This thesis investigates the striking disparity in the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) between Hungary and Romania, despite similar levels of alcohol consumption. With 21,2% of the total...Show moreThis thesis investigates the striking disparity in the prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) between Hungary and Romania, despite similar levels of alcohol consumption. With 21,2% of the total population having alcohol use disorders, Hungary has the highest prevalence in all of Europe, whereas in Romania it is only 2,8%. This cross-case study delves into the various environmental factors influencing AUDs, such as economic development, early drinking, family, social and cultural norms, additional elements and alcohol control policies drawing on the body of academic literature, data sources as well as empirical evidence. With the usage of the World Health Organization's (WHO) "best buy" alcohol control policies, this research employs a most similar system design to evaluate the effectiveness of these alcohol control measures in Hungary and Romania. Findings indicate that while both nations have similar regulations and restrictions regarding availability and pricing, the regulations on the advertisement and product placements on alcohol are more stringent in Romania. This thesis emphasises the necessity of international organizations in offering guidelines and policy recommendations for tackling the harmful use of alcohol and consequently alcohol use disorders.Show less
How does economic development aid affect conflict intensity in minor civil conflicts? Previous research has found that economic development aid in civil wars can effectively reduce conflict...Show moreHow does economic development aid affect conflict intensity in minor civil conflicts? Previous research has found that economic development aid in civil wars can effectively reduce conflict intensity. It does so either directly by incentivising the population to cooperate with the government or indirectly by raising the opportunity costs of joining an insurgency. I propose that the same holds for minor civil conflicts. Due to insurgent groups’ weakness vis-à-vis the government, I argue that development aid in minor conflicts will have a greater substantive effect than in civil wars. Using data on 59 aid projects in federal states across Ethiopia, Mali, and Nigeria, I show that regions receiving development aid experience less violence than those without aid projects in regions under government control. However, an increase in development projects within these regions is associated with an increase in conflict intensity. In regions under insurgent territorial control, development aid substantially increases conflict intensity.Show less
This study investigates the dual developments of Rwanda’s political and economic evolutions over the last 24 years, under Kagame’s presidency. A closer look is taken at the conditions and processes...Show moreThis study investigates the dual developments of Rwanda’s political and economic evolutions over the last 24 years, under Kagame’s presidency. A closer look is taken at the conditions and processes which have led to the current state of high economic growth, while lacking democratic rights and freedoms. Expanding upon the work of previous scholars, theories on both democracies and economics are used to answer the posed research question by means of theory-testing process testing. The latter include Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). The result of this research expands upon the body of research, focused on the current, rapidly progressing developments in Africa which has gained more international attention due to its recent rapid economic developments.Show less
The Syrian refugee crisis is one of the largest humanitarian crises that has shaped global politics and security approaches, with millions of Syrians leaving their country due to the civil war....Show moreThe Syrian refugee crisis is one of the largest humanitarian crises that has shaped global politics and security approaches, with millions of Syrians leaving their country due to the civil war. This study aims to analyse the securitization processes of Türkiye in response to the Syrian refugee influx. It is based on the Copenhagen School’s concept of securitization and examines how threat perception shapes security concerns. In this context, political actors are considered to have an important role in determining security issues, protecting their political interests, and increasing their influence on the electorate. Hence, political interests lead actors to have different securitization approaches towards migration. Using a process-tracing analysis, this study examines how political interest affects the securitization of migration in Türkiye after the Syrian refugee crisis. It analyses how political dynamics affect the perception of refugees as a security threat and policy decisions. This analysis reveals that Türkiye had a lower level of securitization process by adopting a more flexible approach in line with its initial open-door policy, then increasing securitization due to contested political elections in domestic politics.Show less
This study delves into the often-overlooked realm of small states' influence within international organizations (IOs), focusing on the mechanism of rhetorical action and entrapment. Grounded in...Show moreThis study delves into the often-overlooked realm of small states' influence within international organizations (IOs), focusing on the mechanism of rhetorical action and entrapment. Grounded in theoretical insights from Baldacchino and Wivel (2020), Long (2017b), and Schimmelfenning (2001), this article investigates how small states strategically navigate power dynamics within IOs, leveraging discourse to advance their interests. Specifically, it examines Uruguay's engagement within the Mercosur as a case study, aiming to shed light on the nuanced mechanisms through which small states can exert influence and shape outcomes within IOs. Uruguay's strategic alignment with Mercosur’s foundational values underscores its role as a dedicated advocate for collective benefits, enhancing its credibility within the community. By consistently encouraging reforms for the modernization and flexibilization of the IO, Uruguay leverages rhetorical entrapment to compel larger member states to align with its agenda, risking their credibility if they oppose. The effectiveness of this mechanism is empirically demonstrated in Uruguay's role in the negotiation and signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, showcasing its capacity to stir Mercosur's policy direction and affirming the strategic use of discourse by smaller states to achieve substantial outcomes with larger regional frameworks.Show less
This thesis aims to address the absence of a comprehensive bilateral cooperation framework between the US and Mexico in the field of migration. Despite the enduring significance of human mobility...Show moreThis thesis aims to address the absence of a comprehensive bilateral cooperation framework between the US and Mexico in the field of migration. Despite the enduring significance of human mobility between the two countries and the existence of converging interests, efforts to negotiate a migration agreement remain limited. Recognising the prevailing US-centric approach in the existing literature on the topic, this thesis shifts the focus to Mexican policy preferences, exploring their role in contributing to the absence of an all-encompassing cooperative migration framework. To do so, an “intermestic” approach is adopted to account for both domestic and international influences in shaping Mexico’s policy preferences. Through interviews with high-ranking Mexican diplomats, this study found that electoral and institutional dynamics, along with geopolitical considerations, contribute to the absence of a migration deal with the US. Indeed, the complex, multifaceted, and “intermestic” nature of Mexican policy preferences exacerbates difficulties in identifying a coordination point agreeable to both countries, resulting in a Coordination Dilemma, which prevents the establishment of a bilateral deal for migration management.Show less
This thesis explores the dynamics of cooperation and alliance formation in the post-Cold War era, with a focus on how emerging powers within the Global South pick their allies. The study centres on...Show moreThis thesis explores the dynamics of cooperation and alliance formation in the post-Cold War era, with a focus on how emerging powers within the Global South pick their allies. The study centres on the alignment theory, which argues that internal state factors, specifically the personal interests of state leaders, are significant in alignment choices. This theory contrasts with traditional realist approaches that emphasize external threats and state security as primary motivators. Conducting a single case study of South Africa's ascension to the BRIC bloc in 2010 under president Jacob Zuma, this thesis employs theory-testing process tracing to examine the hypothesized causal mechanism where personal interests of Zuma eventually led to the ascension of South Africa to BRIC. The findings suggest that Zuma's personal motivations and corrupt practices significantly directed South Africa’s foreign policy and alignment choices, resulting in its alignment with BRIC. This challenges the conventional notion that state strategies in Global South contexts are predominantly shaped by geopolitical, security related, or identity driven considerations.Show less
This thesis explores the shifts in Eurosceptic conspiracy rhetoric in the tweets of Dutch populist politician Geert Wilders, focusing on how he may strategically adjust his rhetoric as his Party...Show moreThis thesis explores the shifts in Eurosceptic conspiracy rhetoric in the tweets of Dutch populist politician Geert Wilders, focusing on how he may strategically adjust his rhetoric as his Party for Freedom (PVV) moves from an outsider to a mainstream party in the 2021 and 2023 elections. Using a mixed-methods approach, 1,573 tweets from Wilders' X-account were collected and analysed, identifying 253 tweets containing conspiracy rhetoric, including 32 Eurosceptic conspiracy rhetoric tweets. The study created and employed a robust codebook to code the conspiracy tweets for their theme, agent, action, and intensity. The thesis places itself in the existing literature on the intersection of populism and conspiracy theories and their shared characteristics of anti-elitism, anti-pluralism, and threatened nationalism. Moreover, the study is underpinned by the theory that populism and conspiracy theories are used as an anti-establishment mobilisation tool, based on those shared characteristics. The study’s findings indicate that conspiracy rhetoric was more common and intense during Wilders' outsider position in 2021, with a dominant theme of deliberate government malfunction and targeting the government and political establishment as the conspiring agents. In contrast, in the 2023 election period, when Wilders gained a mainstream status, the conspiracy rhetoric became less frequent and its content less intense, focusing on themes of migration and its associated threats. This shift suggests a strategic moderation of Wilders' rhetoric to position himself as a potential coalition and government partner. These findings contribute to the broader discussion on populism and conspiracy rhetoric by showing the shifts in this rhetoric are mainly based on the changing party status. As many populists are experiencing a mainstreaming shift all over the world, this study is highly relevant. Further research can build on the current study, by employing a similar analysis that compares two populists’ rhetoric and by analysing Wilders’ rhetoric once more during or after his time in government.Show less
As the European elections are taking place, a narrative is emerging on the rise of an extreme-right wave. Migration has been a focal point for European far-right parties, shaping and defining the...Show moreAs the European elections are taking place, a narrative is emerging on the rise of an extreme-right wave. Migration has been a focal point for European far-right parties, shaping and defining the European political debate since the 2015 migration crisis. A recent theme emerging in European migrant discourse concerns the preferential treatment politically and in popular thought of Ukrainian refugees over other asylum seekers, notably those from Syria and neighbouring countries in the 2015 crisis. This paper aims to research the impact of NGOs in political and popular attitudes to refugee reception. Using a most similar methodological approach, it qualitatively compares two cases of important migration inflows in France with varying political and popular responses to research the impact of NGO involvement in these variations. It aims to add to broader theoretical discussions on the impact of pluralism on democratic legitimacy and the role of NGOs in that relationship. It seeks to analyze whether normative claims from pluralist democratic theory on that role have empirical import.Show less
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is essential for the economic development of emerging markets. Despite its potential, the distribution of FDI globally remains uneven due to political risk. This...Show moreForeign Direct Investment (FDI) is essential for the economic development of emerging markets. Despite its potential, the distribution of FDI globally remains uneven due to political risk. This thesis investigates the relationship between political risk and FDI, using Tanzania's impending Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) venture as a case study. It assesses political violence risk, employing a qualitative approach to analyse prevailing literature and primary data from interviews with key stakeholders in a bid to identify what the obstacle to the economy transformative investment decision is. The research finds that while political violence is a genuine concern, other identifiable political risks take precedent and are attributable to the delay. These are notably risks of expropriation and transfer restrictions that require a legislative framework. Additionally, the paper offers primary data on the Tanzanian dimension of the Ansar al-Sunnah insurgency along the Swahili Coast, addressing a gap in the existing literature.Show less
This Master thesis focuses on the effect of institutional factors on the imports of plastic waste between European Union member states. It analyses the historical development of the international...Show moreThis Master thesis focuses on the effect of institutional factors on the imports of plastic waste between European Union member states. It analyses the historical development of the international waste trade up until its current state. Then, it constructs an exploratory model focusing on the effects of institutional factors on intra-EU imports of plastic waste. It tries to estimate the effects through quantitative analysis using panel data analysis on intra-EU import data. The theoretical framework analysed in this project is institutional, but the results show little evidence that institutional factors affect plastic waste imports. By researching this, the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of waste trading amongst Global North countries, specifically in the EU context. This can allow for contributions to the optimisation of EU circular economy policy.Show less
The collapse of the Soviet Union was the beginning of a wave of significant political changes as its former member states transitioned towards various degrees of democratic governance. The path of...Show moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union was the beginning of a wave of significant political changes as its former member states transitioned towards various degrees of democratic governance. The path of democratization has been uneven among these states, with some moving forward and others reverting to authoritarian practices. This research delves into how the geopolitical stance, whether leaning towards the West or Russia, and the strength of civil society have influenced these distinct democratic paths. The study's approach attempts a nuanced assessment of the effect of civil society in driving policy and democratic change. By engaging in a comparative case study, the aim is to discover the relationship between international geopolitical dynamics and domestic societal forces and how they collectively shape the democratization of post-Soviet republics. This research provides theoretical and practical insights that could improve strategy development for policymakers and contribute to a deeper understanding of the post-Soviet political evolution.Show less
In de Nederlandse politieke praktijk komt het regelmatig voor dat bewindspersonen in een kabinet voortijdig hun post verlaten en, al dan niet tijdelijk, worden vervangen door een nieuwe minister of...Show moreIn de Nederlandse politieke praktijk komt het regelmatig voor dat bewindspersonen in een kabinet voortijdig hun post verlaten en, al dan niet tijdelijk, worden vervangen door een nieuwe minister of staatssecretaris. In dat geval is het aannemelijk dat er gevolgen ontstaan voor de beleidscyclus van het ministerie in kwestie, zo laat internationale politicologische en bestuurskundige literatuur zien. Daarnaast is reeds aangetoond dat de persoonlijkheid en leiderschapsstijl van een bewindspersoon een relatief grote rol spelen bij de totstandkoming en uitvoering van departementaal beleid. Het is echter nog onvoldoende onderzocht wat in de Nederlandse context de precieze gevolgen zijn van het aftreden en vervangen van bewindspersonen. In deze scriptie is door middel van elite-interviews met huidige en voormalige directeuren-generaal en secretarissen-generaal van Nederlandse ministeries onderzocht wat de effecten op de beleidscyclus zijn. Het blijkt dat een voortijdig vertrek van een bewindspersoon beperkte invloed heeft op de departementale beleidscyclus. Wel blijken de persoonlijkheid en leiderschapsstijl van vervangende bewindspersonen invloed te hebben op het functioneren van het ambtelijk apparaat.Show less
The small Caribbean island of Aruba has faced problems with administrative integrity ever since it gained independence in 1986, which has hampered its efforts to meet the Sustainable Development...Show moreThe small Caribbean island of Aruba has faced problems with administrative integrity ever since it gained independence in 1986, which has hampered its efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) established by the UN. Aruba, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), collaborates with other nations to accomplish goals related to sustainable development. Its ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the UN Multi-Country Office in Trinidad and Tobago make this possible. This thesis examines how closely Aruba has followed SDG 16, with a focus on SDG 16.5, which calls for a sharp reduction in bribery and corruption. This thesis closely examines the political environment, legal system, and anti-corruption initiatives of Aruba in order to evaluate the country's compliance with SDG 16 and efforts to combat corruption. It assesses the effectiveness of anti-corruption campaigns and highlights Aruba's anti-corruption efforts over the past ten years, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation, legislative changes, and the National SDG Commission. Using an integrated theoretical framework that incorporates the Integrity Management Framework and Norm Diffusion Theory, the thesis looks at how Aruba balances local priorities with compliance to international anti-corruption norms. This method provides insights into governance issues in similar situations. Several theories regarding Aruba's progress toward achieving SDG 16 objectives were put to the test during the research. First hypothesis: Aruba has instituted integrity-promoting programs like the Integrity Chamber and the Bureau of Integrity, according to data. The second hypothesis, which has some support, contends that despite these initiatives, structural problems still exist in the public sector. The third hypothesis, which has some support as well, suggests that political differences make it more difficult to put integrity-related policies into action. To sum up, Aruba has worked toward SDG 16 through a number of tactics and projects, such as the creation of institutions dedicated to integrity, changes to the law, initiatives to increase capacity, support for human rights, and global collaboration. These initiatives show a strong dedication to advancing justice, peace, and robust institutions—all of which are necessary for the nation's long-term development. Aruba is unwavering in its pursuit of SDG 16, despite persistent obstacles like political rifts, structural flaws, and bureaucratic roadblocks. It highlights the significance of sustained endeavors and collaborations for the welfare and sustainable growth of its populace.Show less
Since NATO expanded the alliance after the cold war with countries that were formerly part of the Soviet sphere of influence, the new allies have made significant and sometimes above average...Show moreSince NATO expanded the alliance after the cold war with countries that were formerly part of the Soviet sphere of influence, the new allies have made significant and sometimes above average contributions to the military operations. This research presents two dimensions on which post-communist NATO members can be divided, and dives into the question how much these variables affect troop contribution to NATO-led operations in Afghanistan. By collecting data from different public sources, a clear visual and numerical image will be created of the troop contribution and modernisation of defence for four different clusters of countries. Results show that post-communist nations overall contribute more to these military operations, but that not every group is equal in terms of how many troops are contributed. Modernised armies are in general less likely to contribute troops, while countries that have a higher domestic and regional threat perception are more avid to fight for their NATO security guarantee.Show less
While examining the efforts of the European Union to halt democratic backsliding two groups of actions have emerged. They can be summarized as efforts concerning legitimacy, where challenges to...Show moreWhile examining the efforts of the European Union to halt democratic backsliding two groups of actions have emerged. They can be summarized as efforts concerning legitimacy, where challenges to current Western norms are met, and concerning authority, where power misusage and active degradation to liberal law are met with policy change and increased vigilance. This project compares the two approaches and seeks to determine when backsliding is halted within two case states - Hungary and Romania. Analyzing the past two decades, the thesis project would allow for a greater understanding of whether each approach is worth taking in states in different stages of illiberalism.Show less
This master thesis looks at the relationship between weaponized interdependence and global security. Powerful states in a network create a weapon of their interdependence to make a situation...Show moreThis master thesis looks at the relationship between weaponized interdependence and global security. Powerful states in a network create a weapon of their interdependence to make a situation beneficial while exploiting or leveraging other states. Many researchers have written about the topic of interdependence, but there has not been a lot of academic attention to weaponized interdependence yet. The thesis builds on relevant literature to create five hypotheses that are favourable for weaponized interdependence having a negative influence on global security. The study is conducted using statistical analysis with data retrieved from various publicly available datasets, being converted into panel data. 211 countries are observed over a time frame from 1990 to 2007. This is done with Random Effects models for Linear and Logistic Regressions. The analysis finds no consistently significant results for the five hypotheses. There are some effects that have shown to be significant. However, these are either contradictory with the hypotheses or with the other variables, resulting in not being able to provide a concise answer to the research question.Show less
