This article analyzes the concept of political loyalty in the context of mass migration flows to the U.S. After exploring the evolving notion of political loyalty, it provides a brief historical ...background of concerns about the political disloyalty of immigrants in the U.S. Based on a review of current literature and surveys, the case of Mexican immigrants as the biggest immigration group is then analyzed in more detail. It is argued that even though immigrants from Mexico are at times accused of potential disloyalty, they can be considered quite loyal, depending on the selected indicators of loyalty used. This paradox is explained by the expansive use of the notion of political loyalty by modern-day U.S. Nativists. The conclusion argues for a more inclusive concept of political loyalty, which would be better suited for the present-day era of large-scale trans-border movements. 1. Introduction 2. A Definition of Political Loyalty 3. Loyalty Concerns and Immigration in the U.S. Context 4. Case Study: Review of loyalty concerns related to immigrants from Mexico 4.1 Allegations of disloyalty 4.2 Basic characteristics of immigrants from Mexico 4.3 Measuring the loyalty of Mexican immigrants 5. Conclusion: Loyalty Concerns and Immigration
1968 as a Symbol Kozák, Kryštof
Review of International American studies,
12/2019, Letnik:
12, Številka:
2
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The year 1968 keeps capturing collective imagination on both sides of the Atlantic, as it serves as a convenient shortcut for social developments and upheavals throughout the 1960s. Even though in ...every country the events of 1968 unfolded differently, dramatic street protests demanding profound social changes define the dominant memory of this year on global scale. Violent suppression of street protesters by security forces form the dominant images of that year all around the globe, even if targets of the popular discontent were quite diverse. The year 1968 can also be seen as the pinnacle of idealistic efforts for progressive social change, which was replaced by normalization efforts induced by various methods in different contexts throughout the 1970s. As such, it is connected with feelings of nostalgia and lost opportunities especially for those who consider themselves to be progressives. But to what extent were the events of 1968 truly seminal? What were their lasting legacies?
This paper explores cultural memory in US-Czech relations as one of the critical factors influencing the bilateral relationship. It argues that it is possible and indeed desirable to move beyond the ...dominant post-1989 memory discourse of “America” in the Czech context. After an introduction that links cultural memory to international relations, it explores two different commemorative events relevant for the US-Czech ties. The first one is the official Liberation Festival celebrating 70 years since the US Army entered West Bohemia at the end of WWII. The event is heavy on military symbolism, celebrating the US military strength as well as America’s role as a savior of weaker European countries. The second event is the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Allen Ginsberg being crowned the King of May during the Majales of 1965, a major student celebration in Prague at that time. This commemorative event highlighted the aspects of the US-Czech cultural memory that are based on shared values of personal freedom as well as on the shared critical stance towards the governing regime. By comparing and analyzing the two case studies, the conclusion offers new perspectives on potential commemorative activities related to the US-Czech ties.
Transatlantic relations are a key element of the current international system. As various factors influence the complex relationship, it is not clear what are the main driving forces that keep the ...ties strong in spite of numerous differences and disputes. The article explores the notion that collective memory serves as the crucial frame of reference supporting Transatlantic ties. It does so first by linking the concept of collective memory to international relations theory and then applying it to the main paradigms in Transatlantic relations. Main findings suggest that collective memory is indeed a highly relevant concept with respect to Transatlantic relations and that further research is needed to support this claim more robustly.
PDF
