Institute of History
Topic
International contexts of gray zones in Slovakia in the second half of the 20th century
PhD. program
World History
Year of admission
2025
Name of the supervisor
Marína Zavacká, M.A., PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Arts, Comenius University Bratislava
Annotation
The aim of the dissertation is to investigate the cross-border and international contacts and inspirations of the so-called grey zone, which, compared to open dissent, has long remained outside the interest of scholars. Chronologically, the research is defined by the existence of socialist dictatorships in the second half of the 20th century. The emphasis is on the period of so-called real socialism, with consideration given also to exploring longer continuities. Territorially, the topic is anchored on the territory of Czechoslovakia, with overlap to selected Soviet satellites and also to the states where the active foreign contacts of the actors under study extended.
The research mainly focuses on discourses and informal practices related to ambivalently used social spaces (grey zones) that did not cross the boundaries of legality, outlined by governmental power. There, communities with their own etiquette, rituals and norms were formed, able to appropriate and adapt regime spaces, structures, funds and rhetoric. Through various strategies, they have expanded specific spaces, enabling the creation and connection of civic, expert and other networks. A deeper interest in social and cultural history, historical anthropology, the history of media and political censorship, the political history of Central Europe, and a preliminary orientation to the topic are expected. The prerequisite is knowledge of English (min. B2), Slovak/Czech language reading proficiency in another European language.
The research mainly focuses on discourses and informal practices related to ambivalently used social spaces (grey zones) that did not cross the boundaries of legality, outlined by governmental power. There, communities with their own etiquette, rituals and norms were formed, able to appropriate and adapt regime spaces, structures, funds and rhetoric. Through various strategies, they have expanded specific spaces, enabling the creation and connection of civic, expert and other networks. A deeper interest in social and cultural history, historical anthropology, the history of media and political censorship, the political history of Central Europe, and a preliminary orientation to the topic are expected. The prerequisite is knowledge of English (min. B2), Slovak/Czech language reading proficiency in another European language.