How is it to study International Relations?

The past year can be compared to a mosaic composed of subjects and lecturers that widened my knowledge in this field of study. Let me start with one of those subjects – Nations and Nationalism, where the lecturer helps us to understand the roots of national symbols and national identities of selected nations. Where the national pride in us is coming from? How can be the discovery harmful when you realize, that everything you were proud off is actually just invented, an illusion? Furthermore, the national pride can actually exist as an outcome of not knowing the facts. This is what I realized on the very first lesson, when my feelings of pride dissolved. I can explain my disappointment by telling you a fact about one of our music masterpieces the symphony Vltava (Moldau) by Bedřich Smetana. As I was realized, it shares the melody with Italian folk song La Mantovana composed during Renaissance and even with Israeli anthem Hatikva. Unfortunately, it does not target only foreign art, but also our Czech folk song Kočka leze dírou. Similarly, I was surprised by the fact that Jan Hus was fighting for the proletariat – this way it was presented during communism in our country.

I would like to also mention Political Geography. Apart from theoretical mapping of conflict or colonialism, we are also studying graphical representation of e.g. informal housings (Slums) or spreading of diseases (epidemics); the subject is encouraging us to look at terrorism from various perspectives. Terrorism is just a part of a bigger plan. It is only a strategic method. This statement was demonstrated on the example of Algeria, where the locals were trying to gain independence from the colonial power of France. Hence we asked a typical question whether the fighters for freedom are terrorists, or who should be called terrorist Algerian or French? As a last thing from this subject, I would like to mention my changed perspective on famine. Often we are given definition of famine as the outcome or consequence of poverty in a given country, or inability of the inhabitants to ensure food for themselves. However, after the lectures of Political Geography I perceive famine as purely man-made and an outcome of political activity. It is political manipulation which is causing deaths of numerous people. Moreover, many of the topics are being perceived from completely different angle, because our professor for this subject is also employee at the Doctors Without Borders. He shared many of his personal experiences; mainly concerning children from Africa. Stories based on personal experiences from war zones, and places in crises creates indescribable atmosphere.

Nevertheless, university is not just about sitting in the classrooms. Thanks to my university I was able to see a presentation of two NATO employees. For the reason that they could not come personally, presentations were held via conference calls (Skype call). Furthermore, I had a chance to attend presentations of ambassadors from various countries, or to talk and debate with my schoolmates and professors on current issues in politics. All together we are holding these meetings in our school café. Thanks to the course International Experience, I went to Bali to experience how it is to work for a humanitarian organization that was focusing on teaching English local kids. What was the most powerful experience during my first year of studying International Relations, apart from trip to Bali? Perhaps surprisingly it was attending economical lecture on topic of “What is the life going to be like after the Euro crisis?” The reason is because I had a chance to speak to an amazing professor from German University Osnabrück. We were questioning the effectiveness of aid to Africa and trying to answer why so many humanitarian projects fail. (To which I would like to quickly note, that the mistake is not on the side of Africans, but our.) The realization, that the theories that we have been thought are actually useful was a nice surprise. During the conversation with the professor I was able to apply some of the theories that we studied in politics class. At the end of the conversation, we concluded with smile that the practice of the theories was not used by majority of politicians.

I hope that I was able to give you a little preview into my studies, what it can enhance, and to share with you my enthusiasm about this field of study. I wanted to demonstrate by presenting insight of some of my subject that International Relations are fulfilling me and I do enjoy my studies. I also tried to demonstrate that the major is not just about pure theory, and that it can be fun. I hope I accomplished it. Furthermore, if you would have any questions concerning my major, feel more then welcome to contact me on my email (nina.fuchsova@aaui.edu).