This thesis explores the neomercantilist dynamics in the US-China chip war, a critical geoeconomic rivalry of the modern era where superpowers vie for dominance in semiconductor technology. By...Show moreThis thesis explores the neomercantilist dynamics in the US-China chip war, a critical geoeconomic rivalry of the modern era where superpowers vie for dominance in semiconductor technology. By analyzing the strategies and policies of both the United States and China, this study investigates the alignment of their actions with neomercantilist theory and assesses the implications for global economic and geopolitical dynamics. The research reveals that both nations employ neomercantilist strategies such as trade protectionism, industrial policy, strategic resource control, and technological nationalism to secure their economic and national security interests. The findings highlight the resurgence of protectionist policies reminiscent of the 19th century, challenging the post-Cold War principles of free trade and globalization. The thesis concludes by discussing the broader implications for the global semiconductor industry, international trade relations, and geopolitical stability, emphasizing the need for collaborative international frameworks to manage the intersection of trade, technology, and security.Show less
This study focuses on the opinions in Indonesian print media between 1948 and 1954 regarding dansa, an Indonesian term used to refer to Western-style social dancing. This study aims to uncover the...Show moreThis study focuses on the opinions in Indonesian print media between 1948 and 1954 regarding dansa, an Indonesian term used to refer to Western-style social dancing. This study aims to uncover the complexities of the debate between the pro- and anti-dansa groups in the early 1950s using historical methods with sources that mainly consisted of magazines and newspapers. While the proponents of dansa were largely silent in the debate, in this research, I find a range of different opinions on dansa from its critics, from outright condemnation to cautious acceptance. The proponents started to voice their opinions after the discourse on dansa was transformed into organized actions whose outcomes were seen negatively by many. The various views on dansa in Indonesian print media reveal that the discourse on national culture, morality, religions, and anti-Western rhetorics are interconnected in the nation-building period of Indonesia in the early 1950s.Show less
“Technology is the engine that powers superpowers.” As China has risen to contest American hegemony in Asia, the US has sought to slow down its development in the increasingly securitized...Show more“Technology is the engine that powers superpowers.” As China has risen to contest American hegemony in Asia, the US has sought to slow down its development in the increasingly securitized technology sector and prepares to wrestle for the control of the contested Indo-Pacific region. In this context, China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) is seen by many experts as its attempt to achieve both self-sufficiency and a leading global position in technology and digital norm-setting. Washington, on its side, has pressured allied states to reject Chinese technology investments on the grounds of risks for both the security of recipient countries and their relations with the US. Literature on the DSR has often been limited to a descriptive role of its projects, while others have argued it provides and expands a model of digital authoritarianism for developing countries. This thesis aims to bridge the gap in understanding between the DSR and American perceptions of its geopolitical position in the Indo-Pacific through an analysis of the latter’s pressures on a regional actor to reject the Chinese investments in the digital sphere – Malaysia. By analyzing Malaysia’s responses to Washington’s diplomatic offensive, this thesis argues that current US engagement is ineffective in swaying middle powers from welcoming deeper technological cooperation with Beijing. Based on the current interests of Malaysia and other countries in the region, economic considerations would constitute a much more efficient framework of action for the US, while appeals to political ties and national security are less likely to yield the results Washington seeks.Show less
This thesis will study the influence of different colonial ruling by Japan on the modernising of prison systems in its colonies. The period of enlightenment saw the change from flogging based...Show moreThis thesis will study the influence of different colonial ruling by Japan on the modernising of prison systems in its colonies. The period of enlightenment saw the change from flogging based punishment to penal servitude. As imperial power started to venture around the world, modern thought was able to reach as far as East Asia and thus Japan. After a victory over China, it came in the possession of Taiwan, its first colony and not much later Korea too became part of the Japanese empire. Both of the newly acquired colonies were put through modernising reforms on prisons constructing new modern buildings and adjusting the treatment to be more humane and implementing prison labour but were not the same in the end. This thesis argues that there are multiple reasons for the differences such as the national unity of Korea that caused resistance and subsequently military oppression. Although Taiwan had a less modernised prison system, they also had less problems within the prisons as resistance was less frequent. This would mean that the way of ruling did not in so far influence the modernisation of prisons, as it did the treatment of prisoners.Show less
This thesis examines the role of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Gateway by adopting an economic statecraft perspective. This analysis leads to the conclusion that these two...Show moreThis thesis examines the role of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Gateway by adopting an economic statecraft perspective. This analysis leads to the conclusion that these two connectivity initiatives are significantly contributing to the proliferation of protectionism and supranational capitalism within the European Union. Consequently, they are influencing the broader Liberal International Economic Order. By utilizing a qualitative methodological approach, I argue for the emergence of a new political-economic paradigm, which I term neo-ordoliberalism.Show less
This thesis asks the question of how we can understand the nature of ‘kyōka’ (lit. "crazy poems") in the centuries before they became a clearly established genre in early modern Japan. This is not...Show moreThis thesis asks the question of how we can understand the nature of ‘kyōka’ (lit. "crazy poems") in the centuries before they became a clearly established genre in early modern Japan. This is not so much done through a poet’s self-identification of a poem's genre as rather by attempting to chart the relative levels of ‘ga’ (refinement) and ‘zoku’ (‘vulgarity’) characteristics in the poems, and in this way create a new approach to the study of early kyōka. It is pointed out that ga and zoku are not equal categories, but rather that the degree of ‘infiltration’ of zoku determines how a poem can be understood. This approach is then used to look at the ‘Craftsmen’s Poetry Contest in Seventy-one Rounds’ (Shichijūichiban shokunin utaawase) from 1502. Situated in a genre of poem contests developed at the royal court, it ostensibly encompasses poems that sit firmly in a court tradition far removed from the early modern kyōka setting, yet shows remarkable zoku characteristics, and the question is raised whether this poem collection (and possibly others) can be considered 'kyōka hiding in plain sight'.Show less
Zhenmushou (鎮墓獸) are ritual protective tomb sculptures which can be found in multiple notable European museums that house Chinese art. The function, presentation and the impact of these sculptures ...Show moreZhenmushou (鎮墓獸) are ritual protective tomb sculptures which can be found in multiple notable European museums that house Chinese art. The function, presentation and the impact of these sculptures – and that of pre-modern Chinese mortuary objects – on viewer’s perception of China as an object in the 21st century within European museums has, however, not been previously studied in Western scholarship. This study therefore aims to do so by examining the changing functions of zhenmushou over time and place. Firstly, sources and theories on zhenmushou within the context of the Chu state (楚国; 702-221 B.C.E) during the Warring State Period (戰國時期; 481 -221 B.C.E.) were analyzed. The original role of zhenmushou was afterwards put in perspective with its current function within four French and British museums by studying the museums’ display and narrative. Subsequently, critical heritage theory regarding decolonisation, orientalism and provenance theory was applied to deconstruct the narrative and display, and reveal underlying power mechanisms within the discussed museums. Lastly, possible alternative ways of display are briefly discussed. Overall, this study shows that despite the seemingly static materiality, objects displayed in museums do not have a permanent meaning, but are shaped by their context. The function of zhenmushou varied substantially over context and time, and continues to change in museums through new encounters, the juxtapositions with other objects, changed descriptions and other modifications in their environment.Show less
The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how...Show moreThe thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how these frameworks have adapted to technological innovations and assesses their impact on the development and stability of the fintech sector. The study reveals a transition from initial regulatory leniency to increased oversight in P2P lending and details the evolving regulatory environment of crowdfunding. By examining these sectors, the thesis sheds light on the interplay between regulation, technological innovation, and the broader economic and political context, contributing to both academic research and practical policy-making in the fintech field.Show less
