In this article, a comparison is made between economic and identity explanations of preferences toward EU membership in the Czech Republic. This research demonstrates that economics rather than identity is a more powerful explanation of public opinion on accession. With regard to economic explanations of public support for integration three models are examined - a winners and losers model, an international trade liberalisation model, and a foreign direct investment model. A comparison of these three models shows that support for accession was primarily based on attitudes toward foreign direct investment. Moreover, contemplating employment opportunities within the EU following accession was also an important factor. Contrary to previous research the empirical evidence presented in this article suggests that being a winner or loser in the post-communist transition process was not the strongest factor explaining popular support for membership. The results presented should not be taken to imply that instrumental rather than ideological or affect-based motivations determine general attitudes toward integration. On the specific question of vote choice in the accession referendum instrumental economic considerations were most important.
Tato stať se zabývá analýzou veřejného mínění obyvatel neevropských zemí a jejich pohledem na Evropskou unii. Studie přitom není analýzou zahraniční či obchodní politiky těchto zemí, nýbrž vychází z postojů obyvatel těchto zemí. Občané těchto zemí hodnotí EU nejčastěji jako „soft power“ a jako ekonomickou velmoc. Vysoce ceněné jsou nadále také aktivity v oblasti mírových rekonstrukcí bývalých válečných regionů, vytýkáno je jí však, že málo využívá svého ekonomického potenciálu při řešení konfliktů. Shodně jí však také kritizují za protekcionistickou politiku v oblasti dovozu. Politicky ovšem unie nadále zůstává víceméně nevýznamným aktérem mezinárodních vztahů., This article deals with the analysis of public opinion in the non-European countries and with their view about the European Union. The study is not yet an analysis of foreign and trade policies of these countries, but it based on the opini - ons of their inhabitants. The citizens of these countries assessed the EU as “soft power” and as an economic superpower. Highly valued are the activities in the field of peaceful reconstruction of the former war regions, however, it is alleged that it uses few use its economical potential in resolving conflicts. However the Union is criticized for their protectionist policies in the import. Politically remains the union largely unimportant player in international relations., and Lukáš, Novotný.