This thesis examines the recent Chinese actions in the South China Sea disputes. Is China carrying out a neorealist approach regarding its interests in the South China Sea while ignoring...Show moreThis thesis examines the recent Chinese actions in the South China Sea disputes. Is China carrying out a neorealist approach regarding its interests in the South China Sea while ignoring international laws and norms? Examining the current international laws, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, shows that China has little interest in observing them. If power or security is what the PRC is interested in, the actions taken should be able to demonstrate that, which is what this paper seeks to explain through the lens of neorealism. Natural resources are a negligible factor in the current actions of China, they are mostly focused on constructing defences in what is known as the doctrine of Island Chains and pushing any possible future war further away from the Chinese mainland. Chinese actions in the South China Sea are driven by the security dilemma in which the US features as the primary antagonist. Recognizing the neorealist approach of China's interests is key to understanding why China won't stop its actions regardless of US pressure.Show less
Bachelor thesis | South and Southeast Asian Studies (BA)
closed access
This thesis explores the Chinese Counter-Terrorism Law, enacted on the 1st of January 2016. It looks at the impacts of this law on Chinese ethnic minorities, with the focus on Tibetans and Uyghurs....Show moreThis thesis explores the Chinese Counter-Terrorism Law, enacted on the 1st of January 2016. It looks at the impacts of this law on Chinese ethnic minorities, with the focus on Tibetans and Uyghurs. The thesis compares Chinese counter-terrorism strategies with those of the United States and the United Kingdom, to conclude that the global war on terror has had negative impacts on the protection of human rights. More and more states are choosing national security over the protection of human rights, leading to more human rights violations globally. China is no exception to this, and Tibetans and Uyghurs suffer many consequences because of the new Chinese Counter-Terrorism Law. These consequences are explained in this thesis.Show less
Research master thesis | Literary Studies (research) (MA)
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It is simply undeniable that Jean-Jacques Rousseau played his vital part inspiring the world to modernisation, including China. There is also no gainsaying the fact that he had countless ...Show moreIt is simply undeniable that Jean-Jacques Rousseau played his vital part inspiring the world to modernisation, including China. There is also no gainsaying the fact that he had countless ‘apprentices’ in late Qing China, and apparently many Chinese intellectual elites during that period thought so as well. In the field of literature, Émile, ou de l'éducation inspired Chinese intellectual circle, especially realms of literature and publication, and stirred up a trend of ‘novel of education’. In addition, Rousseau’s writings and his image frequently appeared in the new-styled prints in late Qing China. Yet if we make a general survey of Chinese history evolving towards the point of modernisation and afterwards, the course of history in China was essentially advancing forward in its own way. All in all, I will claim that the interpretation, misinterpretation and internalisation of Rousseau’s thoughts in China was a highly complex progress. The new community of modern intellectuals in late Qing China took and adapted what they needed from Rousseau without pursuing Rousseau’s original intention, and such tendency and the transformation of the men of knowledge themselves were underlain by both the macro framework of Chinese society and the internal development within Chinese society that had started several centuries before the Western impact.Show less
In 2004, China’s foreign policy appeared to enter a relatively expansive phase. The Chinese President, Hu Jintao, began to confidently make proclamations for a new world order, China's bilateral...Show moreIn 2004, China’s foreign policy appeared to enter a relatively expansive phase. The Chinese President, Hu Jintao, began to confidently make proclamations for a new world order, China's bilateral aid activities increased exponentially and China began to assert itself in international organisations. The change in China’s foreign policy would appear intuitively consistent with the activities of any country that has achieved the economic growth that China has. However, upon closer examination, China’s foreign policy not only displays consistencies with principles that have been prevalent in Chinese society since ancient times, but also appear to de-legitimise the hegemonic position of the United States in a number of cases. In essence, it would appear as if China has made the decision to bring about a transformation in international norms to better suit its identity, particularly in light of the diminishing influence of the US.Show less
The 2016 Hangzhou G20 Summit was an opportunity for China to present itself on the global stage. In this thesis we research how the concept of soft power plays a role in Chinese domestic and...Show moreThe 2016 Hangzhou G20 Summit was an opportunity for China to present itself on the global stage. In this thesis we research how the concept of soft power plays a role in Chinese domestic and foreign policy, and how this is reflected in the approach to the G20.Show less
The Mongols are known primarily for their ruthlessness and sheer militairy force; this thesis will look at the role other factors have played in the Mongol conquest of China in order to explain the...Show moreThe Mongols are known primarily for their ruthlessness and sheer militairy force; this thesis will look at the role other factors have played in the Mongol conquest of China in order to explain the adaptation process of the early Mongol Empire.Show less
In 2001, the Chinese government officially recognized Zhongdian County in Yunnan Province as Shangri-La, which is a fictional concept that signifies paradise introduced by the British author James...Show moreIn 2001, the Chinese government officially recognized Zhongdian County in Yunnan Province as Shangri-La, which is a fictional concept that signifies paradise introduced by the British author James Hilton (1933). Ever since the region has been renamed, some visitors have started to express that Shangri-La County has transformed into a theme park and has lost its authenticity. The current essay explored, by using Bryman’s (2004) theory of Disneyization as a framework, whether it can be said that the name change into Shangri-La has changed the region into a theme park. The resources of this research were scholarly literature, travel blogs and TripAdvisor reviews about Shangri-La. Of the four principles mentioned in Disneyization, that all describe a trend common to a theme park, the principles of theming, hybrid consumption and merchandising were all found to be take place in the Shangri-La region. Only performative labor, as defined in the theory, was considerably less present in Shangri-La County. However, in regard to how Chinese theme parks (like Yunnan Ethnic Folk Village) function, such as the lack of smiling service, the principle of performative labor may still apply to Shangri-La. Thus, the result indicates that Shangri-La is comparable to a theme park and that how the theory of Disneyization is defined currently has no universal validity because it takes no cultural differences in account. Furthermore, in view of Jean Baudrillard’s (1994) account of postmodernism, Shangri-La is similar to a theme park in that they both create a hyper-reality in which a highly similar but ‘unreal’ reality is experienced by visitors through the processes of simulation or simulacrum. In this sense, the Shangri-La narrative has bestowed a frame by which tourists started to percept and experience the region’s authenticity. However, considering that Western tourists are predominantly the ones seeking authenticity in Shangri-La – may it be an authentic setting or an authentic self – it is their confrontation with the touristic environments like Dukezong that sways them to evaluate the region as a theme park. The voices of the local population and Chinese tourists were not brought into account in the current research; future research should therefore explore deeper how these groups’ experience the changes in Shangri-La County.Show less
With Raúl Castro taking over as president in 2008, the country has seen economic reform. Raúl allowed for Cubans to buy cars and houses and Cubans were allowed to work for themselves as...Show moreWith Raúl Castro taking over as president in 2008, the country has seen economic reform. Raúl allowed for Cubans to buy cars and houses and Cubans were allowed to work for themselves as entrepreneurs. With these alterations in the economy the question has risen in the international community whether Cuba will transition to a free market economy. The thesis will analyse Poland and China and will compare this to Cuba in order to come to a conclusion.Show less
After the opening up policy was implemented in 1978 and China’s joining of the WTO in 2001, Chinese OFDI flow fluctuated heavily. Also, the last few decades, China’s GDP rate has experienced...Show moreAfter the opening up policy was implemented in 1978 and China’s joining of the WTO in 2001, Chinese OFDI flow fluctuated heavily. Also, the last few decades, China’s GDP rate has experienced enormous growth. This thesis tries to measure the role that Chinese OFDI has on China’s economic performance. First, a literature review is executed, thereby focusing on Chinese OFDI going into advanced economies. Second an empirical research is performed, concentrating on all Chinese OFDI. The empirical research is performed by using an OLS regression, using data from 1982 to 2015. The dependent variable is China’s GDP per capita growth, the main independent variable is Chinese OFDI flow, the control variables are openness to trade, portfolio investment and initial GDP. In my literature review I found that the main cause for OFDI to effect China’s economic performance is technological spillover during the process of OFDI. In my empirical research I found that the positive influence of Chinese OFDI on China’s GDP growth rate was insignificant.Show less
With the boom in the Chinese economy and its increasing influence in the global world order, China adhered to a new strategy that focuses on improving its image in the world by relying solely on...Show moreWith the boom in the Chinese economy and its increasing influence in the global world order, China adhered to a new strategy that focuses on improving its image in the world by relying solely on soft power. China’s soft power strategy in the Middle East is little researched, however, the Middle East is of paramount global importance as the region is the world’s largest energy supplier. This thesis examines China’s soft power strategy and its key objectives in the Middle East through an in-depth analysis focusing on economic, cultural, political and military soft power initiatives. The findings of this research argue that China’s pivot towards the Middle East is primarily driven by its need to secure energy sources, as well as other economic interests. Its influence in the Middle East is rapidly increasing through these various soft power initiatives. Although China’s soft power strategy is mainly focused on economic and cultural soft power initiatives, political and military soft power initiatives have taken a larger focus in recent years. As China is gradually shifting from non-interference to limited-interference in the regions political and security affairs, it is committed to maintain and improve its image, which it attained solely through soft power, by not losing its neutrality while gradually becoming more proactive in the political and security field.Show less
In 1940, Tenzin Gyatso was enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama in Tibet. During that time, Tibet was still a quiet area without any Chinese influences. Tenzin was 5 years old back then, but was...Show moreIn 1940, Tenzin Gyatso was enthroned as the 14th Dalai Lama in Tibet. During that time, Tibet was still a quiet area without any Chinese influences. Tenzin was 5 years old back then, but was treated with respect. The Dalai Lama is considered the highest authority, the spiritual and political leader by the Tibetans. A regent took over the governing tasks until the Dalai Lama was 18 years old. Meanwhile, in neighbouring China, something happened that drastically changed the calm situation in Tibet. In 1949, Mao Zedong comes to power in China and the Chinese republic’s days are numbered. Mao founds the People’s Republic of China on the first of October that year and China becomes a communist state; a state in which people are ‘raised’ to think and live according to communist manners. In the political field there is only one party possessing all power. Mao organizes the Chinese People’s Liberation Army - known as ‘the Red Army’. The Red Army enters Tibet in October 1950 and does not fear the Tibetan army’s resistance, as it is much smaller and poorly armed. The government of Tibet gives all the power to the Dalai Lama, who is 15 years old at that time. China decides that Tibet is an integral part of China now and gives the Dalai Lama a position in the Chinese government, in which he has little to nothing to say. This is considered the start of the Chinese oppression. During the Tibetan New Year in 1959, riots break out and the Tibetans massively protest against Chinese domination. The Chinese react to the protest by killing thousands of Tibetans; already 87,000 people are killed in the Lhasa region only. Villages and monasteries are burned down and the Tibetan government is dissolved. The Dalai Lama flees to Dharamsala, India, where he forms a government in exile. After this incident, more than 7,000 Tibetans cross the border and ask for political asylum in India. The diaspora of Tibetans and religious leaders leads to a spread of Tibetan Buddhism around the world, with the Dalai Lama’s influence not only limited to the community in Dharamsala. Other influential tulkus and lamas (such as Kaly Rinpoche, Ole Nydahl, Chogyam Trungpa and Khenchen Palden Sherab) found Tibetan monasteries in all parts of the world. In 1998, according to the Tibetan Planning Council, 111.170 Tibetans were living in exile (85,000 in India). A government in exile was formed just like other kinds of Tibetan institutes. This research study focuses on the role of the 14th Dalai Lama in the Tibetan communities in exile. In more detail, it provides the reader with an insight into the changes the Dalai Lama has undergone from political- to only spiritual leader and points out his primary concerns for the Tibetan communities. In addition, research on China’s role in the influence of the Dalai Lama is carried out. A final conclusion will link existing literature and give an answer to the main question by inserting my own interpretations. A study on this subject, furthermore, helps to better understand the Tibetan diaspora around the world and China’s role in the story today. This thesis consists of books from the Leiden University Library, focusing on the current Dalai Lama and Tibetan communities in exile and journals from different disciplines, such as sinology, anthropology, sociology, politics and religious studies.Show less
This thesis examines the utilization behaviour of Sina Weibo by environmental NGOs within China. Within this thesis, qualitative research is being performed in relation to the utilzation of the...Show moreThis thesis examines the utilization behaviour of Sina Weibo by environmental NGOs within China. Within this thesis, qualitative research is being performed in relation to the utilzation of the different communicative aspects of Sina Weibo by several contemporary Chinese environmental NGOs. This is done through the emperical analysis of micro-blogposts. In addition, these results are furthermore examined within the context of China's specific socio-poltical environment and in relation to their associated dynamics.Show less
This thesis provides an analysis of Xianfeng banknotes (1853-1859) in the British Museum. The aim of this thesis is to investigate to what extent the current sources on this topic confirm its...Show moreThis thesis provides an analysis of Xianfeng banknotes (1853-1859) in the British Museum. The aim of this thesis is to investigate to what extent the current sources on this topic confirm its features.Show less
The recent development in anti-satellite capabilities is amongst the great security concerns for modern space-faring states. This work seeks to outline the various dimensions of anti-satellite...Show moreThe recent development in anti-satellite capabilities is amongst the great security concerns for modern space-faring states. This work seeks to outline the various dimensions of anti-satellite weaponry by reviewing the technical, strategic, and legal aspects of these weapons. This work discusses the possible impact of ASAT missiles on navigation, communication, information gathering, and early warning systems. Specifically in regards to the unhindered growth of Chinese ASAT capabilities, such missiles are becoming an increasingly relevant threat in our time. Thus, this thesis also draws possible connections to Chinese military doctrine in recent years. Following this analysis of the militaristic aspects, the final section of this paper reviews the legal restrictions on ASAT missiles, including international laws and norms, whereas in all practicality no treaties or norms adequately discourage construction or use of these missiles. Thus, this thesis attempts to outline the serious security threat that is posed by ASAT missiles, particularly in regards to China.Show less
This thesis primary examines how historical memory in East Asia manifests itself into popular culture, specifically comic books. In both China and Japan there are many examples of media pertaining...Show moreThis thesis primary examines how historical memory in East Asia manifests itself into popular culture, specifically comic books. In both China and Japan there are many examples of media pertaining to national tragedy. These narratives often seek to educate their readership, in addition to entertaining readers. Historical comics are often overtly written with the aim of explaining or educating about national tragedies such as the Atomic Bombings in Japan and the Nanjing Massacre in China. This thesis seeks to position comic histories as a legitimate form of alternative historical narrative. Furthermore, it seeks to show that alternative narratives about national tragedy often align with or compliment canonical narratives within a nation-state.Show less
This thesis examines female consciousness and self-identity in six films by Chinese female directors from the Sixth Generation. This study compares three films from the independent sector to three...Show moreThis thesis examines female consciousness and self-identity in six films by Chinese female directors from the Sixth Generation. This study compares three films from the independent sector to three films from the commercial sector by using the method of social semiotics.Show less
Unlike the nineteenth century, the competition for power in Eurasia is increasingly fought between Russia and China. In turn, according to the prevailing neorealist discourse, these powers compete...Show moreUnlike the nineteenth century, the competition for power in Eurasia is increasingly fought between Russia and China. In turn, according to the prevailing neorealist discourse, these powers compete for security and economic influence in what is referred to as ‘the New Great Game’. In recent years, China is seen to increasingly tilt the balance of power from Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence towards Beijing – especially in the economic realm – with Russia attempting to retain its hegemonic position. Accordingly, a pressing question is what implications the spillover of this competition for hegemony in Central Asia has for Sino-Russian relations in the region’s most important multilateral organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. In this thesis the above query is assessed by three schools of thought: limitationism, alarmism and normalism. In scholarly discourse limitationist and alarmist discourses have been prevalent, but not entirely convincing, discussing the implications of the New Great Game on the SCO leadership. They have generally emphasised (and polarised) either the cooperative or the competitive nature of Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia’s and the SCO’s New Great Game scenario respectively. Conversely, the framework on which this thesis’ explanation of the Sino-Russian relations in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is based, is the altering balance of power, combined with dual cooperative and competitive Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia, as discerned by ‘normalists’. It can be concluded that analogous to their simultaneous converging and diverging interests in Central Asia at large, Sino-Russian relations in the SCO should be regarded as practical interrelations based on ‘complex reciprocity’ (Yu 2007, 79). They are a tacit compromise to, ultimately, let the SCO function as an satisfactory diplomatic forum where Moscow and Beijing can regulate the New Great Game: their relations in CA, China’s rise and Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence.Show less
Research master thesis | Middle Eastern Studies (research) (MA)
open access
This paper seeks to unpick what the term Pax Mongolica actually means and to decide whether or not it is a suitable term to be used in a historical sense. A brief look at the historiographical...Show moreThis paper seeks to unpick what the term Pax Mongolica actually means and to decide whether or not it is a suitable term to be used in a historical sense. A brief look at the historiographical context for this term and how the Mongols' public image has begun to change precede an analysis of sources from across the Mongol world in order to try to find out what Mongol rule meant to contemporaries. Tackling this issue via Persian, European, and non-Muslim sources from Armenia, Georgia and Iraq helps to provide a balanced view of the Mongols across time and space. Each chapter looks at a collection of sources for a picture of initial Mongol destruction to see how far territories under their control could have recovered, before moving on to address the burdens and benefits of Mongol rule for those they conquered. The chapters then end with a quick look at travel and trade (the pillars which Pax Mongolica is built on) across various regions and time periods. An analysis of each set of sources follows per chapter, with potted source studies to begin with for a frame of reference. Finally, a broader overview determining the existence or extent of Pax Mongolica is provided in the conclusion with some suggestions with how to move forward in the historical discourse.Show less
