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.

This dissertation argues that between 1992 and 2022, India's foreign policy towards the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Israel, and Iran was guided by a continuous pursuit of strategic autonomy—a principle deeply rooted in Kautilyan foreign policy principles. Regional intra- and inter-rivalries between the GCC, Israel, and Iran, along with domestic concerns such as energy security, political pressures, business interests, and external geopolitical factors from the U.S., Pakistan, and China, certainly impacted decision-making. However, this study demonstrates that India's approach remained deliberate, proactive, and primarily driven by internal balancing efforts aimed at maximizing national power and preserving its strategic autonomy. Kautilya's foreign policy insights provide a fresh lens to understand India's pursuit of strategic autonomy and its simultaneous management of partnerships with the GCC, Israel, and Iran. Specifically, the principles of Saptanga (internal balancing over external balancing), Samavaya (pragmatic strategic partnerships), Asana (non-entanglement), and the balance between Artha (economic power) and Dharma (ethical governance) are integral to comprehending India's nuanced foreign policy approach. Samavaya explains India's fluid and purpose-driven alliances, while Asana illustrates how India navigated a complex web of relations with these key regional actors without entangling itself in broader regional conflicts. The research findings highlight the enduring relevance of Kautilyan principles in today's multipolar world, where, much like in Kautilya's era, West Asia is shaped by power rivalries and security concerns, making these strategies crucial for navigating its complexities. / Doctor of Philosophy / Between 1992 and 2022, India managed a complex and careful balancing act in its foreign policy toward the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Israel, and Iran. Despite regional rivalries and various domestic, regional and international pressures, India aimed to maintain strategic autonomy, drawing on principles from the ancient Indian strategist Kautilya's foreign policy. This approach allowed India to navigate the intricate politics of West Asia while prioritizing its national interests, military modernization drive, energy security, and economic growth. By forming pragmatic strategic partnerships and avoiding entanglement in regional conflicts, India was able to sustain its relationships with these diverse and competing actors. This study explores how Kautilyan insights—such as emphasizing internal strength, strategic partnerships, and non-interference—continue to shape India's foreign policy, offering a fresh perspective on how a rising power can operate independently in a turbulent region such as West Asia.

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.