The policies of a country play an integral part in understanding the basic principles by which society is guided, as well as how a government determines courses of action for the population. The...Show moreThe policies of a country play an integral part in understanding the basic principles by which society is guided, as well as how a government determines courses of action for the population. The focus of this thesis falls on the Uyghur minority in Xinjiang, and their relationship with the Chinese government and ethnic policies. Additionally, the way these policies specifically target the Uyghur minority and the effects they have on the group’s assimilation into the core Chinese society. This requires the analysis of three policies implemented by the Chinese government which directly influence the Uyghur population; language, education and child bearing policies.Show less
This study attempts to explore how nationalism plays a role when foreign brands make its entrance into the Chinese market. It examines different kinds of nationalism, e.g. state- nationalism,...Show moreThis study attempts to explore how nationalism plays a role when foreign brands make its entrance into the Chinese market. It examines different kinds of nationalism, e.g. state- nationalism, popular nationalism and the shift towards digital nationalism. Furthermore, it explores how Public Relations (PR) work in China and what foreign brands need to be keep in mind when they want to expand their brand to China. A case study will be conducted in this research regarding the PR disaster of Dolce & Gabbana. This case study uses a visual semiotic analysis to analyze D&G Advertisement. The findings of the analyses highlight how a certain sign that is used in the discourse can be received wrong to the Chinese people and to its nation.Show less
As Chinese domestic tourism to Tibet continues to grow, understanding the mechanisms and ‘effects’ of such ethnic tourism becomes increasingly important. The historical story of the marriage...Show moreAs Chinese domestic tourism to Tibet continues to grow, understanding the mechanisms and ‘effects’ of such ethnic tourism becomes increasingly important. The historical story of the marriage between the Chinese princess Wencheng and the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo is commonly known in China and employed by the Chinese government to legitimize their modern rule over Tibet. This study uses Critical Discourse Analysis to research a theater play of this story, and the presence of this story in Tibet’s many tourist sites. The results of the analysis reveal a process that shows how state-directed stories could become commonly regarded as ‘true’, with tourism as the primary vehicle to advance such a process. I argue that such a process can be found in other cases as well, and is not unique to the story of princess Wencheng.Show less
This Bachelor Thesis explores the Chinese strategy "Peaceful Rise" under the Chinese President Xi Jinping as perceived and expressed by the German chancellor Angela Merkel in her speeches from 2014...Show moreThis Bachelor Thesis explores the Chinese strategy "Peaceful Rise" under the Chinese President Xi Jinping as perceived and expressed by the German chancellor Angela Merkel in her speeches from 2014 until April 2019. The study was conducted through a frame analysis in the context of the Shannon and Weaver communication model. The speeches were chosen according to the occurence of the keyword "China" (mentioned at least four times). The four frames identified in the official political speeches are (1) China as an opportunity, (2) China as a global power, (3) China as a role model, and (4) China as a threat. In the context of previous research, economic cooperation remained the main factor in advancing diplomatic relations between Germany and China. Chinese competition in regards to financial institutions (AIIB) and the Emission Trading System (ETS) were presented under the "China as a threat" frame by Angela Merkel. A possible explanation is the shortfall or missing initiatives in those aspects by the European and/or German institutions. More so, this research suggests to expand the term smart power by the elements of normative power in the context of the Chinese development. To expand on this thesis, further research is recommended in regards to the Chinese culture as perceived abroad. Furthermore, a media perspective could give insights about the question, whether political and media publications differ in their perception on the Chinese "Peaceful Rise" and analyze which medium is more effective in addressing the audience.Show less
In January 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping commemorated the 40th anniversary of the historical 'Message to Compatriots in Taiwan' with a speech that reiterated that Taiwan's sole sovereign...Show moreIn January 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping commemorated the 40th anniversary of the historical 'Message to Compatriots in Taiwan' with a speech that reiterated that Taiwan's sole sovereign government is that of the People's Republic of China and that Taiwan must reunify with China as such. Xi's speech was celebrated in the Chinese state media but heavily criticised in the Taiwanese news. This thesis looks at Chinese official discourse in both official speeches and state-owned newspaper articles and argues the close relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese state media allows for the unified promotion of the 'one China' principle in order to justify increasingly aggressive cross-strait rhetoric and policy.Show less
The general scientific consensus is that climate change is a significant issue due to human activity. However, from a social problems perspective, climate change is only significant if people think...Show moreThe general scientific consensus is that climate change is a significant issue due to human activity. However, from a social problems perspective, climate change is only significant if people think it is. Hence, the way their perception is influenced determines the urgency to solve it. This research examines how American documentaries attempt to influence this perception through the narrative of their story. The case studies are selected based on their popularity, commercial success and unique perspective. Framing analysis is applied to categorise the arguments. The sequence protocol prepares the film material for analysis. Modes of documentary filmmaking is used to examine the style of presentation. Each method is applied in a separate viewing, resulting in three analytical viewings for each film. The results show that American documentaries present climate change as urgent with potential disastrous consequences. An Inconvenient Truth: A Global Warning(AIT, 2006) emphasises the responsibility of government and each individual citizen. Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret(CWS, 2014) emphasises the lack of transparency in government and environmental organisations. Before the Flood(BTF, 2016) emphasises how consumer behaviour and a carbon tax can solve the problem. The difference lies in identifying the leading cause of climate change and suggested solutions. AIT identifies fossil fuel energy source technology as the main cause. It thoroughly explains the cause and justification, with little attention to solutions. CWS argues that animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change and pays more attention to solutions based on this cause. BTF identifies all the causes mentioned in AIT and CWS and suggests a carbon tax as part of the solution. The common factor, however, lies in their style of presentation. Each documentary integrates the issue into their own personal story and narrates the climate change story from that perspective. This research illustrates how American documentaries attempt to influence viewers on climate change. Influencing each other on how we view climate change, is influencing climate change.Show less
The development of digital media provides audiences easier access to information from multiple sources. In the past decades, with the popularization of the internet, the emergence of social media...Show moreThe development of digital media provides audiences easier access to information from multiple sources. In the past decades, with the popularization of the internet, the emergence of social media and the fast increasing number of users have become a social phenomenon around the world. In particular, China as a country with its isolated internet has developed its own social media platforms which under a system with strong state control and censorship. Apart from strong state control, Chinese social media platforms gradually take the role of reflecting public opinions through an online discussion about political or social issues. As one of the largest social media platforms in China, Sina Weibo plays a remarkable role in online discussion and governmental supervision. This thesis particularly analyzes Sina Weibo’s role in an online social discussion regarding homosexuality and homosexual people in China, in order to understand the role of Sina Weibo in online discourses regarding a moral issue, and to further investigate the implication for online social discussions. The role taken by Sina Weibo can thus be argued as “strategic positions to survive”, based on the relation with the users and Chinese authorities. In this case, a power relation among Weibo users, Chinese authorities and Weibo users could also be conducted from research findings.Show less
The events of the 9/11 and the beginning of the global war on terror increased the securitization of Islamist terrorism in political discourses in order to justify the enactment of exceptional...Show moreThe events of the 9/11 and the beginning of the global war on terror increased the securitization of Islamist terrorism in political discourses in order to justify the enactment of exceptional measures by governments. Although being situated on the two extreme ends of the political spectrum, both French and Chinese governments engage in the securitization of Islamist terrorism. This thesis analyses how political discourses securitize Islamist terrorism comparatively in China and France. It relies on critical discourse analysis to analyze political discursive securitizing practices while situating textual elements in historical backgrounds to further understand securitization. Finally, it compares securitizations in China and France by highlighting the similarities and the differences between processes in both countries.Show less
The role of the woman in urban Chinese society has evolved since the socialist era, when Mao was striking for a genderless society. Today, gender roles are defined in a societal framework and...Show moreThe role of the woman in urban Chinese society has evolved since the socialist era, when Mao was striking for a genderless society. Today, gender roles are defined in a societal framework and Chinese women are facing discrimination and pressures at all levels. Media in China is known to be the main source that promotes Chinese societal values, in accordance with the party’s ideology. Previous research finds that the representation of Chinese women in media with a feminist approach is an underdeveloped topic, thus not focusing on the emancipation of these women. This thesis focuses on how urban Chinese women are portrayed in Chinese media, and more particularly in Television Dramas. Conducting an analysis of the Chinese produced television series Ode to Joy (欢乐颂) through the lens of four Feminist Film Theories; the male gaze, the female voice, the female as a sign, and the female spectator, the thesis shows how this chosen case study represents the emancipation of urban Chinese women in regards to romantic relationships, professional career and gendered expectations. Moreover, it relates this representation to the existing discourse in China's urban areas.Show less
This research analyses three speeches by President Xi Jinping to examine the narrative he creates around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The outcome of the study is twofold. Firstly, the...Show moreThis research analyses three speeches by President Xi Jinping to examine the narrative he creates around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The outcome of the study is twofold. Firstly, the findings suggest that the Chinese government creates a narrative of continuity in China’s foreign policy by appealing to China’s soft power, including Chinese history and cultural values. Second, the speeches form an invitation to the world to adhere to China’s principles and follow its path of development.Show less
