James Moffatt

Research

Thesis

‘The Rudolf Battěk Case of Nonconformity in Normalised Czechoslovakia'

My thesis examines the relationship between the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia (KSČ) and informal opposition during the period of 'Normalisation' from 1968 to 1989. It focuses specifically on the KSČ's responses to the sociologist and nonconformist politician,Rudolf Battěk's persistent nonconformity over two decades, starting from his initial detention in September 1969 through subsequent arrests up to and after July 1989.

 

Funding sources

Self-funded, with support from the Chizel Educational Trust, and a grant from the Bill John Travel Scholarship (administered through Cardiff University).

Biography

I am a postgraduate researcher and MPhil candidate at Cardiff University, specialising in Normalisation in Czechoslovakia. I previously read my undergraduate degree (History BA (Hons)) at Cardiff University. I have studied the Czech language at three universities in the Czech Republic, Palacký University in Olomouc, Masaryk University in Brno, and Charles University at the campus in Poděbrady.

Professional memberships

• British Czech and Slovak Association (BCSA)
• Czech National Trust (CNT)
• Postgraduate Member, Royal Historical Society (RHS).
• Reader, Bodleian Libraries.

Speaking engagements

• Speaker on the Communist Repression panel, Czechoslovak Studies Group Conference 2021 (University of Oxford)

Supervisors