Law and politics
Research projects and courses focusing on the institutionalization of diversity follow an approach that combines law and politics. The initiatives also include civic education measures in theory and practice.
Teaching
2023 Law and Political System (PS)
After completing this course, students will be able to describe Austria's political system, its institutions, actors, procedures, decision-making patterns, policy areas and its development, analyze it with regard to its legal foundations and correctly classify and answer related questions of state theory and political science. In addition, students are able to apply scientific working methods and the principles of good scientific practice. They are able to structure written academic papers, cite and use sources correctly and analyze presentations.
2023 Fundamental rights and the rule of law in Europe (based on current case law of the European courts), University of Graz (VU)
In 1956 the republic of Austria joined the Council of Europe, in 1995 followed the accession to the European Union. This long standing European entrenchment into the European structures has very concrete implications for the citizens of Austria but also for its judges. Both international organisations concerned - the Council of Europe as well as the EU - dispose over strong judicial mechanisms. And both European Courts - the Court for Human Rights in Strasbourg (ECtHR) as well as the European Union Court of Justice in Luxembourg (CJEU) - developed an impressive case law that codesigned national legal systems. On the basis of this case law the essence of European Union law and the character of European human rights law can be accessed and understood. Looking at these two areas of law through the cases of the Strasbourg and Luxembourg Courts allows for an interesting insight into how the European and the national layer of governance interact. The seminar will start off with a description and analysis of the judicial systems of both the Council of Europe and the EU. What will folllow is a presentation and discussion of the most interesting cases that originated in Austria but were (co-)decided in Strasbourg/Luxembourg. In this way the seminar will show how immediate the legal and political effects of European integration are, how interesting law can be and, last but not least, how important eventually cases originating from Austria are for the overall development of the European legal order.
2023 Law and Politics of the Protection of Minorities, University of Graz (SE)
The Seminar focuses on the interplay of law and politics in the field of minority protection. It intends to provide a deeper understanding of the complexity of ethnic and intercultural identity conflicts. The objects of investigation are regimes of minority protection in existing law, e.g. in Austria or international instruments of minority protection (Council of Europe). The genesis, functions and systems of these instruments will be considered. To analyse the dynamics of inter-/national conflicts, the Seminar will make use of basic theories on nationalism, ethnicity and identity. It will further enlighten the functions of law in conflicts (e.g. as instrument of conflict management).
Conferences
2023: STRENGTHENING ETHNIC GROUP IDENTITY AND ETHNIC GROUP LANGUAGE - NEW CHALLENGE
Europeanization, globalization, migration and integration. Social change is not only a challenge for majority societies, but also calls into question the traditional identity characteristics of members of ethnic groups. These include their languages and cultural traditions in particular. The associated identity constructions were shaped by nationalism at the end of the 19th century and influenced by the upheavals of the 20th century. They led to a considerable assimilation of the ethnic groups - politically, socially and culturally. At present, Europeanization and globalization are also making the living environments of ethnic groups more diverse. Migration brings about the influx of new groups from neighboring European countries and the kin-states of minority groups, but also beyond. At the same time, members of the majority population in Carinthia are increasingly learning Slovene, people are rediscovering lost roots in the ethnic groups, others are migrating from the traditional settlement areas or identifying themselves multiculturally - within and between the groups. This poses challenges for the legal structure of minority protection and language acquisition, which will be examined at the conference using case studies from Austria and Europe. Experts from social, legal, cultural and political sciences will discuss the development of regional and ethnic identities as well as the legal classification of new diversity in old instruments of minority protection in the national and European context. The question arises as to what is meant by a minority, how minorities can be recorded as a basis for state administration and how members of these groups locate themselves within them. The question is also raised as to whether and to what extent regionally rooted social conventions contribute to the prestige of a language. Young people and representatives from the ethnic group will discuss with experts from science and politics how the acceptance of demarcation features has changed over time, whether the European integration process has led to the emergence of more minority-friendly framework conditions for the respective identities of members of the ethnic group and what steps are needed to recalibrate the protection of the ethnic group in view of the current challenges.
2022: ETHNIC GROUP POLICY - YESTERDAY'S POLICY OR FOR TOMORROW?
The conference is dedicated to the current situation of the ethnic group, the needs and identities of its members, the political representation of the ethnic group, bilingual education and the further development of minority rights. It aims to take stock of and reflect on the policy of the national minority groups - not as a relic of yesterday, but as an instrument for the coexistence of tomorrow, and specifically to present the results of the OGM study carried out in spring 2022 on behalf of the Federal Chancellery on the status quo of bilingualism in Carinthia
All contributions and other presentations from the conference in October 2022 can be viewed here in German and Slovenian.
2022: NARODNOSTNA POLITIKA - VČERAJŠNJA POLITIKA ALI POLITIKA ZA JUTRI?
Konferenca je namenjena sedanjemu položaju narodne skupnosti, potrebam in identiteti njenih pripadnikov, političnemu zastopstvu narodne skupnosti, dvojezičnemu pouku in nadaljnjemu razvoju manjšinskih pravic. Njena cilja sta analiza in refleksija manjšinske politike - ne kot včerajšnji relikt, temveč kot orodje za sožitje jutrišnjega dne. Konkretno bodo predstavljeni izsledki študije OGM, povezane z analizo dvojezičnosti na avstrijskem Koroškem, ki je bila izvedena po naročilu Urada zveznega kanclerja spomladi leta 2022.
2021: Ethnic group rights on the move
The 2020-2024 government programme aims to "recodify the constitutional provisions
on ethnic groups", commits to "making the ethnic groups more visible in the ORF", mentions the "establishment of a working group involving the ethnic group representations to examine the modernization of the ethnic group representation" or an "examination of the recognition of the Yenish ethnic group". Central points of the protection of the ethnic groups are addressed, from their recognition to the promotion of the languages of the ethnic groups in the public sphere. But how can ethnic group law be modernized in these areas? The conference will address this question from a regional, national, European and international perspective. It aims to contribute to a current discussion in Austria and Europe and provide a platform to develop solutions for new steps in the national and European protection of the national minority groups in a
constructive dialog.
2021: RAZVOJ PRAVIC NARODNIH SKUPNOSTI
Program vlade za obdobje 2020-2024 predvideva "novo kodifikacijo ustavnih določb glede narodnih skupnosti" in se opredeljuje za "močnejše prikazovanje narodnih skupnosti na ORF". Prav tako je omenjena "ustanovitev delovne skupine s sodelovanjem predstavnikov narodnih skupnosti za ocenitev modernizacije predstavništva narodnih skupnosti" ali "pregled priznavanja narodne skupnosti Jenišev". Teme so torej osrednje točke zaščite etničnih skupin, od priznavanja do podpore in pospeševanja jezikov manjšin v javnosti. Toda kakšna je lahko modernizacija prava o etničnih
skupinah? Kongres se ukvarja z vprašanjem z regionalnega, državnega, evropskega in mednarodnega vidika. Želi prispevati k aktualni razpravi v Avstriji in Evropi ter nuditi platformo za konstruktivni dialog ter nove možne korake in rešitve za evropsko varstvo manjšin.
2020 THE FUTURE OF THE CARINTHIAN SLOVENIANS 100 YEARS AFTER THE REFERENDUM
100 years after the referendum in Carinthia, the conference looks not (only) to the past, but also to the future: it is dedicated to dealing with the past and with old and new diversity, examines successful instruments of language preservation, necessary further developments in the law on ethnic groups and the role of the diaspora in questions of minority protection for the ethnic group. The commemoration offers an opportunity to take an interdisciplinary look at living together in Carinthia and the diversity of identities in order to develop perspectives for fulfilling the European motto "In varietate concordia" ("United in diversity"). The preservation of minority languages is a challenge for the ethnic groups and the majority populations throughout Europe. The revitalization and promotion of lesser-spoken languages requires prerequisites: The international and national legal framework for the protection and active use of minority languages must be accompanied by structural measures that improve the language skills of teachers and service providers in both the public and private sectors. However, these approaches are only sufficient if the political will is strong enough to initiate a change of perspective and access to the culture and language of the minority for the majority population. Examples from the Basque Country, Catalonia, Ireland, Wales, Finland and Canada show how effective language planning can lead to a strong regional identity. However, the development of these regional identities is influenced by a variety of changing conditions, including new media, urbanization and the diaspora of ethnic group members, which can shape coexistence and make it more difficult to maintain ethnic group identities. The conference will shed light on the dangers and opportunities that these developments pose for the future and will raise the question of new instruments for the effective protection of minorities in Carinthia and Europe.
The recording of the conference in German and Slovenian can be found here.
2020: PRIHODNOST KOROŠKIH SLOVENK/SLOVENCEV 100 LET PO KOROŠKEM PLEBISCITU
100 let po plebiscitu na Koroškem gleda konferenca torej ne (samo) v preteklost, temveč usmerja pogled tudi v prihodnost: posveča se ravnanju s preteklostjo in s staro in novo raznolikostjo, raziskuje uspešna orodja ohranjanja jezikov, potrebne razvojne korake prava narodnih skupnosti in vlogo diaspore pri vprašanjih manjšinske zaščite / za narodno skupnost. Spomin je najprej povod, da se interdisciplinarno ukvarjamo s sožitjem na Koroškem in z raznovrstnostjo identitet, da odkrijemo možnosti za uresničevanje evropskega gesla "In varietate concordia" ("Združeni v raznolikosti"). Ohranitev manjšinskih jezikov je pri tem izziv za narodne skupnosti po vsej Evropi. Za ponovno oživitev in pospeševanje manj govorjenih jezikov so potrebne ustrezne razmere, mednarodni in državni pravni okvir za zaščito in aktivno rabo manjšinskih jezikov morajo spremljati strukturni ukrepi, ki izboljšujejo jezikovno znanje učiteljic in učiteljev ter ponudnic in ponudnikov storitev v javnem in zasebnem sektorju. Vendar zadostujejo ti nastavki samo tedaj, če je tudi politična volja dovolj močna, da tudi v večinskem prebivalstvu vzbuja menjavo perspektive ter dostop do kulture in jezika manjšine. Primeri iz Baskije, Katalonije, Irske, Walesa, Finske in Kanade kažejo, kako lahko vodi učinkovito jezikovno načrtovanje do močne regionalne identitete. Na razvoj teh regionalnih identitet pa vpliva veliko število spremenjenih okvirnih pogojev: mednje spadajo novi mediji, urbanizacija ali diaspora pripadnic in pripadnikov narodnih skupnosti, ki zaznamujejo sožitje in lahko otežujejo ohranitev identitete narodnih skupnosti. Katere nevarnosti in možnosti v tem razvoju nastopajo v prihodnosti, je tema konference, ki sprašuje po novih orodjih učinkovite manjšinske zaščite za Koroško in Evropo.
2019: 100 years of the State Treaty of St. Germain - 100 years of minority protection in the Republic of Austria
100 years after the conclusion of the State Treaty of Saint Germain, we will take a look back and forward to analyze how the Paris Suburbs Treaties have changed Europe: How do these treaties fit into the prevailing system of international relations at the time? What is their legacy for the protection of minorities and how should this be further developed in the 21st century? What potential for integration or disintegration do majority-minority situations in Europe harbor and what role can Europe - in the form of the European Union or the Council of Europe - play in dealing with ethnic or linguistic minorities? In order to answer these questions, a historical, legal and political science study is required, with a focus on Carinthia in comparison with South Tyrol - as examples of European minority protection.
2019: 100 let senžermenske pogodbe - 100 let varstva manjšin Republike Avstrije
100 let po podpisu senžermenske državne pogodbe usmerjamo pogled v preteklost in v prihodnost, da bi analizirali, kako so pogodbe iz pariških predmestij spremenile Evropo: Kako se uvrščajo te pogodbe v tedaj veljavni sistem mednarodnih odnosov? Kaj je njihova zapuščina za varstvo manjšin in kako je treba to varstvo razvijati v 21. stoletju? Kakšne možnosti integracije in dezintegracije se skrivajo v položajih večin in manjšin v Evropi in katero vlogo lahko igra Evropa - v podobi Evropske unije ali Evropskega sveta - pri ravnanju z etničnimi ali jezikovnimi manjšinami? Da bi odgovorili na ta vprašanja, je potrebna raziskava z vidika zgodovinskih, pravnih in političnih znanosti, s poostrenim primerjalnim pogledom na dva primera za evropsko varstvo manjšin, Koroško in Južno Tirolsko.
2018: Borders: Separation and connection 1918 - 2018
Borders divide and connect, geographically and mentally. The borders drawn after the First World War separated "peoples" and populations and promoted nationalism, which experienced its most aggressive manifestations in the 20th century. The European Union set out as a "peace project" to overcome borders, which have recently been closed again in response to the migration and refugee crisis - both in reality and in people's minds. The 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War and the anniversary of the Carinthian referendum provide an opportunity to look at the consequences of drawing borders, overcoming them and the potential of border areas from an interdisciplinary perspective.
2018: Meje: ločujejo in povezujejo 1918 - 2018
Meje ločujejo in povezujejo - geografsko in v našem razmišljanju. Meje, ki so nastale po prvi svetovni vojni, so ločile "narode" in prebivalce ter spodbujale nacionalizem, ki je v 20. stoletju dosegel svojo najbolj agresivno podobo. Evropska unija je nastopila kot "projekt miru", ki bi premostil meje. Prav te meje se ponovno zapirajo kot odziv na migracijsko in begunsko krizo - tako realno kot v glavah. 100-letni jubilej konca prve svetovne vojne ter obletnica koroškega plebiscita sta priložnost, da z z interdisciplinarnim pogledom obravnavamo posledice postavljanja meja, njihovo premostitev in potenciale obmejnih območij.
2017: "Old" and "new" minorities
Migration is a challenge for the European Union, its Member States and established systems of minority protection. "New" migration movements reinforce "old" national exclusion mechanisms. Dealing sustainably with "new" and "old" diversity requires questioning traditional minority protection concepts and their functions with regard to different minority situations.
2017: "Stare" in "nove" manjšine
Migracije predstavljajo izziv za Evropsko unijo, njene države članice in za uveljavljene sisteme zaščite manjšin. "Nova" migracijska gibanja še nadalje krepijo "stare" nacionalne mehanizme izključevanja. Trajnostno ravnanje z "novo" in "staro" raznolikostjo zahteva, da podvomimo v klasične koncepte zaščite manjšin in v njeno delovanje s pogledom na različne položaje manjšin.
The program is to be implemented through meetings, round tables, lecture series and conferences. The activities are open to all interested parties and are intended to contribute to a broad and multi-perspective examination of the history, present and future of Carinthia in a common Europe 1920-2020.
Program bo izveden s pomočjo zasedanj, okroglih miz, serij predavanj in konferenc. Aktivnosti so na voljo vsem zainteresiranim in želijo prispevati k široki obravnavi izhajajoči iz več perspektiv, ki bodo obsegala zgodovino, sedanjost in prihodnost Koroške v skupni Evropi 1920 - 2020.
Platform for political education
Peace education, political and intercultural education are dedicated to dealing with diversity in different areas. The Carinthian Parliament's Civic Education Platform is intended to provide support and form a network for teachers to engage with politics in the classroom and at the same time give young people an inside view and insight into the everyday political life of regional legislation. The platform supports project initiatives by schools, facilitates visits and discussions in the state parliament and provides materials for use in lessons. This includes focal points on the ethnic groups in Austria, in which the results of studies on the opinions of young people on minority issues are processed and young people themselves have their say. Information on cultural diversity, intercultural contacts and forms of constructive conflict resolution can be found alongside a presentation of the history of immigration and explanations on migration and asylum in a separate sectionentitled "Migration and minorities".
Available contributions (Download)
Jürgen Pirker, The spirit of history(ies). Der 10. Oktober im historischen Gedächtnis und in der politischen Bildung, Bulletin des Geschichtsvereins für Kärnten, 2/2018. Pdf version.
Jürgen Pirker and Linda Hofmeister, Volksgruppenfrage(n) in Kärnten, Plattform Politische Bildung, 2016. Pdf version.
Jürgen Pirker and Linda Hofmeister, "Kärnten is lei ans" - Vielfalt im Bundesland und darüber hinaus, Plattform Politische Bildung, 2016. Pdf version.
Jürgen Pirker and Linda Hofmeister, "I see people and judge them according to their personality, not their culture." - Reflections of young people on Carinthia and Slovenia - between homeland, nation and Europe, in: Karl Anderwald/ Peter Filzmeier/ Karl Hren (eds.), Kärntner Jahrbuch für Politik 2015, 2015. pdf version.
Jürgen Pirker, Visions for Carinthia: "Neue Wege 2020/Nove poti 2020" - Ergebnisse einer Initiative zu Verständigung und politischer Bildung in: Karl Anderwald/Peter Filzmaier/Karl Hren (eds.), Kärntner Jahrbuch für Politik 2014, 2014. pdf version.
Jürgen Pirker, Minorities between law and politics - the example of the Carinthian place name sign dispute. Notes on the mutual enrichment of law and political science in: Hauser, Werner/Thomasser, Andreas (eds.), Bildung, Wissenschaft, Politik. Instruments for shaping society, Böhlau, Vienna/Cologne/Graz, 2014. google-books.