photographed by Michaela Nespěchalová

Interview with Vratislav Havlík - associate professor, Department of International Relations and European Politics

Interviewed by Abhinav Banerjee and Michaela Nespěchalová, January 2024

1. Professor Havlik, how did you start your academic career, and what got you into international relations?

To be honest, I'm not an expert in international relations, but rather in European politics. I started in the second year of my bachelor's study when I was invited to submit a chapter on the implementation of EU cohesion policy in Germany because the teacher knew I spoke German and needed data collection in German. I had basic knowledge at that time, but the challenge was intriguing. This marked my first step into academic writing. The positive criticism and guidance from my teacher helped me improve, and this experience sparked my interest in writing academic pieces. Subsequently, during my master's study, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in European politics, focusing on EU cohesion policy. I had an early start, and sometimes luck plays a role in one’s journey. And speaking multiple languages always opens doors.

2. Could you elaborate on why European politics specifically?

Certainly! It was a specific teacher who approached me and recognized my interest. He asked me to contribute to a book on EU cohesion policy in Germany, which eventually led to my ongoing interest in sub-state actors, regional politics, and cohesion policy. Additionally, my focus expanded to Euroscepticism and Central European party systems during my academic journey. While I finished journalism, I realized my deeper interest lay in European studies, particularly European politics.

Cohesion policy, of course, is not the only field of my study, because the more you are in academics, it's quite nice to have more than just one topic because one topic can get a bit boring to work for a long time. So my other topic is –Euroscepticism and Central European party systems.

3. Looking at your extensive career, what has been the most exciting project you've been a part of?

Currently, the most exciting project for me is on Euroscepticism after the pandemic crisis. Led by Professor Vít Hloušek, this project delves into understanding the impact of crises on Euroscepticism, including the recent pandemic crisis. It feels more like a hobby than a job, and I find myself deeply engaged in it.

4. When can students expect to read your work on this project?

I often include my articles and papers in the syllabuses of my courses not because of being egoistic or not to stress my name. But I think when I teach a course, it should be based on my expertise and my expertise is supported or proved by my research, and research is being proved by the outcomes in these articles. Students can access them as part of the curriculum, and I continuously update the content with new outcomes.

5. What is your favourite course to teach, and do you have any recommendations for students?

I find great satisfaction in courses promoting student interaction, such as the discussion seminar Contemporary Issues in the European Union (IREb 2007). This course, typically comprising 15 to 20 students, creates a conducive environment for real-time political discussions on a diverse range of topics. The sessions cover pressing matters, from delving into the intricacies of Emmanuel Macron's policies to exploring the dynamics of illiberalism in Hungary. What sets this course apart is its focus on up-to-date issues, encouraging students to engage with contemporary politics based on reading quality newspapers rather than delving into hard facts and sophisticated academic texts.

Another noteworthy recommendation is the course, which forms a part of the European Governance program (EGO) but is open to students of International Relations and European Politics and it is Europeanisation: EU impact on national, regional and local governance (EGOn5002). This course provides valuable insights into how the European Union influences national systems, impacting governmental structures, legislative bodies, political parties, and sub-state actors. The discussions centre around various contemporary topics, allowing students to explore the differences in implementing the European agenda across member states.

I particularly appreciate the engaging discussions that arise from comparing the implementation of the European agenda in diverse Member States. These discussions often highlight the nuances and complexities associated with the influence of European integration on various aspects of governance. The course creates a dynamic learning environment where students can delve into relevant and thought-provoking topics, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between the European Union and national governance systems.

6. Moving on to the upcoming European Parliament elections in June, what are your views on current policies, potential changes, and the political landscape?

Predicting the outcome of the upcoming European Parliament elections is challenging due to the unique nature of these elections held across 27 diverse Member States. While we can anticipate a rise in Eurosceptic, populist, and far-right movements, their influence on the European Parliament's majority is likely limited. The mainstream coalition, comprising Christian Democrats, socialists, and liberals, is expected to remain predominant.

Speculating further becomes intricate, primarily because of the low turnout in European Parliament elections. Even in a country like the Czech Republic, as a political scientist, I cannot confidently predict the election outcome. The unpredictability stems from factors such as voter turnout and the distinctive nature of these second-order elections. Unlike national parliamentary elections, European Parliament elections operate on a different logic, making it challenging to gauge support for certain movements accurately.

For instance, the success of movements like Miss Nerudova's from Mayors (Czech political party STAN) candidate list is uncertain, with potential outcomes ranging maybe somewhere between 5% and 15%. The varied voter dynamics in European Parliament elections add to the complexity, making predictions elusive. In essence, while trends suggest an increase in Euroscepticism, it's unlikely to reach a point where it impedes the functioning of the EU. The unpredictable nature of these elections emphasizes the need for caution in making definitive statements about the political landscape.

7. Do you have a message for current or upcoming students?

I consistently advise my students, whether in their first or fourth year of study, that focusing solely on their academic program is insufficient. While proficiency in English is crucial, learning an additional language, such as Spanish, French, or German, can greatly enhance your prospects.

Another crucial aspect is gaining diverse experiences beyond the university setting. Spending a semester or a year abroad through programs like Erasmus is highly recommended. An internship is equally valuable, whether in a City Council, regional office, enterprise, or even the European Commission if you're fortunate. Ideally, you should aim for proficiency in a second language.