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The Concept SPOLEČENSTVÍ (“Fellowship”) in Václav Havel’s Political Thought

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2022

Abstract

The paper focuses on the development of the concept SPOLEČENSTVÍ ('fellowship') in essays and speeches by Václav Havel, the famous Czechoslovak 'dissident turned president'. The concept was connected with Havel's view of politics as a sphere based on morality, embodying the importance of one's responsibility towards, and solidarity with society.

The author considers Havel's reference to the concept of 'fellowship' in specific historical-political conditions of opposition to the communist regime, and of challenges presented by the Czechoslovak/Czech post-1989 democratisation process as well as the country's 'return to Europe'.