In light of recent debates on post-truth politics within a discourse of populism, and a socio-political American zeitgeist of uncertainty and ambiguity, questions arise considering the recent...Show moreIn light of recent debates on post-truth politics within a discourse of populism, and a socio-political American zeitgeist of uncertainty and ambiguity, questions arise considering the recent dramatic interpretations of this socio-political atmosphere. In an attempt to highlight the complex nexus between visual culture and politics, this thesis examines this intersection between culture and politics using the American political climate as a case study of a larger global political trend of democracy fatigue, post-truth politics, and populist discourses. This thesis sheds light on the hopeful and critical postmodern dramatic storytelling that illustrates the importance of critical drama within a contemporary post-truth American socio-political sphere. As there has been a longstanding academic focus on the authoritative accounts in cinema and television, particularly in a post 9/11 context, this study embraces a discourse analysis that is concerned with how such accounts are ‘contested’. Drawing on a postmodern theoretical framework and HBO’s The Night Of, this thesis offers a fresh analysis of post-truth politics and the ability of visual culture to present and highlight a disillusionment with political currents.Show less
In the late 20th century it was thought that religion and idea of nation-state would disappear from the scene of world politics. However, the contrary process took place and neither the idea of the...Show moreIn the late 20th century it was thought that religion and idea of nation-state would disappear from the scene of world politics. However, the contrary process took place and neither the idea of the nation nor of the religion has faded away. This thesis aims to examine complex history of Islam in Georgia and recent trends in the development of nationalism and the rise of the religious affiliations amongst both Christian and Muslim Georgians. Consequently, this thesis explores the existing narratives about Georgian Muslims and finds that the notion of ‘Georgianness’ is linked to Orthodox Christianity and that this idea has a long history.Show less
This thesis is a study of the phenomenon of nation branding and how the concept has been applied in the Republic of Kosovo. In a world where countries compete with one another, where having a good...Show moreThis thesis is a study of the phenomenon of nation branding and how the concept has been applied in the Republic of Kosovo. In a world where countries compete with one another, where having a good image internationally is seen as an important element, nation branding can serve as a good strategy. However, over the last decade, the concept of ‘nation branding’ has been emerging rapidly and at the same time, it has also faced criticism among scholars. Nation branding is a strategy that governments take in order to create and improve the image of their nation in the eyes of the world. Therefore, when the government of Kosovo launched the nation branding campaign ‘Kosovo – The Young Europeans’ the purpose was to represent the youth of Kosovo and positively brand the image of the country. The campaign in itself brought mix feelings and different views among people. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to find out what is the impression of Kosovars regarding this initiative. What are their thoughts about the campaign? Did it have an impact? Nine interviews have been conducted for the purpose of this research. Whether the campaign had an impact, whether it brought something new or whether it was worth the money, these are some of the questions that were asked to the respondents.Show less
This thesis provides an analysis of the use of language within the collective memory of 9/11. It studies different commemorative areas -the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, presidential...Show moreThis thesis provides an analysis of the use of language within the collective memory of 9/11. It studies different commemorative areas -the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, presidential speeches, and 9/11 documentaries- through a discourse analysis in order to establish the dominant discourse of 9/11.Show less
A study of the 2016 movement against the "Loi Tavail" in France through the lenses of aesthetics and geography. This works tries to shed light on the prefigurative politics of the anticapitalist...Show moreA study of the 2016 movement against the "Loi Tavail" in France through the lenses of aesthetics and geography. This works tries to shed light on the prefigurative politics of the anticapitalist movement.Show less
American superhero films have become a more popular genre in the film industry after September 11. The narrative structure has largely been the same since the start of comic books in the 1930’s;...Show moreAmerican superhero films have become a more popular genre in the film industry after September 11. The narrative structure has largely been the same since the start of comic books in the 1930’s; there is a bad guy who causes trouble, countered by a hero to save the day. The film industries basing themselves on comics serves entertainment purposes, but can they also be seen as something more politically relevant? American foreign policies have focused on the ‘war on terror’ after the September 11 terrorist attacks and an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ rhetoric has been more present ever since. The ‘axis of evil’ speeches of former president Bush jr. have been televised globally, and this mantra of ‘outsiders are enemies’ is continuously echoed in the current “from now on it will be America first” tactics of president Trump (and many more politicians worldwide). A binary division is not new in the history of mankind, especially when one examines the colonialism and imperialism of the West of past centuries. Its aftermath still has dire consequences for minorities, and it is relevant to examine whether popular culture reflects and comments on this. This thesis will analyse whether and to what extent certain policy trends and historical events are mimicked or reprimanded in the characters and narratives of box office hits of the Marvel and DC superhero films. This thesis will discuss the narratives of superhero films and their portrayal of characters with a relationship parallel to some of the American (foreign) policies of the past decades. It is important to consider to what extent government propaganda is reflected in this form of popular culture that both have a global reach and possibly extensive effects. In short, to what extent do the films reflect the fear of the ‘other’ and portray the gap between ‘us’ (heroes) and ‘the other’ (villains), and can we elucidate a tangible change in the these processes in the 2001-now timeframe?Show less
This research examines the role of Cryptography in altering the power relations between the State and its citizens in relation to both privacy and economics. As Cryptography has become stronger...Show moreThis research examines the role of Cryptography in altering the power relations between the State and its citizens in relation to both privacy and economics. As Cryptography has become stronger with the rise of the computer age the ability to hide oneself has accompanied it, however, this has also allowed for stronger surveillance techniques from the State as well. The debate between the privacy of citizens against the security of the State and its peoples have accompanied this debate since the rise of advanced Cryptology since the 1960’s. The Crypto Anarchist ideology has also grown with these advances and their battle against the State has been key in disseminating the ideas of privacy for oneself. In recent years, Crypto Anarchist’s have achieved their goal of a Peer-To-Peer decentralised currency by the name of Bitcoin. This has revitalised the movement and is another example of Crypto Anarchists attempting to wrestle back individual citizen’s control against that of the State. This paper will examine this understudied ideology and examine the battle that continues to this day between Crypto Anarchist’s, the State and its citizens.Show less
Narratives in public discourse in Poland as reaction to the recent international media publications. To what extent did the narrative of public discourse in Poland change with regard to the...Show moreNarratives in public discourse in Poland as reaction to the recent international media publications. To what extent did the narrative of public discourse in Poland change with regard to the discourse of national identity and the perception of the European Union between accession to the European Union and recent political developments in 2018?Show less
Muslims form the largest minority in India, making up for approximately 13% of the total population of India. However, Muslims are also victim to the stereotypes which the Bollywood film industry...Show moreMuslims form the largest minority in India, making up for approximately 13% of the total population of India. However, Muslims are also victim to the stereotypes which the Bollywood film industry reproduces. Cinema is a form of mass media, which can play a large role in the formation of someone’s opinion. With the increase of electronic mass media, and the availability of internet worldwide, the influence of cinema is greater than ever. Cinema has proven to be one of the most influential instruments in popular culture for shaping current trends. Due to its large influence on both culture and mind-set, cinema also serves as a mean for politicians to affect the values of the civilization. Taking into account the growing influence of cinema on both ‘public opinion’ and politics, the stereotyping of Muslims could have a negative influence on the public image of Muslims worldwide. This thesis will address the following hypothesis: The representation of Muslims in popular Bollywood cinema conforms to stereotypes and constructs their identity in a negative manner.Show less
Climate change is a controversial concept. While in the US the debate is ongoing to whether it is caused by humans, in India anthropogenic climate change is largely endorsed. Here, the dispute...Show moreClimate change is a controversial concept. While in the US the debate is ongoing to whether it is caused by humans, in India anthropogenic climate change is largely endorsed. Here, the dispute concerns the question of responsibility; they are engaged in a debate dealing with the issue of historical versus current emissions, and the concept of equity and climate justice. Media coverage of climate change in India has changed largely over the years. Firstly dominated by the concept of carbon colonialism and a nationalist discourse, it gradually shifted towards a co-benefits approach and green growth narrative. Whereas in the early 2000’s media coverage was largely framed along a risk-responsibility and North-South divide, with the Copenhagen summit in 2009 the narrative had become more nuanced and India’s growing emissions were no longer ignored. During the negotiations in Paris, both the risk-responsibility as well as the North-South divide could be observed again and much attention was given to India’s vulnerability to climate change.Show less
This thesis aims at analysing the foreign policy paradigm shift that happened in India in the post-liberalisation period, by focusing on the transformation of the non-alignment strategy towards a...Show moreThis thesis aims at analysing the foreign policy paradigm shift that happened in India in the post-liberalisation period, by focusing on the transformation of the non-alignment strategy towards a multi-alignment strategy in order for India to preserve and further its economic interests, but also its maritime and energy security through various strategic partnerships and joint military action with the example of the Look East/Act East Policy, or the Indo-US nuclear deal.Show less
