The Czechoslovak Experiment, 1918-1992

Lead Research Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Department Name: History

Abstract

This book will provide a history of the Czechoslovak state from its creation at the end of the First World War until its dissolution on l January I 993. It will be written simply, for the general reader; but should also interest specialists, since it will use Czech and Slovak archival material (including the entire post-war Czechoslovak secret police archive) which has not been consulted before, and which points to radical reinterpretations of even such well-known topics as the Munich Crisis and Prague Spring. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the book will seek to avoid Czech-centeredness, balancing the often sharply differing perceptions of the peoples who made up Czechoslovakia. As a close study of a state which, although it lasted only 74 years, experienced democracy, fascism and communism, The Czechoslovak Experiment, 1918-1992 should offer a valuable corrective to the great-power perspectives which underpin current interpretations of twentieth-century Europe.

Publications

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Heimann, M (2009) Czechoslovakia: The State That Failed

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Heimann, M (2011) Czechoslovakia: The State That Failed

 
Description Expert Panel (Prague Writers Festival in Pittsburgh) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk sparked discussion and questions; was covered by ABC news, Associated Press, Time, Ceská televize 1, Ceská televize 24 as well as local press (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, etc).


Was briefly interviewed about the Pittsburgh Agreement for the Czech Television evening news. An interview with me about the Pittsburgh Agreement was posted, in Czech and English, on the Prague Writers' Festival website.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ivysilani/1097181328-udalosti/213411000101019
 
Description Prague Writers' Festival (one of 7 writers featured at) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Daily discussed impacts of my research findings/book with hundreds of festival-goers; autographed books; substantial media coverage; press, radio and TV interviews.

Was approached by publishers to publish further editions of my book; was asked back to take part in the Prague Writers' Festival in Pittsburgh event held in Pittsburgh, PA. in October 2013.
Word of my research findings and interpretations were widely spread through the media (live TV coverage of Senate discussion; live interview on pop radio station Radio Wave; published interviews with the Czech equivalents of the Financial Times and The Guardian)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.pwf.cz
 
Description Public lecture (Slovak Embassy) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Sparked discussion and questions from a live audience of several hundred at the Slovak Embassy; was reported and discussed in a variety of Czech and Slovak blogs and newsletters, including the Czech Chamber of Commerce, Czech Centre in London, Friends of Czech Buildings, Parks and Monuments etc

The talk was reported in Czech and Slovak embassy newsletters and blogs and picked up by Czech commercial and business blogs. It also led to my being asked to give the same talk to a public audience of about 100 Czech and Slovak emigres in Edinburgh, which I did in April 2013.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
URL http://london.czechcentres.cz/programme/travel-events/czechoslovak-on-history-rough-seas-around-bohe...
 
Description Symposium (Czech Embassy) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Sparked discussion, correspondence and further invitations.

Was invited to further symposia; approached to give a talk at the Slovak Embassy; written to; consulted by Institute of Conflict Research in Vienna.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010
URL http://www.mzv.cz
 
Description Televised debate (Czech Parliament) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact A panel of expert questions were followed by questions from the floor in the Czech Senate. The entire 2-hour discussion, including questions, was shown live on Czech Television, and remains available to watch via iplayer on Czech Television 24. The event was followed by press coverage and internet discussion. Discussion was sparked in the Senate, the press, on blogs and websites and in people's homes.

The book's research findings, which challenge the former Czechoslovak state's reputation for liberal, democratic values and the decent treatment of its minorities, are changing public perceptions of the Czechoslovak past. These are gradually being absorbed and accepted. As Petr Pithart, former Czech Prime Minister, concluded his talk in the Czech Senate: 'Your book has helped by sparking our conscience... I believe that your book will contribute to a certain cleansing of the atmosphere in this country. But it's going to be painful.' Questions from the floor and press coverage afterwards suggest the same shift from an initially hostile press reception to a much more accepting and understanding one.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.ceskatelevize.cz/ct24/kultura/223138-diskuse-z-festivalu-spisovatelu-zrozeni-a-smrt-cesko...