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Papers by Jan Zahorik

Nationalism and Ethnic Politics, 2022

Studies in Sthnicity and Nationalism, 2021

A ‘semantic approach’ to nationalism might focus on how political actors use the word ‘nation’ to... more A ‘semantic approach’ to nationalism might focus on how political actors use the word ‘nation’ to legitimate political demands, often contrasting that word with other similar words, such as ‘ethnicity’ or ‘tribe’, which might be generalized as ‘not-quite-nations’. The semantic approach must also address the problem of linguistic diversity, and proposes that the word for ‘nation’ in languages other than English should be the word which bestows legitimacy. Applying this method to three case studies – Catalonia, Hungary, and Ethiopia – suggests that one particular word always emerges as the locus of sovereignty, and thus as the equivalent for ‘nation’. The method is not compatible with all scholarly approaches to nationalism, but it is consistent with the approach of both Benedict Anderson and Rogers Brubaker.

Disability and Society, 2019

This article focuses on access of students with disabilities to education in Ethiopia and, in par... more This article focuses on access of students with disabilities to education in Ethiopia and, in particular, on the role of inclusive education resource centres (IERCs). A mixed-methods approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were school administrators, itinerant teachers, special educators, regular classroom teachers, and school directors. It was identified that a large number of students and teachers benefitted from the support provided by IERCs. The target schools are equipped with materials that support inclusive pedagogy. The awareness of parents and communities is gradually changing, except in some unreached communities. As a result, the number of students with disabilities enrolled is increasing. There were some barriers observed, such as assignment of itinerant teachers to a large number of satellite schools, high turnover of local government officials, and whether there was investment in the sustainability of IERCs and the positive outcomes observed.

Recent analysis of causes and contexts of the ongoing political turbulences in Ethiopia. Publishe... more Recent analysis of causes and contexts of the ongoing political turbulences in Ethiopia. Published in The Journal of the Middle East and Africa.

This study deals with the complicated relationship between the former Czechoslovakia and Congo/Za... more This study deals with the complicated relationship between the former Czechoslovakia and Congo/Zaire during the period of Mobutu Sese Seko's rule, 1965–1980. Czechoslovakia was very active in Africa during the cold war period and tended to develop economic and diplomatic relations with the majority of African countries. The countries were divided into several categories: priority countries , which were socialist or Marxist-oriented; countries of economic importance, and countries under the influence of former colonial capitalist powers. Despite being in the latter category, Congo/Zaire was of great importance due to its natural resources and economic potential. The Czechoslovak government sought to identify ways of strengthening its position there. Due to several administrative obstacles, direct economic exchange was impossible and all economic contacts had to be channelled via Belgium and Belgian companies. Nevertheless, in spite of such obstacles , both states tried to develop fruitful economic relations.

Since 1991, and more visibly in the last decade, Ethiopia has witnessed enormous economic growth ... more Since 1991, and more visibly in the last decade, Ethiopia has witnessed enormous economic growth accompanied by the development of infrastructure and growing demographic rates, as well as poverty, unemployment, inflation, and corruption. Twenty years of rule by Meles Zenawi, who died in summer 2012, have also brought several internal tensions and external challenges with which Ethiopia has to and will have to deal. Despite acclaimed double-digit economic growth in the last decade, millions of Ethiopians still live at a level of poverty more or less similar to that of the previous regime. Ethnic and religious tensions together with socioeconomic frustration are already contributing to a tense social atmosphere in Ethiopia. Relations with Eritrea, Ethiopian involvement in Somalia, and disputes over Nile waters that have impacted relations with Egypt are also in one way or another linked with these internal tensions. This article deals with all these aspects of the contemporary development of Ethiopia as a part of the legacy of the late prime minister Meles Zenawi.

i € €, f;"| F=-'F # i'+= LÎ ar^al leuoDEuJalul Puel€az /v\aN 'slJoJJa palualro-uP)!JJV asaql ql!/... more i € €, f;"| F=-'F # i'+= LÎ ar^al leuoDEuJalul Puel€az /v\aN 'slJoJJa palualro-uP)!JJV asaql ql!/v\ anulluo) ol o^?r.{ llr/y\ uo!}pJ}sluil,uPE Ptu€qo oql '}sEl olPp!N aq} uoJ, llo uo ,()uePuodep isalpls pollun aql o)npal ol paau oql ,o asnE)eg 'plJo/y\ aql u! setu!3al e^lseJddo lsotu aql ,o euo .eeurng ;e;,ro1enb3 qlll dlqsraul.rpd )lLuouo)e se q)ns 'sde1s lttsralorluo) JeqleJ atuos 4ool ll 'l!o ue)UJV;o uollsanb aql ol qreo.rdde qrdap-ul orour p opetu leql uollerlslulLuPe qsng 'AA e3-roe9 aql {;uguru sp/\a }l .LusrJoJJo} pue 'erueu;erro8 poo8 'r(1r;nles ;euogBe.r 3ulpn;ru; 'lunolle o}u! el€} o} seq uollpJtslulrupp Sn oql qr!q/v\ sonsst raqlo otuos ol palEloJ {;aso;r s! EfIJJV u! uo!})nPord llo 'so)rnos -or llo 96 {;ls,re,rtp o1 {1lssereu aq},(q PalloJJe uaaq seq e)rr1v u1 {r;;od llo Sn'{;1elredse l0OZ o)urs 'sJulunoJ uE)tuv AuEur Jo srauurd tutuodut rsolu rtpJo ouo l[I]s sI tI teqt elertsuouaP pur ,s:rrrlod IIo, Erl{V ,srrtts petlun aqt uo snro1 III,\\

Ethiopia adopted ethnic federalism and restructured the regions along ethnic lines as soon as the... more Ethiopia adopted ethnic federalism and restructured the regions along ethnic lines as soon as the EPRDF took political power by overthrowing the Marxist military government in 1991. The aim of this paper is to examine the merits and the demerits of federalism. The paper particularly assesses federalism in Africa by taking the case of Ethiopia as an example. The paper argues that in order to ensure the success of federalism, it should not be imposed from above. Since its introduction in 1991 and officially sanctioned in the country's 1994 Constitution, ethnic federalism and Article 39 of the Constitution that awarded the self-rule states (regions) the right to secede has become the major source of intense debate. For some, ethnic federalism and the right to secede discourage ethnic tensions in the country and encourage the various ethnic groups to live together peacefully. However, for others, this "experiment" can go out of hand and may lead the country into never-ending ethnic wars and eventually to disintegration. This paper, by taking into account of Ethiopia's and other countries' experiences, will examine both sides of the arguments.

Nationalism and Ethnic Politics, 2022

Studies in Sthnicity and Nationalism, 2021

A ‘semantic approach’ to nationalism might focus on how political actors use the word ‘nation’ to... more A ‘semantic approach’ to nationalism might focus on how political actors use the word ‘nation’ to legitimate political demands, often contrasting that word with other similar words, such as ‘ethnicity’ or ‘tribe’, which might be generalized as ‘not-quite-nations’. The semantic approach must also address the problem of linguistic diversity, and proposes that the word for ‘nation’ in languages other than English should be the word which bestows legitimacy. Applying this method to three case studies – Catalonia, Hungary, and Ethiopia – suggests that one particular word always emerges as the locus of sovereignty, and thus as the equivalent for ‘nation’. The method is not compatible with all scholarly approaches to nationalism, but it is consistent with the approach of both Benedict Anderson and Rogers Brubaker.

Disability and Society, 2019

This article focuses on access of students with disabilities to education in Ethiopia and, in par... more This article focuses on access of students with disabilities to education in Ethiopia and, in particular, on the role of inclusive education resource centres (IERCs). A mixed-methods approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The participants were school administrators, itinerant teachers, special educators, regular classroom teachers, and school directors. It was identified that a large number of students and teachers benefitted from the support provided by IERCs. The target schools are equipped with materials that support inclusive pedagogy. The awareness of parents and communities is gradually changing, except in some unreached communities. As a result, the number of students with disabilities enrolled is increasing. There were some barriers observed, such as assignment of itinerant teachers to a large number of satellite schools, high turnover of local government officials, and whether there was investment in the sustainability of IERCs and the positive outcomes observed.

Recent analysis of causes and contexts of the ongoing political turbulences in Ethiopia. Publishe... more Recent analysis of causes and contexts of the ongoing political turbulences in Ethiopia. Published in The Journal of the Middle East and Africa.

This study deals with the complicated relationship between the former Czechoslovakia and Congo/Za... more This study deals with the complicated relationship between the former Czechoslovakia and Congo/Zaire during the period of Mobutu Sese Seko's rule, 1965–1980. Czechoslovakia was very active in Africa during the cold war period and tended to develop economic and diplomatic relations with the majority of African countries. The countries were divided into several categories: priority countries , which were socialist or Marxist-oriented; countries of economic importance, and countries under the influence of former colonial capitalist powers. Despite being in the latter category, Congo/Zaire was of great importance due to its natural resources and economic potential. The Czechoslovak government sought to identify ways of strengthening its position there. Due to several administrative obstacles, direct economic exchange was impossible and all economic contacts had to be channelled via Belgium and Belgian companies. Nevertheless, in spite of such obstacles , both states tried to develop fruitful economic relations.

Since 1991, and more visibly in the last decade, Ethiopia has witnessed enormous economic growth ... more Since 1991, and more visibly in the last decade, Ethiopia has witnessed enormous economic growth accompanied by the development of infrastructure and growing demographic rates, as well as poverty, unemployment, inflation, and corruption. Twenty years of rule by Meles Zenawi, who died in summer 2012, have also brought several internal tensions and external challenges with which Ethiopia has to and will have to deal. Despite acclaimed double-digit economic growth in the last decade, millions of Ethiopians still live at a level of poverty more or less similar to that of the previous regime. Ethnic and religious tensions together with socioeconomic frustration are already contributing to a tense social atmosphere in Ethiopia. Relations with Eritrea, Ethiopian involvement in Somalia, and disputes over Nile waters that have impacted relations with Egypt are also in one way or another linked with these internal tensions. This article deals with all these aspects of the contemporary development of Ethiopia as a part of the legacy of the late prime minister Meles Zenawi.

i € €, f;"| F=-'F # i'+= LÎ ar^al leuoDEuJalul Puel€az /v\aN 'slJoJJa palualro-uP)!JJV asaql ql!/... more i € €, f;"| F=-'F # i'+= LÎ ar^al leuoDEuJalul Puel€az /v\aN 'slJoJJa palualro-uP)!JJV asaql ql!/v\ anulluo) ol o^?r.{ llr/y\ uo!}pJ}sluil,uPE Ptu€qo oql '}sEl olPp!N aq} uoJ, llo uo ,()uePuodep isalpls pollun aql o)npal ol paau oql ,o asnE)eg 'plJo/y\ aql u! setu!3al e^lseJddo lsotu aql ,o euo .eeurng ;e;,ro1enb3 qlll dlqsraul.rpd )lLuouo)e se q)ns 'sde1s lttsralorluo) JeqleJ atuos 4ool ll 'l!o ue)UJV;o uollsanb aql ol qreo.rdde qrdap-ul orour p opetu leql uollerlslulLuPe qsng 'AA e3-roe9 aql {;uguru sp/\a }l .LusrJoJJo} pue 'erueu;erro8 poo8 'r(1r;nles ;euogBe.r 3ulpn;ru; 'lunolle o}u! el€} o} seq uollpJtslulrupp Sn oql qr!q/v\ sonsst raqlo otuos ol palEloJ {;aso;r s! EfIJJV u! uo!})nPord llo 'so)rnos -or llo 96 {;ls,re,rtp o1 {1lssereu aq},(q PalloJJe uaaq seq e)rr1v u1 {r;;od llo Sn'{;1elredse l0OZ o)urs 'sJulunoJ uE)tuv AuEur Jo srauurd tutuodut rsolu rtpJo ouo l[I]s sI tI teqt elertsuouaP pur ,s:rrrlod IIo, Erl{V ,srrtts petlun aqt uo snro1 III,\\

Ethiopia adopted ethnic federalism and restructured the regions along ethnic lines as soon as the... more Ethiopia adopted ethnic federalism and restructured the regions along ethnic lines as soon as the EPRDF took political power by overthrowing the Marxist military government in 1991. The aim of this paper is to examine the merits and the demerits of federalism. The paper particularly assesses federalism in Africa by taking the case of Ethiopia as an example. The paper argues that in order to ensure the success of federalism, it should not be imposed from above. Since its introduction in 1991 and officially sanctioned in the country's 1994 Constitution, ethnic federalism and Article 39 of the Constitution that awarded the self-rule states (regions) the right to secede has become the major source of intense debate. For some, ethnic federalism and the right to secede discourage ethnic tensions in the country and encourage the various ethnic groups to live together peacefully. However, for others, this "experiment" can go out of hand and may lead the country into never-ending ethnic wars and eventually to disintegration. This paper, by taking into account of Ethiopia's and other countries' experiences, will examine both sides of the arguments.

The collective volume composed of chapters that deal with territorially small areas that, however... more The collective volume composed of chapters that deal with territorially small areas that, however, played an important role in the development of European colonialism in Africa.

The Horn of Africa has long been one of the most dynamic and politically turbulent sub-regions on... more The Horn of Africa has long been one of the most dynamic and politically turbulent sub-regions on the African continent. Host to great ancient civilizations, diverse peoples, and expansive states, it has experienced massive social, economic, and political transformation over time. Political dynamics in this region have generated military coups, revolutions and intractable ethnic, socio-economic, and religious conflicts.

This comprehensive volume consists of a collection of chapters by expert African and international scholars who analyze international, regional, national, and local affairs in the sub-region, which demonstrate the intertwined nature of the actors and forces shaping political realities. The contributions include carefully selected case studies of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan, and South Sudan that eloquently illustrate the complex dynamics connecting a spectrum of political issues.

The Horn of Africa since the 1960s will be of interest to students and scholars of African studies in general, diaspora studies, sociology and comparative politics.

This book deals with the waves of revolutions in North Africa labelled as the Arab Spring. Each o... more This book deals with the waves of revolutions in North Africa labelled as the Arab Spring. Each of the countries in the region was affected by the Arab Spring and has experienced specific processes and consequences. Due to the complexity of the phenomenon, any kind of comprehensive research and analyses need an interdisciplinary approach to deal with the Arab Spring from multiple perspectives. This volume brings together a group of scholars from various disciplines covering different aspects of the revolutionary changes in the North African countries.

Beyond the Arab Spring in North Africa collects diverse studies with an emphasis on specificity. Chapters deal with a wide range of topics that include both minor as well as major themes. These include the formation of youth movement in Egypt long before the Arab Spring and their subsequent participation in the revolution; analysis of Tunisian women’s participation in Arab Spring events; spatial disparities in Tunisia and their impact on the revolution with special focus on Sidi Bouzid as one of the socio-economically weakest areas; rights and social status of sexual minorities in Tunisia; polemics over the role of New Media as both revolutionary and contra-revolutionary tools; broader discussion over the prospects for multilateral cooperation and regional integration in the studied area; reflection of the Arab Spring in the Czech media; impact of the work of ‘Ali ‘Abd al-Raziq on the debates over political secularism in Islamic society; as well as a general debate over democratization in North Africa, or Arab states as such. Beyond the Arab Spring in North Africa will find its readers in all relevant social sciences dealing in various contexts with the contemporary North Africa.