2009 ****************************************************************************************** * ****************************************************************************************** ****************************************************************************************** * Inventura hodnot [Taking Inventory of Values] ****************************************************************************************** Libor Prudký et al. Praha: Academia, 2009. ISBN 978-80-200-1751-2 341 pages The research team under the direction of Libor Prudký, Ph.D., compiled, analyzed and inter fundamental issues addressed empirical social surveys of values undertaken on representati the Czech society. The surveys take values as something that is, regardless of any relatio values in the social context. In this regard, it book takes a genuine inventory of values from the 1970s to present. As the first publication on this topic, the book will be followed by others that will addr something that should be (something desirable) and as one of the factors behind social str The publication is intended for social science instruction; as a basis for research studie of topics mentioned in it; and for the work of experts in other disciplines, including jou relations, marketing analysis, education, politics and governance. ****************************************************************************************** * Strategic Governance and the Czech Republic ****************************************************************************************** Potůček, M. et al. Karolinum, Prague 2009 Number of pages: 194 ISBN 978-80-246-1681-0. This book discusses the conceptual foundations of strategic governance and the possibiliti it through the use of indicators. The book summarises the history of attempts to apply str governance within the contexts of globalisation and European integration in the Czech Repu Furthermore, the roles of elites, the general public, political parties, the media, and pu in strategic governance are examined. The final chapter contains brief exhibits of selecte documents that were realised at the national, regional, and local levels. Avenues of initi improving the processes of strategic governance have been identified, in particular, for t of public administration. ****************************************************************************************** * BOOKSCzech Republic – Trends, Threats, Opportunities ****************************************************************************************** Karolinum, Prague 2009 Number of pages: 364 ISBN 978-80-246-1655-1. The publication identifies important, empirically recordable developmental trends of the C and its external environment. In the first part, identification of trends is presented wit methodological framework of creating visions and strategies for the Czech state and societ characterizes a modular approach in which findings about these trends come to the fore as of the other elements of the forecasting process. The analysis of four important global tr term impact follows. Environmental degradation, the non-Western face of globalization, glo as a global threat, and the new multipolarity – these are the four main external trends th significant impact on the future of the Czech Republic. The inner trends are split into te an important component part of explaining the nature of societal developments. The publica the development dynamics of law, economics, political system, education, innovations, popu nature and its environment, raw materials, security or indeed values. In addition to delin area and its development prospects, the authors examined each trend for its rapport with t quality and sustainability of life. In conclusions the authors offer the reader with a brief meta-reflection on current and fu dynamisms and how they project into formulating strategic goals for Czech society as a who