Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, many scholars have acknowledged its transformative effect on international relations. Notably, Southeast Asian states have been found...Show moreSince the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, many scholars have acknowledged its transformative effect on international relations. Notably, Southeast Asian states have been found to pursue a foreign policy strategy of strategic hedging between China as a rising power, and the United States (US) as their long-time ally. However, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region also plays a key role in the execution of this New Silk Road. Despite this, there is a gap in the literature regarding how these states may respond to the rise of China through this new initiative. Egypt, which holds a significant position in the transportation routes due to its dominance of the Suez Canal, is a key player in this initiative, but remains overlooked in discussion about the BRI’s role in the new world order. Therefore, this thesis aims to investigate to what extent Egypt is using the BRI and increased Chinese influence to hedge against the US. Drawing on the emerging theory of strategic hedging, this study assesses the theory’s applicability to the case study of Egypt as a secondary power in the MENA region. Through qualitative analysis of key economic and military factors, as well as expert interviews, this analysis provides two main findings. Firstly, Egypt is pursuing a hedging strategy towards the US through increased economic engagement with China. Secondly, this strategy is characterized by economic hedging, a less competitive form of hedging that allows Egypt to maintain relatively more positive relations with the US. Finally, this thesis suggests that further research should focus on detailed data regarding Egyptian domestic factors, and the applicability of hedging to other BRI participants in the MENA region, to provide a more comprehensive exploration of strategic hedging in International Relations (IR) theory.Show less
On the 24th of February 2022, Russia undertook the largest land invasion into a sovereign state since World War II. The unprecedented move was met with a swift deployment of economic tools to deter...Show moreOn the 24th of February 2022, Russia undertook the largest land invasion into a sovereign state since World War II. The unprecedented move was met with a swift deployment of economic tools to deter the invasion and increase Russia’s costs of sustaining the military effort in the long term. As a result of this economic warfare between Russia and the Global North, sovereign assets of more than 300 Billion US Dollars belonging to the Russian Central Bank (RCB) have been frozen. This constituted the largest seizure of sovereign assets since World War II. As of June 2024, calls in the United States and the European Union to use the RCB assets for Ukraine’s military and humanitarian efforts have only been amplifying. These voices neglect international legal perspectives- specifically from the Global South- which highlight the discourses on sovereign immunity and countermeasures. These voices probe the following questions: What do the RCB sanctions mean for the existing sovereign immunity regime? What is the validity of the countermeasures doctrine with regards to the RCB? And most importantly, what do such measures mean for Western financial hegemony? This thesis encapsulates all these legal discourses by asking the question: What is the legality of the Global North states’ sanctions against the Russian Central Bank?Show less
This thesis investigates the factors explaining the varying levels of success of international funded microfinance projects in Kenya, focusing on the role of the theory of asymmetric information....Show moreThis thesis investigates the factors explaining the varying levels of success of international funded microfinance projects in Kenya, focusing on the role of the theory of asymmetric information. This research highlights Kenya as a critical case due to its significant financial exclusion, and many Kenyans lacking access to basic financial services. Through process tracing, the thesis examines the impact of microfinance projects funded by the World Bank and the European Union. The analysis reveals that the World Bank’s emphasis on sustainability and innovations leads to higher success levels compared to the European Union’s focus on long-term loans and gender equality. Additionally, the World Bank’s ability to navigate and mitigate problems caused by asymmetric information contributes significantly to the success of its projects. This thesis contributes to the broader theoretical debate on international development finance, providing insights into optimizing the operations of global financial institutions. The implications of this thesis are relevant for both developed and developing countries, as they provide for financial inclusion and poverty reduction, ultimately benefiting the global economy.Show less
Linkages between nature and nationalism are re-emerging, gaining momentum on the political agenda of far-right actors. To examine this intersection, this research employs the theoretical framework...Show moreLinkages between nature and nationalism are re-emerging, gaining momentum on the political agenda of far-right actors. To examine this intersection, this research employs the theoretical framework of Forchtner and Kølvraa (2015), focused on the aesthetic, material and symbolic dimensions of nature in nationalism. Considering the aforementioned elements, this analysis offers insights into the field of right-wing rhetoric using Poland as a case study. This paper finds that although these categories can be analytically productive, the reality of far-right communication showcases the interplay of these dimensions. In essence, this research displays how the far-right actors find justification for the nationalist narratives within the concept of nature by referencing the nation’s resource sovereignty, national identity, history or beauty of unspoiled natural landscapes.Show less
Self-defence has been a longstanding foundational concept of international law. However ambiguity still remains over its content and requirements. In particular, this research examines the critical...Show moreSelf-defence has been a longstanding foundational concept of international law. However ambiguity still remains over its content and requirements. In particular, this research examines the critical yet neglected requirement of proportionality in self-defence under international law. The research aims to explore whether states have adhered to the requirement of proportionality in their military actions of self-defence. By operationalizing a framework on the concepts relevant to the research question, the research conducts an exploratory normative analysis on the cases of the US invasion of Iraq and the Gaza War of 2008-09, otherwise known as Operation Cast Lead. Utilising both qualitative and quantitative data from secondary sources and independent official reports. The result of the analysis reveals a lack of adherence to proportionality in self-defence as a result of the excessive scale and gravity of states military actions which far exceeded what would be proportionate in terms of scale and gravity relative to its declared intentions and objectives. In this way the research emphasises the need for clearer definitions and frameworks of the requirements in order to tackle the ambiguities of proportionality in the discourse of self-defence.Show less
This thesis focuses on the potential of integrating the principles of Ubuntism into Good Governance techniques in order to re-legitimise democracy in South Africa. With the plea for unity and...Show moreThis thesis focuses on the potential of integrating the principles of Ubuntism into Good Governance techniques in order to re-legitimise democracy in South Africa. With the plea for unity and national reconciliation prompted by Nelson Mandela, the country now faces several challenges in preserving its democratic institutions amid rising authoritarianism in the region. This thesis utilises a normative comparative analysis of the UN Good Governance framework, and argues for the integration of the values inherent in Ubuntism, to propose a governance model that is more representative, inclusive, and effective. Further, through the use of value theory this thesis examines case studies exhibited by the UN Good Governance framework, in order to argue that values such as survival, compassion, and respect can combat corruption and state capture, ultimately enhancing the legitimacy of South Africa's present day democracy. This thesis acknowledges the limitations of its argument most notably: the narrow scope of strategies analysed and the absence of empirical research. However, it further calls for a more in- depth and extensive exploration of Ubuntism’s impact on governance. With the upcoming 2024 national elections in South Africa, this research highlights how imperative it is for structural changes in governance in order to prevent the erosion of its democratic principles. The integration of Ubuntism into governance ultimately offers a promising approach to addressing governance failures and fostering a more interconnected and accountable government within the country that inherently contributes to the broader fight against authoritarianism in Africa.Show less
Based on the comparison of Hungary and Poland during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, this study determines that the party ideology of the ruling party does not have a significant impact on...Show moreBased on the comparison of Hungary and Poland during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, this study determines that the party ideology of the ruling party does not have a significant impact on financial crisis response. Based on results derived from the National Bank and IMF reports of both countries in 2008 and 2009. Despite having ideologically different parties in power the government responses are not particularly divergent. I demonstrate that any particular response to a crisis is impacted by several factors both internal and external. In Hungary the social democratically oriented government was pushed to abandon ideology in favour of dominant economic neoliberalism. While Poland stayed the course but also deviated from ideology slightly. Thereby demonstrating that ideology becomes secondary in times of financial difficulty, particularly when international institutions are involved.Show less
The energy sector’s role in addressing climate change is undeniable. Accounting for over 73.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, the transition will require the engagement of all...Show moreThe energy sector’s role in addressing climate change is undeniable. Accounting for over 73.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, the transition will require the engagement of all stakeholders, from citizens to industry leaders. Trade-offs in terms of sustainable development, energy equity and energy security have led to increased calls for the grounding of policy in principles of justice to ensure a societally benefitial transition for all. However, the issue is complexified by the notion that reduced inequalities with regards to one principle of justice can aggreative inequalities within other justice principles. Thus, there is a need to evaluate energy transition policy from a comprehensive justice perspective. This study conducts qualitiative content analysis of Swedish national energy policies and climate action plans in the time period 2018-2024 from a comprehensive energy justice lens. It furthers the literature on energy justice by investigating to what extent Swedish national energy transition policy advances comprehensive energy justice. Building on pervious research the comprehensive energy justice framework encompasses principles of procedural justice, distributional justice, recognition justice and restorative justice. Contrary to the theoretical expectation, the findings show that comprehensive energy justice has not been advanced in the investigated time period.Show less
