Pojem střední Evropy, jeho proměny a milníky politického vývoje

The article deals with different concepts of Central Europe. Author tries to point out the fact that the concept was changing during the 20th century influenced by different geopolitical and ideological respects. Author tries to explain definition of Central Europe that pays less attention to external geopolitical factors and that concentrates more on logic of internal political and historical development of Central European states. First, other conceptualizations of Central European region are discussed beginning with Eastern Europe, followed by German Mitteleuropa, and East-Central Europe. Concept of Eastern Europe is disputed because it depends too much on specific configuration of European continent in the Cold War period. German Mitteleuropa was a product of German imperialism, so it is not an appropriate approach to politically neutral assessment of Central European concept as well. Most of the argumentation is devoted to critique of East-Central Europe notion using counter-argumentation to Oskar Halecki and his followers. Following the discussion, the concept of Central Europe is presented which includes Croatia, the Czech lands, Hungary, Po-land, Slovakia, Slovenia, and - in historical respect - also Austria. The existence of the Habsburg monarchy is briefly explained because its importance as stimulating factor for specific evolution of modern Central European politics. The role of German factor as an external limit and influence factor is further discussed. The article is concluded with the attempt to point out similarities of modern historical development of Central European macro-region, especially in terms of political development. Critical events of the development of Central European modern history on the way from non-democratic to mass politics are analyzed beginning with the year 1848/1867, following with critical events of 1918,1945/1948, and 1989.