The goal of the thesis is to characterize specific features of China's foreign policy towards African continent and to analyze whether China is capable of contributing to long-term sustainable development in the poorest region of the world. The first chapter is focused on the theory of economic diplomacy and decribes its main functions, tools and actors. Following part represents a brief overview of the history of sino-african relations, with the aim to define the main motives for mutual cooperation. The characteristic of economic relations between China and Africa follows, with the focus on trade, foreign direct investment and development assistance. Conluding part deals with the identification and evaluation of main benefits and threats of the growing presence of China in Africa with respect to the long-term sustainable development in the region.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as alterações ocorridas no perfil da diplomacia econômica brasileira, atividade que era, tradicionalmente, de competência do Estado, desempenhada pelo Ministério de Relações Exteriores (MRE). Com as mudanças ocorridas nas estruturas políticas domésticas, a partir da redemocratização e da abertura econômica, no entanto, verificou-se a emergência de novos atores, estatais e não estatais, que passaram a participar desse processo. Essa remodelação ocasionou a ruptura do isolamento burocrático do MRE e de sua responsabilidade quase exclusiva pela formulação dos posicionamentos internacionais do Brasil. Para atender ao objetivo deste estudo, escolheu-se como objeto de análise o processo doméstico de elaboração dos posicionamentos brasileiros para as negociações agrícolas da Rodada Doha, no período entre 2003 e 2008, em que ocorreu uma expressiva interlocução entre atores representantes do Governo e da sociedade civil, no âmbito do Grupo Técnico Informal. Desse modo, este estudo busca identificar os diferentes atores que participaram desse processo, seus interesses específicos, em que medida eles foram incorporados na atuação internacional do Brasil e, por fim, o papel do MRE diante da emergência desses novos atores. O foco desta pesquisa é a análise do nível doméstico da diplomacia econômica e a compreensão de como ocorre a formulação desse processo. O nível internacional também será considerado, com a finalidade de explicarem-se os constrangimentos internacionais que influenciam nas decisões finais dos formuladores da diplomacia. Para tanto, serão utilizados, como ferramentas para a análise, os modelos teóricos que enfatizam a interação entre os níveis doméstico e internacional. / This research aims to analyze the changes in the profile of Brazilian economic diplomacy. Traditionally, diplomacy was an activity of competence of the State, predominantly performed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). However, with the changes in the national political structures, from democratization and economic liberalization, there has been the emergence of new actors, state and non-state actors, who came to participate in this process. This characterized the rupture of MRE’s bureaucratic insulation and its almost exclusive responsibility on the formulation of the Brazil's international placements. To reach the objective of this study, the object of analysis chosen was be the domestic process of preparation of Brazilian’s placements for agricultural negotiations of the Doha Round, in the period between 2003 and 2008, in which there was a significant dialogue between representatives of the government actors and civil society within the Informal Technical Group. Thus, this study seeks to identify the different actors who participated in this process, their specific interests, to what extent they have been incorporated into international operations in Brazil and, finally, the role of MRE before the emergence of these new actors. The focus of this research will be the domestic level of analysis, since the main goal is to understand how the process formulation of economic diplomacy occurs. However, the international level will also be taken into consideration, in order to explain the international constraints that influence the final decisions of the framers of diplomacy. For this purpose, theoretical models that emphasize the interaction between the domestic and international levels will be used as analysis tools.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as alterações ocorridas no perfil da diplomacia econômica brasileira, atividade que era, tradicionalmente, de competência do Estado, desempenhada pelo Ministério de Relações Exteriores (MRE). Com as mudanças ocorridas nas estruturas políticas domésticas, a partir da redemocratização e da abertura econômica, no entanto, verificou-se a emergência de novos atores, estatais e não estatais, que passaram a participar desse processo. Essa remodelação ocasionou a ruptura do isolamento burocrático do MRE e de sua responsabilidade quase exclusiva pela formulação dos posicionamentos internacionais do Brasil. Para atender ao objetivo deste estudo, escolheu-se como objeto de análise o processo doméstico de elaboração dos posicionamentos brasileiros para as negociações agrícolas da Rodada Doha, no período entre 2003 e 2008, em que ocorreu uma expressiva interlocução entre atores representantes do Governo e da sociedade civil, no âmbito do Grupo Técnico Informal. Desse modo, este estudo busca identificar os diferentes atores que participaram desse processo, seus interesses específicos, em que medida eles foram incorporados na atuação internacional do Brasil e, por fim, o papel do MRE diante da emergência desses novos atores. O foco desta pesquisa é a análise do nível doméstico da diplomacia econômica e a compreensão de como ocorre a formulação desse processo. O nível internacional também será considerado, com a finalidade de explicarem-se os constrangimentos internacionais que influenciam nas decisões finais dos formuladores da diplomacia. Para tanto, serão utilizados, como ferramentas para a análise, os modelos teóricos que enfatizam a interação entre os níveis doméstico e internacional. / This research aims to analyze the changes in the profile of Brazilian economic diplomacy. Traditionally, diplomacy was an activity of competence of the State, predominantly performed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). However, with the changes in the national political structures, from democratization and economic liberalization, there has been the emergence of new actors, state and non-state actors, who came to participate in this process. This characterized the rupture of MRE’s bureaucratic insulation and its almost exclusive responsibility on the formulation of the Brazil's international placements. To reach the objective of this study, the object of analysis chosen was be the domestic process of preparation of Brazilian’s placements for agricultural negotiations of the Doha Round, in the period between 2003 and 2008, in which there was a significant dialogue between representatives of the government actors and civil society within the Informal Technical Group. Thus, this study seeks to identify the different actors who participated in this process, their specific interests, to what extent they have been incorporated into international operations in Brazil and, finally, the role of MRE before the emergence of these new actors. The focus of this research will be the domestic level of analysis, since the main goal is to understand how the process formulation of economic diplomacy occurs. However, the international level will also be taken into consideration, in order to explain the international constraints that influence the final decisions of the framers of diplomacy. For this purpose, theoretical models that emphasize the interaction between the domestic and international levels will be used as analysis tools.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as alterações ocorridas no perfil da diplomacia econômica brasileira, atividade que era, tradicionalmente, de competência do Estado, desempenhada pelo Ministério de Relações Exteriores (MRE). Com as mudanças ocorridas nas estruturas políticas domésticas, a partir da redemocratização e da abertura econômica, no entanto, verificou-se a emergência de novos atores, estatais e não estatais, que passaram a participar desse processo. Essa remodelação ocasionou a ruptura do isolamento burocrático do MRE e de sua responsabilidade quase exclusiva pela formulação dos posicionamentos internacionais do Brasil. Para atender ao objetivo deste estudo, escolheu-se como objeto de análise o processo doméstico de elaboração dos posicionamentos brasileiros para as negociações agrícolas da Rodada Doha, no período entre 2003 e 2008, em que ocorreu uma expressiva interlocução entre atores representantes do Governo e da sociedade civil, no âmbito do Grupo Técnico Informal. Desse modo, este estudo busca identificar os diferentes atores que participaram desse processo, seus interesses específicos, em que medida eles foram incorporados na atuação internacional do Brasil e, por fim, o papel do MRE diante da emergência desses novos atores. O foco desta pesquisa é a análise do nível doméstico da diplomacia econômica e a compreensão de como ocorre a formulação desse processo. O nível internacional também será considerado, com a finalidade de explicarem-se os constrangimentos internacionais que influenciam nas decisões finais dos formuladores da diplomacia. Para tanto, serão utilizados, como ferramentas para a análise, os modelos teóricos que enfatizam a interação entre os níveis doméstico e internacional. / This research aims to analyze the changes in the profile of Brazilian economic diplomacy. Traditionally, diplomacy was an activity of competence of the State, predominantly performed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). However, with the changes in the national political structures, from democratization and economic liberalization, there has been the emergence of new actors, state and non-state actors, who came to participate in this process. This characterized the rupture of MRE’s bureaucratic insulation and its almost exclusive responsibility on the formulation of the Brazil's international placements. To reach the objective of this study, the object of analysis chosen was be the domestic process of preparation of Brazilian’s placements for agricultural negotiations of the Doha Round, in the period between 2003 and 2008, in which there was a significant dialogue between representatives of the government actors and civil society within the Informal Technical Group. Thus, this study seeks to identify the different actors who participated in this process, their specific interests, to what extent they have been incorporated into international operations in Brazil and, finally, the role of MRE before the emergence of these new actors. The focus of this research will be the domestic level of analysis, since the main goal is to understand how the process formulation of economic diplomacy occurs. However, the international level will also be taken into consideration, in order to explain the international constraints that influence the final decisions of the framers of diplomacy. For this purpose, theoretical models that emphasize the interaction between the domestic and international levels will be used as analysis tools.

The aim of this diploma thesis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the economic part diplomacy of the Czech Republic and by comparing the approaches of the individual regions to identify possible examples of good practice that could be transferred to other regions and thus help to boost their further development in terms of economic paradiplomacy. The paper provides answers to the questions: why did the Czech regions involve in international relations? What regional instruments do they use to promote their interests? What goals and motives do the regions follow from their involvement in foreign affairs? What are the relationships between each region and the central level? Are the objectives of economic paradiplomacy consistent or inconsistent with the objectives of central government? The work is divided into four parts. The first part shows the key moments in the field of studies in paradiplomacy and presents the research framework of the diploma thesis. The second part is the analysis of strategic documents in terms of the objectives of economic paradiplomacy. The third part contains an analysis of the activities carried out by the regions in the framework of the economic paradiplomacy, by characterizing the cooperation with the central level and the regional actors and by analyzing the tools used by the regions between 2012-2016. The fourth, the final part, then, presents an assessment of economic paradiplomacy and provide answers to research questions.

The paper analyses relations between economic diplomacy and foreign development assistance. The ground of the analysis constitutes theoretical and practical concept of foreign development aid provided by the Czech republic and New Zealand set into the scope of economic diplomacy. The approaches of indicated countries are compared in aspect of total volume, territorial and issue allocation and the potential to utilize foreign development aid as a tool of economic diplomacy is assessed.

The dissertation thesis focused on a topical issue of the economic diplomacy, its role in the current economic discourse and its implication for the Czech Republic. The main contribution of the thesis can be seen in linking traditional economic issues, such as external economic relations balance with political issues, for example the governance of economic diplomacy on the national level. Being placed between economics and politics is a typical feature for the economic diplomacy. The thesis analysed various aspects of economic diplomacy, predominantly the export promotion and foreign direct investments. The Czech economic diplomacy has a big potential for further development. The Czech entrepreneurs are quite successful on foreign markets, both in the developed countries and in the third World. If the identified weaknesses were eliminated and some improvement measures were adopted, the positive impact on the economy and the business environment will arrive soon. The economic diplomacy plays an important role in the open economy, which is also the case of the Czech Republic. It also hugely affects the external economic balance of the country. The thesis also showed that the governance of the Czech economic diplomacy suffers from major deficiencies, particularly in terms of the distribution of powers and responsibilities. This hinders an efficient functioning of the state system of export promotion. In addition, the state support is not targeted enough at the sector of SMEs that needs the most support. The level of awareness about the public services provided is low. On the other hand, the findings showed that another important element of the economic diplomacy, the state support of foreign direct investments is very instrumental in the competitiveness of the economy and thus substantively contributes to the economic growth. The comparative analysis of the governance systems in Germany, Austria, Finland and France revealed that although the Czech system of economic diplomacy governance is similar to a certain extent to the analysed countries, there are still some issues to deal with that negatively affects the efficiency. There are a number of suggestions for further improvement provided in the thesis that can be used by the policy makers.

The thesis focuses on China's economic diplomacy in Africa. The theoretical part deals with the concept of economic security (as a part of soft security) and economic diplomacy (as a way how to secure economic security). Africa is just one of many areas where China is engaged. The objective of the thesis is to identify the particular policies of China's economic diplomacy. The thesis is divided into four parts. The first part deals with the theoretical concepts, the second part with the energy security and policy in China. The third part deals with the individual areas of cooperation between China and Africa and China's main principles of cooperation. The main areas are international trade, foreign direct investment and foreign aid. The last part describes the Chinese cooperation with two particular countries -- Angola and Sudan.

Cette thèse a pour objet d'examiner cinq aspects de la relation entre le commerce Sud-Sud et la « nouvelle » géographie du commerce international en portant une attention toute particulière aux liens qui existent entre les BRICs (Brésil, Russie, Inde, Chine) et l'Afrique sub-Saharienne (ASS) puis entre la Chine et l'ASS. La première partie s'attache à démontrer certaines caractéristiques relatives à la mutation des relations commerciales Sud-Sud. Dans le premier chapitre, l'hétérogénéité au sein même des BRICs est confirmée à partir d'un certain nombre de facteurs explicatifs des flux commerciaux bilatéraux avec l'ASS. Dans le second chapitre, les flux commerciaux Sud-Sud semble jouer un rôle déterminant dans la diversification géographique du commerce intra-Africain en termes de nouveaux partenaires commerciaux. Dans le troisième chapitre, l'idée d'une réorientation du commerce des ex-colonies depuis l'indépendance vers la Chine au détriment des anciennes puissances coloniales a été validée empiriquement. Quant à la deuxième partie, elle s'intéresse aux liens entre la politique économique extérieure et le commerce Sud-Sud. Les résultats du quatrième chapitre soulignent l'impact significatif de la « politique de la Chine unique » sur les flux commerciaux chinois et taiwanais par le biais de la diplomatie économique. Les estimations du cinquième chapitre confirment l'hétérogénéité des effets moyens et dans le temps des accords régionaux africains sur les échanges commerciaux selon la nature des partenaires, la forme des accords commerciaux ainsi que leur chevauchement. / This thesis emphasises five aspects of relations between South-South trade and « new » geography of international trade. We particularly pay attention to the links between BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) but also between China and SSA. The first part attempts to demonstrate some characteristics concerning the mutation of South-South trade relations. In the Chapter 1, the heterogeneity of BRICs is confirmed from some factors of bilateral trade flows with SSA. In the Chapter 2, the South-South trade flows play a significant role in the geographic diversification of intra-African trade in terms of new trading partners. In the Chapter 3, the assumption of a trade reorientation of ex-colonies since independence with China at the expense of former colonial powers has been empirically validated. The second part studies the linkages between the foreign economic policy and South-South trade. The findings of the Chapter 4 highlight the significant impact of the « One China policy » on Chinese and Taiwanese trade flows through the economic diplomacy. The estimates of the Chapter 5 confirm the heterogeneous average effects but also over time of the African trade agreements on trade according to the nature of trading partners, the kinds of trade agreements and their overlapping.

Cette thèse de doctorat démontre pourquoi et comment la France et l’Australie sont actuellement engagées dans un processus de renforcement mutuel, diplomatiquement et économiquement, dans le cadre de leurs propres stratégies de « smart power ». Ce rapprochement a été possible grâce à trente ans d’efforts diplomatiques pour dépasser tensions et incompréhensions culturelles entre acteurs diplomatiques français et australiens. Cette recherche met en lumière les dynamiques historiques de cette relation bilatérale ambiguë. L’analyse se porte sur les acteurs, mécanismes et résultats de la transformation de la relation bilatérale franco-australienne, depuis 1985, années de vives tensions entre Paris et Canberra en raison de la politique française dans le Pacifique, jusqu’au temps présent où les deux pays n’ont jamais été aussi proches depuis la signature de leur partenariat stratégique approfondi en 2017. Cette thèse met en œuvre une approche originale : elle est fondée sur l’étude d’archives françaises et australiennes ainsi que sur des entretiens avec les acteurs principaux de la relation bilatérale. Ces sources sont étudiées à la lumière des théories constructivistes des Relations Internationales et du concept de « smart power » mis au point par Joseph Nye. Cette thèse affirme que la stratégie franco-australienne de renforcement mutuel est la réponse de deux puissances moyennes, une mondiale et l’autre régionale, face aux menaces du contexte international. Il s’agit également d’un outil de modernisation des diplomaties française et australienne. Ce renforcement progressif a été possible grâce à la résolution des trois principaux conflits qui empoisonnèrent la relation bilatérale, liés à la Politique Agricole Commune (PAC), aux essais nucléaires français dans le Pacifique Sud et à la politique française liée aux tensions en Nouvelle-Calédonie. Cependant, cette thèse démontre que le rapprochement progressif de la France et de l’Australie a été possible parce que leurs acteurs diplomatiques ont mis en œuvre de nombreuses opportunités de dialogue et de coopération afin de dépasser leur méfiance traditionnelle. La coopération franco-australienne, soutenue tout d’abord par les intérêts de leurs communautés économiques, a désormais la sécurité pour enjeu principal. Canberra et Paris partagent de plus en plus de menaces traditionnelles et non-traditionnelles, dans un contexte de transformation du concept de puissance par son déplacement à de nouveaux acteurs étatiques et sa diffusion à des acteurs non-étatiques. L’approfondissement du partenariat stratégique franco-australien constitue une réponse à ce défi mondial et témoigne du réengagement des deux pays dans l’aire Indo-Pacifique. Cette thèse permet de comprendre un enjeu crucial des Relations Internationales actuelles : l’adaptation des puissances moyennes aux enjeux régionaux et mondiaux par des processus de renforcement mutuel et la mise en œuvre de stratégies de « smart power ». / This thesis demonstrates why and how France and Australia are currently engaged in a process of diplomatic and economic mutual empowerment as part of their smart power strategies. This rapprochement has been possible owing to thirty years of diplomatic efforts to overcome ongoing culturally and historically constructed misunderstandings and conflicts. The research investigates the historical dynamics behind this ambiguous relationship. It analyses the actors, mechanisms and outcomes relevant to the transformation of the French-Australian bilateral relationship between 1985, a moment of strong tensions between both countries because of France’s Pacific policies, and the present time when Paris and Canberra are closer than they have ever been since the creation of their Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2017. This thesis follows an original approach. It encompasses constructivist theories and Joseph Nye’s concept of “smart power”, and it is based on the study of French and Australian archives and on expert interviews. This thesis argues that mutual empowerment is the response of two different middle powers, one global and one regional, to global threats and is a modernising tool for France and Australia’s diplomacies. This progressive empowerment has been possible because of the settlement of three main conflicts between France and Australia pertaining to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), French nuclear testing as well as Australia’s opposition to French policies in New Caledonia. However, the progressive rapprochement between France and Australia has primarily been possible because French and Australian policy-makers have instituted constructive opportunities for dialogue and cooperation in order to overcome their ongoing misperceptions. French-Australian cooperation, originally supported by the economic interests of its business communities, primarily aims to tackle common security issues. Canberra and Paris increasingly share the same traditional and non-traditional threats to their security due to the current context of power transition among states and power diffusion to non-state actors. The enhancement of the French-Australian Strategic Partnership is a response to this challenging global context and takes part into Australia and France’s reengagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This thesis provides insight into a significant trend in International Relations: middle powers’ adaptation to regional and global challenges through mutual empowerment and smart power strategies.