diploma thesis investigates the motivations behind the deployment of the Wagner Group in Mali and the Central African Republic, as a case of Russian mercenary diplomacy in Africa. Through a qualitative case study approach complemented by quantitative data, the research distinguishes between official and unofficial dimensions of Russian interactions with Mali and the CAR. The official track examines the political engagement, arms transfers and military-security cooperation. The unofficial track analyses the Wagner Group's military, influence and economic operations. The thesis conceptualizes the Wagner Group as a distinct form of mercenarism that merges private incentives and Russian state interests. Drawing on the concept of proxy warfare, the study argues that the Wagner Group functions as an expeditionary asset of influence. From this perspective, Russia relies on the Wagner in line with the logics of proxy engagement, which includes limited strategic interest in the region, the desire to expand influence with minimal risk, economic greed, cost sensitivity, and above all, plausible deniability. This use of a deniable and flexible proxy allows Moscow to operate in a fragile or contested environments without formal or legal responsibility. The thesis findings suggest that the activities of the..
Spiritual experience of confidence of Therese Martin in the context of today's spirituality
No full textThis thesis explores the role and nature of trust in spiritual theology, in the context of the spirituality of Therese of Lisieux and its relevance to the present day. The aim is to present how Teresa's experience of trust contributes to an understanding of the spiritual life in a contemporary context. The reflection on the notion of trust is set within the broader framework of the distinction between faith and trust, taking into account their spiritual-theological grounding. An analysis of the formative experiences of Therese of Lisieux and an interpretation of Pope Francis' exhortation C'est la confiance (2023) provide deeper insights into the role that trust played in Therese's life. The paper discusses the constitutive and interpretive sources of spiritual theology - that is, what emphases of trust can be found in Scripture and in selected authors of catholic spiritual tradition. Finally, the thesis considers the definition of contemporary spirituality and whether trust, especially as conceived by Therese of Lisieux, can respond to the needs of society in the current socio-cultural framework. The final chapter summarizes the results of the thesis
Philosophical and Ethical Reflection of Selected Molecular Genetic Methods in Bioinformatics
No full textBioinformatics integrates biology, especially at the molecular level, and computer science. Thus, the work of a bioinformatician consists of the orientation, processing and interpretation of biological data. The question arises, however, whether the consideration of the work of a bioinformatician should stop at the above mentioned list. The aim of this paper is to use selected methods from molecular genetics in order to emphasize the possibilities of philosophical and ethical reflection from the perspective of a bioinformatician from the perspective of both modern and classical ethics, whose views may differ in many ways. Keywords bioinformatics, ethics in bioinformatics, molecular biology, prenatal diagnostic
Human Autonomy and Personalized Recommendations of Media Content Using Artificial Intelligence from the Perspective of Theological Ethics
No full textThe thesis explores the relationship between human autonomy and artificial intelligence systems designed to recommend media content. The topic is examined from a theological-ethical perspective, which does not focus solely on the technical aspects of recommendation algorithms but also on their influence on shaping human media experiences. The thesis first defines the fundamental characteristics of the ethical debate surrounding artificial intelligence and elaborates on the concept of autonomy as understood in contemporary philosophical and theological discourse, leaning towards its relational interpretation. Subsequently, it analyzes recommendation systems, their functioning, and particularly a detailed examination of their benefits and risks for the autonomy of various stakeholders. This analysis also includes implicit guidelines that, upon further development, may assist in establishing rules and procedures for the future development and use of such systems. The thesis thus contributes to a deeper discussion on ethical conduct within an environment shaped by artificial intelligence and its impact on human autonomy and decision-making
The constitutionality of territorial reforms in selected Central European countries
No full textThe constitutionality of territorial reforms in selected Central European countries, abstrakt v anglickém jazyce There is a total of 6,258 municipalities in the Czech Republic, 90% of which have fewer than 2,000 inhabitants. The Czech Republic thus has the most fragmented municipal structure of all member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The overly fragmented municipal structure in the Czech Republic not only has a significant negative impact on the state budget, but also effectively prevents the wider use of the municipal level for various activities that municipalities would otherwise carry out independently across the country. The problem described above can be solved either by promoting inter-municipal cooperation or by territorial reforms. This dissertation analyses territorial reforms conducted from above in the Republic of Austria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Swiss Confederation (the country under review). Territorial reforms involving the merger of municipalities into larger units can be examined from various perspectives. This dissertation thesis looks at these territorial reforms from the perspective of constitutional law. Its fundamental question is under what circumstances territorial reforms in the countries under review were..
Differences in Socio-emotional Development as a Function of Early Experiences in Caregiving Relationships
No full text1. Lékařská fakulta University Karlovy PhDr. Petra Winnette PhD 2025 Differences in Socio-emotional Development as a Function of Early Experiences in Caregiving Relationships Rozdíly v sociálně-emocionálním vývoji pod vlivem raných zkušeností ve vztazích s primárními pečovateli Abstract The current fields of developmental and social cognitive psychology confront a challenging yet intriguing theme: understanding the principles and mechanisms of early socio-emotional development that stems from early child-caregivers' interactions and relationships, and how specific early adversities in a caregiving context impact brain development, socio-emotional well-being, and mental health throughout the lifespan. To explore these interconnected issues, this dissertation uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine four distinct aspects of this topic. After reviewing the literature, I first present a novel theory on the role of specific memories saved in early caregiving relationships, highlighting their positive or negative valence and meaning, which influence the formation and maintenance of close relationships later in life. Second, I focus on two empirical studies investigating the effects of disruptive caregiving experiences on socio-emotional development during middle childhood. Third, I offer a fresh perspective..
Transformations of Leadership Values in the Light of Thomas Aquinas and Niccolò Machiavelli
No full textThe thesis focuses on the analysis of leadership issues and seeks inspiration in the works of Thomas Aquinas and Niccolò Machiavelli. The thesis compares the positions of these authors and their different approaches to the issue of governance. Looking at today's times, it is clear that rules and norms alone are insufficient from the perspective of the modern concept of leadership. This is why we need to look elsewhere for inspiration, especially in positions that emphasize the personal character of the actor. It seems particularly appropriate to focus on the concepts of Thomas Aquinas and Niccolò Machiavelli, each of whom separately presents a very distinct model of leadership. Aquinas is based on a Christian view of man and ethics; Machiavelli, by contrast, focuses more on pragmatism and power politics. Despite these differences, however, the model of both of them is identical in the essential point, namely, the personalistic focus. This paper aims to show that a return to personality is a path that makes sense from the perspective of modern notions of leadership. Thomas Aquinas possesses the conceptual means to grasp crisis situations that cannot be resolved only through the natural cardinal virtues, but also through the capacity for epicuresis and adaptability. Machiavelli, often described as a..