In the contemporary age, e-governance as an approach to urban politics aims at strengthening the connectivity amongst various stakeholders. Avenues for discourse between governments and the public...Show moreIn the contemporary age, e-governance as an approach to urban politics aims at strengthening the connectivity amongst various stakeholders. Avenues for discourse between governments and the public are provided through digital platforms. This is done with the intent of establishing a citizen-centric environment. In South Korea, succeeding democratization in the late 1970s and 1980s, citizens as integral to public administration came to the forefront in contemporary urban life. Seoul and Incheon represent two major smart cities, for which digital technologies are the foundation. In South Korea, swift developments in e-governance have consequently resulted in a research gap. To challenge this, the study considers the primary digital government platforms of Seoul and Incheon. Through a content analysis, the effectiveness of the platforms in building social capital and citizen-centricity is deduced. Then, the outcome is interpreted through a revised ladder of citizen participation. The results signify various opportunities and flaws in its e-governance. In Seoul, connectivity as a means of boosting civic empowerment is addressed effectively. Still, citizens are limited in the co-creation process of daily urban policies. In Incheon, basic elements of open data and communication are addressed. Yet, consequences of citizen’s input remain largely unaddressed. South Korean policy makers may therefore take note of these repercussions to establish a more effective and efficient digital platform apparatus.Show less
The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how...Show moreThe thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how these frameworks have adapted to technological innovations and assesses their impact on the development and stability of the fintech sector. The study reveals a transition from initial regulatory leniency to increased oversight in P2P lending and details the evolving regulatory environment of crowdfunding. By examining these sectors, the thesis sheds light on the interplay between regulation, technological innovation, and the broader economic and political context, contributing to both academic research and practical policy-making in the fintech field.Show less
This thesis investigates the visual promotion of government-constructed female identities and addresses the question of how the North Korean government visually constructs the ideal female citizen....Show moreThis thesis investigates the visual promotion of government-constructed female identities and addresses the question of how the North Korean government visually constructs the ideal female citizen. It does so to uncover the underlying narratives that the North Korean state seeks to promote about womanhood, national identity, and allegiance to the regime. It conducts extensive literature research on the current field of study to generate theories and variables to test. Using a mixed methods approach, it examines 130 North Korean propaganda posters and 272 depicted characters between 2000-2010. This study finds that the posters greatly emphasise a dichotomy between male and female duties and characteristics. The North Korean regime employs diverse strategies in symbolism and composition that equate most female identities to docile and demure and put them in charge of delegating traditional culture. It can be interpreted that the regime seeks to visualise nationalised womanhood that connects the citizens through tradition, culture, and community.Show less
This thesis explores Bollywood's homogenizing potential through the lens of "soft power," positing Bollywood as a national conduit that obscures the hegemonic tendencies of the BJP and Prime...Show moreThis thesis explores Bollywood's homogenizing potential through the lens of "soft power," positing Bollywood as a national conduit that obscures the hegemonic tendencies of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The analysis is focused on the function of Bollywood as a platform for promoting and perpetuating dominant national narratives and cultural norms, thereby discrediting minority considerations. In addition, this research shall expand its scope to explore developments in celebrity discourses and the growing politicization of social media. Through these inquiries, the thesis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influence of Bollywood on Indian society and politics.Show less
South Korea, Japan, and China are struggling with loneliness in their respective societies. As prolonged feelings of loneliness can have large and lasting consequences for one’s health, it should...Show moreSouth Korea, Japan, and China are struggling with loneliness in their respective societies. As prolonged feelings of loneliness can have large and lasting consequences for one’s health, it should be avoided at all costs. People found solace in watching livestreams; the streams are very personal and it feels like the hosts are in the room with you. In South Korea, mukbangs became popular as more and more people are living in single-person households and therefore more frequently eat alone as well. VTubers made it possible for Japanese people to interact with anime characters, giving life to large communities as a growing number of people are looking at technology to fulfill their social needs. Nǚ zhǔ bō streams provided young Chinese men that are unable to find real girlfriends a virtual girlfriend experience. Livestreaming is a breeding ground for parasocial relationships, as the relationship between streamer and viewer feels very intimate and real. Ideally would viewers find comfort in the company not of the streamers, but in the community as a whole, in which actual meaningful relationships can be formed.Show less
Using hitherto unexplored archival materials, this study explores the extended negotiations leading to the 1972 Dutch-Sino joint communique in which the exchange of embassies was settled. It...Show moreUsing hitherto unexplored archival materials, this study explores the extended negotiations leading to the 1972 Dutch-Sino joint communique in which the exchange of embassies was settled. It identifies two accelerators and hurdles in the process. Richard Nixon's 1971 visit announcement initiated talks between the Netherlands and the PRC, while the PRC’s admission to the UN removed an important difficulty in their bilateral ties. Hurdles arose during discussions on how to communicate the elevation of bilateral ties to the ambassadorial level and on the formal language regarding Taiwan in the joint communique. The addition of the 'anti-Brezhnev doctrine' showcased the Netherlands' departure from the Brezhnev Doctrine, emphasizing peaceful coexistence. Beyond the negotiation intricacies, the study highlights the agency of smaller states. The Netherlands intentionally deviated from U.S. foreign policy in the UN-vote on Chinese representation and included discussions with Romania on European security and limiting superpower actions in its negotiations with China.Show less
This study explores the role of the qipao in shaping the representation and perception of Chinese women’s modern cultural identity during the early twentieth century. In a period of societal...Show moreThis study explores the role of the qipao in shaping the representation and perception of Chinese women’s modern cultural identity during the early twentieth century. In a period of societal instability, Chinese women sought a modern identity that harmonized with their cultural values. Utilizing visual research and literature analysis, the research underscores the qipao’s significance as both a tool and a symbol in popular visual culture forming women’s identities. Emphasizing the socio-historical context, the study highlights the qipao’s role as a bridge between tradition and modernization in Shanghai’s cosmopolitan environment. Through magazines, calendar posters, and cinema, the qipao emerges as a dynamic cultural dress, influencing representations and perceptions of the modern woman’s cultural identity.Show less