This thesis discusses the human security of women in Okinawa, as they live alongside US military bases, through a critical feminist analysis of Japan-US security agreements. Ultimately, this thesis...Show moreThis thesis discusses the human security of women in Okinawa, as they live alongside US military bases, through a critical feminist analysis of Japan-US security agreements. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that the security of women in Okinawa is deemed secondary to both Japan's national interests and the US' national interests, and, thus, the security agreements between these two countries pose an active risk to the everyday security of women in Okinawa.Show less
In the nuclear age, Japan’s diplomacy surrounding nuclear weapons has provided a compelling paradox. On the one hand, the deterrence theory under the U.S. nuclear umbrella has been central to Japan...Show moreIn the nuclear age, Japan’s diplomacy surrounding nuclear weapons has provided a compelling paradox. On the one hand, the deterrence theory under the U.S. nuclear umbrella has been central to Japan’s security policy. On the other hand, Japan has proven to be extensively involved in promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in the global system. This is especially the case under the current Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida’s term, during which he made it a priority. These intentions will be thematically analysed in his speech at the Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and from the G7 Leaders Hiroshima Vision on nuclear disarmament. However, global geopolitical tensions and increasing regional security concerns have led some to believe Japan’s approach to nuclear weapons and its security alliance with the U.S. will have to evolve. Consequently, this paper will examine the intersection of neo-realism and neo-liberalism to understand Japan’s position and prospects.Show less
This thesis focuses on Dutch foreign policy towards Japan during the tumultuous Bakumatsu Period (1853-1868) and situates said foreign policy within the broader context of Dutch neutrality and...Show moreThis thesis focuses on Dutch foreign policy towards Japan during the tumultuous Bakumatsu Period (1853-1868) and situates said foreign policy within the broader context of Dutch neutrality and imperialism of the nineteenth century. The study concludes that even though the Dutch government viewed the Netherlands as a small power in Europe, it was a large imperial power in Asia, and as such it had to pursue active foreign policy in East/Southeast Asia to protect Dutch interests in light of encroaching Western imperialism in the region. Contrary to previous studies, this thesis argues that Dutch neutrality did not imply passivity, but instead proved to be a unique form of Dutch foreign policy amidst larger imperial powers and Japan, in which the ingenuity, character and actions of Dutch actors in Japan was crucial.Show less
This paper provides insight into the nature of Sino-Cambodian relations in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative and a country-specific perspective through a research method based on...Show moreThis paper provides insight into the nature of Sino-Cambodian relations in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative and a country-specific perspective through a research method based on empirical findings and academic debates within the secondary literature on this topic and its research objectives. It has analysed and compared various perceptions on Cambodia’s ruling party and its motives to engage with China economically and politically through the BRI. This has been supported by the acquired facts on Cambodia’s crackdown on the opposition, the events surrounding the 2018 elections, client- patron structures, and trends of political and economic reliance. Furthermore, to acquire data of public opinion on Hun Sen’s increased cooperation with China, this paper has analysed Cambodian opinion pieces on Sino-Cambodian relations using interpretive, qualitative content analysis. It has therefore conducted an analysis of Cambodia’s ruling party, its objectives, and the implications for the political environment viewing China’s active role in providing political and economic support through the BRI. Consequently, this paper has found that Chinese aid and investments have been important to Hun Sen’s government in containing the opposition through political and media repression. Through the BRI, China’s non- interfering aid and investments enabled the ruling party to use more authoritarian measures against a growing political resistance.Show less
