Jakub Ferenčík
I first moved to Prague in the summer of 2023 when I was conducting primary source research for my dissertation thesis at the National Library of the Czech Republic in the Clementinum building right at the centre of Prague. Anyone who has been to the library knows its notorious reading room, subtle halls, lusciously adorned green courtyard, and vibrant history. The time I spent there and by exploring the unique history of the city cemented my affection for it. I knew I wanted to move back to the region after my graduate studies were over and I was lucky enough to land a position at Radio Prague International (RPI) making that dream a possibility.
Originally, I completed my undergraduate studies in political science and philosophy at the University of British Columbia, at the scenic Okanagan Campus. Afterward I went to McGill University for my graduate degree to study post-communist societies, the political history of eastern and central Europe and, in particular, Czechoslovakia in the interwar years (1918-38) and after the fall of socialism (1990-93). I hope that my avid fandom of politics, history, and everything in between is reflected in the work I do at RPI.
articles by the author
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PM Fiala happy with CDU/CSU victory, and other takeaways from German election
The results of the German parliamentary election held on 23 February are in, but were they surprising? I spoke to political scientist Jiří Pehe to find out.
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Was Communism in Czechoslovakia unique? Jacob Mikanowski on Czechoslovakia’s distinctive story
Jacob Mikanowski is a historian, author, and journalist who takes us through Czechoslovakia's uniquely complex but, at the same time, intriguing history.
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Czech NGOs have supported 3.6 million Ukrainians since 2022, raising nearly CZK 7 billion in aid
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Czech humanitarian organizations have supported at least 3.6 million Ukrainians with aid worth over CZK 6.9 billion.
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From glider to fighter: Military pilot Kateřina Hlavsová on her career in Czech Air Force
The world of aviation has long been dominated by men. Major Kateřina Hlavsová is one of the exceptions. So, what is it really like to be a military jet pilot as a woman?
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President Pavel: Peace talks without Ukraine and EU would reward Russia
Heads of states met over the weekend at the three-day Munich Security Conference to discuss transatlantic relations, Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the Middle East.
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Would you drink pure foam? Czech beer goes viral yet again
A recent article in The New York TImes sparked debate about 'mlíko', a Czech way of serving beer, which is mostly foam. We went to investigate the matter to a local pub.
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Does Czechia export beer to Russia despite geopolitical tensions?
Reports estimate that by the end of October, alcoholic beverages worth CZK 924 million had been exported to Russia. But what do we know about Czech beer exports to Russia?
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Older than Czechoslovakia: Oldest resident of Czechia celebrates 108th birthday
Blažena Strachotová, the oldest living citizen of Czechia, is 108 years old. Born on February 9, 1917, in Slavičín in the Zlín region, she now resides in České Budějovice.
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“You absolutely have to use AI”: AI researcher on Czech-US alignment in AI regulation, and more
Lea-Ann Germinder is an AI researcher based in Missouri, US, who focuses on the responsible use of AI. We explore AI's influence on the world today and Czech-US regulation.
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Historic trains get new lease on life: Railway Administration allows operation without ETCS
Historic trains will probably not be banned after all. Under new conditions, these trains could now return to the main railway corridors, despite the ETCS signaling system.