Official Opening of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies

The newly established center responds to the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region and its impact on Europe and the Czech Republic. CAPS aims to become a platform for expert debate, provide analyses and recommendations for public administration as well as the private sector, and contribute to a better understanding of this dynamic environment.

“The world is changing. What was true yesterday may not hold tomorrow. To understand that, one must be open to learning and ready today. CEVRO University is a place where you won’t have to ask tomorrow what we did today. You can see proof of that at the launch of our new Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, held on the occasion of a lecture by an exceptional guest,” explained Ivan Langer, Chairman of the CEVRO University Board of Trustees, outlining the motivation behind the new research center.

“We must be able to perceive, analyze, and respond to the growing role of Asia in the changing geopolitical order — factually, without prejudice, and with understanding. I am pleased that CEVRO University has taken on this task by establishing the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, and I am glad to contribute as chairman of its advisory board,” said Jan Zahradil, Chairman of the CAPS Advisory Board.

According to CAPS Executive Director Jan Železný, the new center will combine research with a focus on practical application:

“Our goal is to build a top-tier research center that also reaches a wider audience. We therefore want to engage in educational and outreach activities, shape public debate, and provide expertise to Czech public institutions and businesses. The applicability and practicality of our outputs in relation to the Czech national interest are our top priorities.”

CAPS will focus on political, economic, and security developments across the Asia-Pacific region. Special attention will be devoted to shifts in the regional security architecture, the dynamics of multilateral cooperation, and the implications for international trade, innovation, and supply chain stability.

The establishment of CAPS is a natural continuation of CEVRO University’s long-standing effort to be an active player in international policy research and to provide expert insight into key issues shaping today’s world. Founding the center represents a logical step given the dynamic developments in Asia and the Pacific and their growing significance for Czech foreign policy, security, export orientation, and strategic partnerships. CAPS will closely cooperate with other CEVRO University research initiatives, such as the Center for Transatlantic Relations and the Center for Security Studies, and remains open to international collaboration.