Teaching

Masaryk University (2025-present)

Course: Era of political entrepreneurs: a party capture by private interests

This course deals with an important topic in the contemporary politics. The majority of party systems in European democracies witness a relatively recent phenomenon of new anti-establishment parties electorally succeeding at the expense of their established counterparts. Many of such parties are formed and led by political entrepreneurs. The entry of these individuals, who often have vast economic power, and who use their parties as tools to fulfil their personal interests, raises many concerns. When combined with their newly acquired political power (and in some cases also media power), the success of parties led by political entrepreneurs represents certain risks. Simultaneously, a specific approach to party organization practiced in this type of parties questions our understanding of internal party democracy.  

During this course, students try to tackle several questions and points of discussion, such as: What are the key characteristics of entrepreneurial parties? How do parties belonging to this group differ from the other types of parties? What are the dangers behind the concentration of different types of power by a single institution/individual? How are entrepreneurial parties functioning within and what does that tell us about their perception of internal party democracy? Are there any similarities in regards to these parties´ ideology and rhetoric? What is the difference between entrepreneurial party and business-firm party? What are the wider consequences of entrepreneurial parties´ entry into politics? The course provide both theoretical and practical knowledge of entrepreneurial parties and populist parties in the contemporary comparative perspective of different European party systems. 

Course: International Organizations and Diplomacy

This course introduces students to the study of international organizations and their role in international diplomacy and global governance. It examines international organizations as central actors in the international system, focusing on their historical emergence, conceptual foundations, classifications, and core functions. The course provides students with the analytical tools needed to understand how and why international organizations are created, how they operate, and how they shape cooperation among states and other international actors. Building on this foundation, the course explores the involvement of international organizations in key international policy areas such as peace and security, human rights, development, economic governance, and humanitarian action. Particular attention is devoted to the United Nations as the most comprehensive international organization, examining its historical development, institutional structure, decision-making processes, and role in addressing global challenges, as well as the limitations and reform debates it faces.

Throughout the course, students engage with key questions, including: Why do states create and rely on international organizations? How do international organizations exercise authority and influence in world politics? To what extent do they enhance international cooperation and global order? What role do international organizations play as platforms for diplomacy and negotiation? How effective is the United Nations in responding to contemporary global crises? These questions are further explored through active learning, including participation in a Model United Nations simulation.

Course: History of the Benelux after 1945

The course deals with the post-World War II historical developments of the three Benelux states that include Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Students will learn how these three Western European countries navigated through challenging historical era of the Cold War and the fundamental social change made possible by technological developments, vast economic transformation, emancipation and other major trends like migration. The regional cooperation within Benelux is also be discussed via the optics of the gradual European integration that took place after World War II. As such, emphasis will be placed on the interplay between the individual national developments and the regional cooperation within Benelux Union, as well as within the broader European project. The course also focuses on some developments and challenges related specifically to the concerned countries, like decolonization. To that end, this course does not deal solely with political developments, but will also delve into societal and economic trends and phenomena important for the region of Benelux. Students engage mainly with primary texts, and scholarly sources that helps them understand the distinct, and often closely shared, trajectories of the three concerned countries that took place since the establishment of their political and economic union.

Course: International Politics in Modern Europe

This course provides a foundational knowledge of major diplomatic events, wars, treaties, philosophical trends, and turning points in European international relations from the 17th century to the present, with emphasis on their broader European and global significance. Students analyze how political, economic, and social developments influenced European diplomatic relations, including the impact of nationalism, democratization, industrialization, and military engagements. They also assess Europe's evolving role in global politics, from European balance of power systems to the EU's position in contemporary international relations. Students learn how to critically evaluate historical sources and construct evidence-based arguments about European diplomatic history through independent research on a chosen topic. As a major component of this course, students participate actively in class discussions, demonstrating engagement with assigned readings and the ability to connect historical developments to contemporary issues.

Course: Comparison of European party systems

The aim of this course is to provide students with the fundamental concepts, theories, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to understand politics in European countries. The course focuses on how political systems function, how political actors interact, and how different institutional arrangements shape political outcomes across Europe. Students become familiar with key topics within the field of comparative politics and examine how these concepts apply to the real functioning of European political systems. The course introduces the structure and dynamics of political institutions, electoral systems, and the relationships between different branches of government in democratic systems.

A central part of the course focuses on political parties and party systems, including how party competition is structured and how new political parties emerge and transform political landscapes. Particular attention is devoted to the rise of populism and its influence on contemporary European politics. The course also addresses the role of interest groups, civil society organizations, and other actors that seek to influence political decision-making and public policy. In addition, students explore major political challenges currently shaping European politics, including migration, environmental and climate policies, and broader social and economic transformations. By connecting theoretical perspectives with real-world developments, the course helps students better understand how political systems in Europe operate and how they respond to evolving political, economic, and societal pressures.

Charles University (2022-2025)

Course: Era of political entrepreneurs: a party capture by private interests