Abstract
This paper analyses the practical geopolitical image of the Czech Republic in American presidential materials between 1989 and 2009. Using structured discourse analysis, it highlights the impact the construction of the Czech identity had on U.S. policymaking.
It draws on critical geopolitics to highlight the conceptualisations and geopolitical representations connected with the Czech Republic of four American presidential administrations. The article demonstrates the power of practical geopolitics to construct images and cement in place preconceived notions about a nation.
Five main representations are identified, which present the Czech Republic as interconnected with American identity, as a symbol of democracy and freedom, as a victim of tyranny, as a loyal ally, and as being interchangeable with other countries in Central Europe. The article concludes that this multiplicity of conceptualisations not only defines the United States relationship with the Czech Republic, but also has strategic value.
The conceptualisations help to justify certain American policies and even to reinforce a particular interpretation of the American identity.