Two studies on federalism

This publication connects general reflection on the transformations of the state, civil society, and federal statehood with a detailed look at 19th-century Czech federalist thought. The first study traces the development of federations and confederations from historical roots to contemporary global and European contexts, asking whether federalism can answer the challenges of a globalised world, social inequality, and the search for a new order. The second study turns to the Czech environment within the Habsburg monarchy: Palacký, Rieger, the birth of political parties, constitutional programmes, and the unfulfilled hopes for an Austro-Bohemian compromise. This publication offers a broad interpretation of the search for balance between the state, nation, citizen, and supranational structure, reminding us that the question of federalism remains a live issue in European politics and Czech history.