The Czech Republic and the United States share a strong and longstanding alliance, but the future of their relationship depends on deepening civic-level engagement. Universities offer a powerful avenue for strengthening soft power and attracting young talent from both countries, particularly as the Czech Republic addresses domestic challenges like labor shortages and demographic decline. Streamlining student mobility, enhancing digital outreach, and expanding university partnerships can encourage greater transatlantic exchange. Additionally, the large Czech-American diaspora represents an underused cultural bridge that could be activated through heritage events, language education, and community engagement. By investing in these people-to-people connections, the Czech Republic can build a more resilient, influential, and future-oriented transatlantic partnership.

Key takeaways:

• The United States and Czech Republic share a strong relationship, and both countries must work to maintain this bond.
• Universities may be a powerful tool for building soft power and creating interest in both Czech and American youth.
• The large Czech diaspora in the United States is a largely untapped soft power tool, which may be connected with increased cultural events and education.

Policy Brief – Lydia Pesek

The analysis is in PDF under the link below.