Leiden University Student Repository

Vogel, Irina Christina (2022)

Economic Interests over Human Rights? A Case Study of Japan's and South Korea's ODA Approaches in Myanmar

Master thesis | International Relations (MA)

By investigating the ODA approaches of both Japan and the Republic of Korea considering the human rights crisis in Myanmar, the East Asian Development Model seems to hold. Both countries prioritize economic development over human rights issues, although they differ in their motivations. This theory-testing case analysis dives into a descriptive account of the actions of Japan and the ROK considering the Rohingya Crisis. While Japan struggles to deal with its imperial past and continues to argue for a kakehashi approach, it is found how human rights have taken second place behind economic development projects. Similarly, the ROK strives for recognition by trying to establish itself as a leader, yet simultaneously fails to lead the way when it comes to standing for the OECD/DAC norms. The descriptive account of both countries shows how human rights issues are snowed under by the importance given to economic development and a favorable relationship with the government of Myanmar.

ODA

Japan

South Korea

Myanmar

Rohingya

Human Rights

EADM

Author

Vogel, Irina Christina

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Global Political Economy

Supervisors

Black, L.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en