Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlastimil Fiala, Palacky University, Czech Republic
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlastimil Fiala is an accomplished academic specializing in political science, African studies, and history. He earned his Master’s in History and Czech Language from Palacky University (1984), Ph.D. in African Studies (1989), and became an Associate Professor in Political Science (1998). Dr. Fiala has held leadership roles, including Head of Political Science Departments and Vice-Dean of Science and Research at Palacky University. A prolific contributor to scholarly councils and editorial boards, he is a member of multiple academic societies, including the Czech Society of African Studies. His research and publications span politics, law, and African studies. 🌍📚✨
Publication Profile
Orcid
Educational Journey
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlastimil Fiala has a distinguished academic background rooted in history, political science, and African studies. He earned his Master’s Degree in History and Czech Language (1979–1984) from the Faculty of Arts, Palacky University, Olomouc. Pursuing excellence, he completed his Doctorate (PhDr.) with a specialization in History in April 1986. His scholarly journey advanced further with a Ph.D. from the Africa Department at the Oriental Institute of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences in September 1989. In March 1998, he achieved the title of Associate Professor in Political Science at the Faculty of Philosophy, Palacky University. 🌍📖💡
Professional Journey
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlastimil Fiala has made remarkable contributions to academia and research. He started as Scientific Secretary at the Oriental Institute, CAS, Prague (1989–1990). He served as an Assistant Professor in Political Science at Palacky University (1990–1998) and later became Head of the Department of Political Science and European Studies (1997–2002). He has been an Associate Professor of Political Science at the Faculty of Arts (1998–2002) and Faculty of Law (2002–present). He also served as Vice-Dean for Science and Research (2003–2014) and Associate Professor of African Studies at Hradec Králové University (2006–2024).
Academic Leadership and Research Contributions
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlastimil Fiala has served on numerous scientific councils, including Charles University and Palacký University. He has been active in doctoral committees across major Czech universities and chaired the Political Science – African Studies Committee since 2010. A member of esteemed societies like the Czech Society of African Studies, he also edited leading journals, including Modern Africa. His notable research includes projects on Czechoslovak foreign policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, transitions to democracy, and political parties in Africa. His expertise spans political systems, constitutional engineering, and national interests in the EU. 🚀📑
Research Focus
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vlastimil Fiala’s research focuses on the rich history of chess and its cultural, social, and political dimensions. His works explore the biographies of iconic chess players like Capablanca, Alekhine, and Duchamp, highlighting their contributions to the game. He delves into historical chess events, such as the Central Union of Czech Players and German Chess Association Congress. His expertise spans Czech and global chess history, emphasizing strategy and its influence across Europe. With contributions to over 15 books, he bridges chess with historical narratives and intellectual heritage. 🕰️♟️📖
Publication Top Notes 
- Jose Raul Capablanca: Third World Chess Champion, 1910 – 2024, cited by chess historians. ♟️📘
- Alexander Dmitrievich Petroff: The Northern Philidor in Europe, 1863 – 2021, cited by European chess scholars. ♟️📙
- George Henry Mackenzie: Third US Chess Champion, 1869 – 2021, referenced in American chess studies. ♟️📗
- Dějiny šachu v Čechách a na Moravě, 1911 – 2019, cited in Czech chess historical research. ♟️🇨🇿
- George Henry Mackenzie: Third US Chess Champion, 1870 – 2019, mentioned in US chess literature. ♟️📘
- Dějiny šachu v Čechách a na Moravě, 1910 – 2018, referenced in Central European chess studies. ♟️📙
- Oldřich Duras. Master of Chess Combination (1882-1905) – 2014, cited in tactical chess research. ♟️📔
- The First Congress of Central Union of Czech Players, Prague 1905 – 2009, noted in Czech chess event studies. ♟️🎯
- Capablanca’s Chess Career: Capablanca in the UK, 1909-1920 – 2006, referenced in British chess history. ♟️🇬🇧
- Chess Biography of Marcel Duchamp, Vol. 2 (1926-1930) – 2004, cited in art and chess intersections.
- Chess Biography of Marcel Duchamp, Vol. 1 (1888-1925) – 2002, mentioned in cultural chess studies. ♟️📖
- Complete Games of Alekhine Vol. 3 (1925-1927) – 1998, cited in game collections. ♟️📘
- Cologne 1898: 11th German Chess Association Congress – 1997, referenced in German chess archives. ♟️🇩🇪
- Complete Games of Alekhine Vol. 2 (1921-1924) – 1996, cited by Alekhine enthusiasts. ♟️📙
- Complete Games of Alekhine Vol. 1 (1892-1921) – 1992, foundational in Alekhine studies. ♟️📗🎨