Economic development and nationalism are deeply connected topics. This thesis will research the utilization of historical aspects of Indian nationalism and the Indian national identity in the...Show moreEconomic development and nationalism are deeply connected topics. This thesis will research the utilization of historical aspects of Indian nationalism and the Indian national identity in the discourse on economic development. By utilizing a framework that is based on the reiteration, recapture, reinterpretation and repudiation of historical aspects with in the discourse on economic development this thesis is arguing that PM Modi is mobilizing nationalism in order to aid his development plan. By researching how the PM is addressing difference audiences this thesis shows how there is not one single nationalism/ national identity but multiple and these can be used to reach specific goals. By applying an established framework on a new region this thesis ties to open up the discussion of contemporary nationalism and engage with the question of western vs eastern nationalism.Show less
The adversity of heritage designation is one of the major topics discussed in the critical heritage discourse. Enlistment can become a competition, establishing a hierarchy for heritage based on...Show moreThe adversity of heritage designation is one of the major topics discussed in the critical heritage discourse. Enlistment can become a competition, establishing a hierarchy for heritage based on evaluation. The system is structured on exclusion, giving indeterminate criteria of values to phenomena to decontextualize its immediate surroundings and recontextualize them in reference to previous listings with the purpose of profit and attention to the notion of safeguarding. Especially in enlisting performative practices as intangible heritage properties, a problem can be seen in recording a fixed, standardized form of the performance in a certain moment in time. Following researchers responsible for providing descriptions in order to enlist properties, emphasis is placed rather on artistic aspects than on tracing original functionality and development. Well-intentioned but restrictive preservation efforts can result in shaping vibrant performative practices into “stale, taxidermized re-enactments” or highly staged performances. The repetition of a standard form is established in the process of nomination, fixed in designation, and consolidated and conveyed in transmission. Salpuri-chum, a spiritually functional dance, has been encapsulated in temporal stylistic descriptions and adapted to be performed by highly trained professional dancers for foremost representative and promotional purposes as a distinct display of Korean traditional culture.Show less
This thesis focuses on inspecting the special, unrestrained, and independent freedom of the city of Vārāṇasī through Viśvanāth Mukharjī’s Hindi-language book “Banā Rahe Banāras” (1958).
K-pop has gained global recognition on a previously unknown level. K-pop artists are flying out to locations on every continent for events and concerts and are met with legions of adoring fans....Show moreK-pop has gained global recognition on a previously unknown level. K-pop artists are flying out to locations on every continent for events and concerts and are met with legions of adoring fans. Despite the language barrier and culture-difference, these fans feel nothing but understanding and excitement upon interaction with their favourite band. But the rise to the global stage has not been without obstacles. When the eyes of the world are on you, that means one is subjected to a myriad of cultural perspectives, many of which will inevitably clash with your own. In this scenario, cultural faux passes, or worse, are inevitable. Global fans, confronted with these instances, have reacted in various ways, ranging from witch hunts to blind defense. Knowing they have global fans should have made them more aware, is one of the sentiments, whereas another vocal group points out that perhaps cultural differences are to blame. Based on a review of the theory of parasocial interaction by Horton and Wohl (1956), two surveys were conducted. A quantitative survey was conducted among 328 respondents in the period of April 2020 to May 2020. Following the emergence of K-pop as a hot topic during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, a list of 15 open-ended questions was distributed in June 2020 among 26 respondents to gain more qualitative commentary to function as contrast and illustration to the survey’s results. Results showed a disconnect between the real-life experiences of the participants of the qualitative survey, and the numerical results of the quantitative survey, with the first suggesting a high level of parasocial attachment, and the latter a negligible level. Most important is the clear outcome that fans demand social action from their idols in return for their emotional labour as fans, as illustrated by the events involving K-pop fans during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Further research is needed to fully reconcile the results, and keep an eye on the development of K-pop and its fandom among social movements.Show less
This thesis identifies the ideals of risshin shusse ("Rising in the world") as portrayed within Meiji period sugoroku boardgames targeted at elementary school students. It compares the actual...Show moreThis thesis identifies the ideals of risshin shusse ("Rising in the world") as portrayed within Meiji period sugoroku boardgames targeted at elementary school students. It compares the actual realities of children at the time to that which is portrayed in the sugoroku and places the primary sources in their historical context.Show less
This thesis considers Indisch-ness (a state of Indisch belongingness) as a phenomenon of cultural consciousness that is exhibited and communicated through word of mouth. Eurocentric...Show moreThis thesis considers Indisch-ness (a state of Indisch belongingness) as a phenomenon of cultural consciousness that is exhibited and communicated through word of mouth. Eurocentric historiographies, the silencing by the first-generation, and misperceptions of cultural definitions are a few reasons why defining Indisch-ness will remain problematic and incomplete. After identifying the gaps in the literature on Indo-European identity, the investigation draws attention to the experimental nature of combining oral-photographic interviewing with photographic poetry research. The aim is to demonstrate how the (artistic) narrative transmissions of second and third-generation descendants can portray the individual experience of Indisch-ness. Narratives can be thought of as world recreations, a tool for revisiting the inaccessible past. As Indisch-ness is generally understood as a feeling of belongingness, the photographs involved rather became mnemonic pieces of evidence of their interpreted cultural unity. Therefore, this paper further explores the semiotics of sign recognition in common cultural representations as well. Although Indisch-ness remains largely indefinable, this study suggests a method to capture the narrative environment of the Indisch world in Dutch society.Show less
China and Europe have significantly expanded their economic relations in recent years. However, this cooperation has developed at a slower pace in the political realm. Both actors expressed their...Show moreChina and Europe have significantly expanded their economic relations in recent years. However, this cooperation has developed at a slower pace in the political realm. Both actors expressed their willingness to translate their economic ties into a “strategic partnership” which will allow China and Europe to represent more of a building blocks in the international system. The main narrative in the EU-China literature is that China and Europe are too ideologically distant and thus, they will never achieve a strong partnership that goes beyond economic cooperation. Moreover, the literature presents China as an assertive actor that is looking outward just to gain economic and political advantages and the sympathy of like-minded countries. It is not a surprise that when in March 2019 the Italian government decided to join China in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), The US and other major European countries have highly criticized Italy’s naïveté. Contributing to critical scholarship, this thesis engages in constructivist theory to analyse the different identities and normative drivers underlying European and Chinese BRI discourse. This thesis argues that European and Chinese identities are not fixed concepts and since the establishment of the BRI, Europe and China have presented themselves with divergent identities. This thesis aimed to provide an answer to the question why, and to what extent, Italian participation in the BRI proves that, despite some important normative differences that underline EU-China relations, in reality, EU members can overcome this identity clash and engage in a constructive dialogue with China that is neither detrimental nor dangerous for the EU. This thesis offers a contribution to the realist dominated BRI literature by outlining the constructivist forces that shape EU-China relations. The finding of this research add a constructivist voice to the ongoing debate around the BRIShow less
The Chinese Communist Party considers it its plight to modernize the country and make it a stable and innovative global competitor/leader with a well-backed middle class, while at the same time set...Show moreThe Chinese Communist Party considers it its plight to modernize the country and make it a stable and innovative global competitor/leader with a well-backed middle class, while at the same time set future technology standards. One aspect of such modernization is the technological development of the online gaming industry that has been growing almost exponentially in revenue over the last two decades and has plenty of room for further economic investment, technological standardization and norm setting. This thesis aims to find out how the Chinese government during Xi Jinping’s presidency has projected its national plans on the Chinese gaming industry. Its conclusion is based on a policy analysis of national plans that is supported by literature that address themes such as internet governance, soft power and nationalism.Show less
In this thesis, I will address the following research question: Do sarcastic and hiniku utterances without humoristic intent exist? I will explore the relationship between sarcasm, irony and humor...Show moreIn this thesis, I will address the following research question: Do sarcastic and hiniku utterances without humoristic intent exist? I will explore the relationship between sarcasm, irony and humor and hiniku and humor. More often than not, sarcastic utterances are known to have humoristic intent and make the listener and any outside observers laugh by playfully making fun of the listener, i.e. making a joke. Hiniku, the closest Japanese equivalent of sarcasm, has similar aspects for it makes fun of the addressee by criticizing him or her. I want to find out whether sarcasm and hiniku can be used without humoristic intent, i.e. the speaker does not want to be funny when he or she says something sarcastic or hiniku.Show less
This thesis analyzes the Chinese cultural exploration TV program 'National Treasure', which was popular for its introduction and promotion of museum collections (known as 'cultural relics' 文物 in...Show moreThis thesis analyzes the Chinese cultural exploration TV program 'National Treasure', which was popular for its introduction and promotion of museum collections (known as 'cultural relics' 文物 in China) as 'national treasures'. This thesis further investigates this program as a new means of Chinese identity construction by the Chinese government based on the 'Chinese Dream'（中国梦）discourse.Show less
This thesis explores the Dutch response to the human rights violations committed against the Uyghur people by the People’s Republic of China. By comparing the PRC’s human rights violations to those...Show moreThis thesis explores the Dutch response to the human rights violations committed against the Uyghur people by the People’s Republic of China. By comparing the PRC’s human rights violations to those committed by Myanmar and Venezuela, it contextualizes the response of the Dutch government. This research observes that the while the PRC has committed all major offenses of which Myanmar and Venezuela have been accused, and for which sanctions have been imposed upon the two states, the Dutch government appears unwilling to impose similar restrictions upon China. Though the assessment of government discourse and the incorporation of threat perception theory as a possible principle for explaining this inconsistency, the paper finds that China’s status as a great power, primarily its economic might, has kept the Dutch government from risking the ire of the PRC as long as it is not guaranteed to have the support of its allies in the European Union.Show less
This thesis researches how the concepts of tokenism and cultural memory are used to explain and strengthen the narrative of patriotic martyr Yu Kwansun as seemingly the sole important Korean female...Show moreThis thesis researches how the concepts of tokenism and cultural memory are used to explain and strengthen the narrative of patriotic martyr Yu Kwansun as seemingly the sole important Korean female resistance fighter in contemporary South Korean society. By critically analyzing the various South Korean school textbooks, online news articles, governmental weblogs, literature, memory sites, museum labels, cinematic texts and the presidential speech in 2019, it seems that Yu Kwansun has a more highlighted role in society compared to the other female historical figures who are portrayed in the history canon. The portrayal of Yu Kwansun as a token has the purpose of constructing the image of an inclusive society through history. While the narrative of Yu Kwansun in society might give the appearance of inclusivity, the narratives of other important historical female figures in Korean history are literally left in the background. (Korean) women in general are still viewed as a single entity and their accomplishments are often credited to the group instead of their own efforts. Ultimately, this thesis has shown how historical female figures are portrayed in contemporary society by focusing on the case study of Yu Kwansun.Show less
This thesis presents an analysis of the aims that (sections of) the Chinese government has expressed in the context of Djibouti, Senegal and Zambia and assesses the extent to which these expressed...Show moreThis thesis presents an analysis of the aims that (sections of) the Chinese government has expressed in the context of Djibouti, Senegal and Zambia and assesses the extent to which these expressed aims are viable. The findings suggest that although the expressed aims are viable, the viability these aims is constrained primarily by the lack of support from local populations.Show less
Looking at diplomatic gifts as not merely precious objects that are transported across the globe, but also as objects that were exchanged purposefully as part of the formation of early modern...Show moreLooking at diplomatic gifts as not merely precious objects that are transported across the globe, but also as objects that were exchanged purposefully as part of the formation of early modern connections, this thesis focuses on the study of gift-giving between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies. An analysis of the political relationship between the first ruler of Yogyakarta, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I (1717-92) and the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) reveals how material objects can be appropriated to create an agency for negotiation of greater political hegemony. In particular, the Sultan was able to create new symbolic meanings that legitimised his authority and power as a ruler in the eyes of his subjects through the gift, Kanjeng Nyai Jimat (royal coach), that was gifted by the Dutch after the Treaty of Giyanti in 1755. Despite its apparent foreign origin, the use of traditional concepts of power that are derived from the Javanese philosophy and cosmology had allowed the Sultan not only to carve an agency for himself but also to maintain the political hegemony of the royal family within Java up to this day.Show less
This thesis assesses the role and interaction of different actors in the redevelopment process for Kampong Bharu. The paper probes which factors have contributed to Kampong Bharu’s ability to...Show moreThis thesis assesses the role and interaction of different actors in the redevelopment process for Kampong Bharu. The paper probes which factors have contributed to Kampong Bharu’s ability to withstand redevelopment efforts. This paper argues that in spite of resident’s rhetoric, the process of redevelopment is not adequately explained as the local community challenging the power of the Malay state to preserve heritage over embracing modernity. Rather, it is better understood as a market exchange between group of individual residents who have not sold their land as they continue to seek a price which adequately compensates them for the inconvenience of moving, and for the likelihood that they will not be able to return.Show less
According to many scholars, the Chinese media increasingly subjugates women and depicts them in relation to marriage, and by extension home and motherhood. Women who do not adhere to these ideals,...Show moreAccording to many scholars, the Chinese media increasingly subjugates women and depicts them in relation to marriage, and by extension home and motherhood. Women who do not adhere to these ideals, are stigmatized by the media. At the same time, the media bestows men with important social roles and expectations. In my research, I investigated whether single men and single women are indeed depicted according to different standards.Show less
This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen protests and their violent crackdown in 1989. Since then, many of the Tiananmen activists succeeded in leaving their home country and settling...Show moreThis year marks the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen protests and their violent crackdown in 1989. Since then, many of the Tiananmen activists succeeded in leaving their home country and settling in the U.S., choosing the country known as one of the most prominent advocators for democracy (Béja 2003:440). In the U.S., individual activists as well as organized groups have lobbied for their interest of democratizing China, forming a movement that is called Overseas Chinese Democracy Movement (OCDM). The OCDM organizations have played a major role in influencing bilateral relations between the U.S. and China (Chen 2014a:1). However, observers around the world have witnessed in recent years that governments have increasingly opposed democracy and rights organizations, constraining organizations’ activities by erecting legal barriers (Wolff & Poppe 2015:i). This phenomenon is called the “Closing Space phenomenon” (ibid.) and describes the growing resistance against democracy and human rights promotion. Closing Space has been mostly studied in authoritarian and semi-authoritarian countries, yet scholars have noted a similar trend in some democratic countries, including the U.S. (Celermajer & Avnon 2019:674). Thus, the question is whether the U.S. government still supports groups promoting democracy in China, or whether it has also started to oppose democracy and rights organizations such as those of the OCDM. Currently, there is a major research gap on a potential Closing Space in the U.S. This means that a potential increasingly hostile political and civil climate is not addressed nor understood by academia. This lack of knowledge can contribute to a fundamental erosion of civil society organizations which provide essential democracy and rights advocacy both within and outside the U.S. With regards to OCDM organizations1, increasing barriers to their work can lead to very tangible deteriorations of human rights in China. By investigating the Closing Space phenomenon in the U.S., we can better understand which challenges U.S. based human rights organizations face. With regards to the current power struggles between the central Chinese government and democracy activists in Hong Kong, as well as continuing human rights violations against Uighur minorities in Xinjiang, the question of democracy and human rights in China is more relevant than ever. Hence, OCDM organizations’ relentless fight for democracy and human rights in China is of utmost significance. By raising this research problem, the thesis aims to target two underserved bodies of literature: first, the Closing Space phenomenon in democracies such as the U.S. (Chaudhry & Heiss 2018), and second, theoretical research on the OCDM and its members (Chen 2018:110). Scholarly literature on civil society organizations reflects three major perspectives, namely Social Movement Theory, Political Opportunity Structure, and the Closing Space phenomenon. These research fields provide valuable insight, especially in understanding social movements as “collective efforts to pursue [common] interests” (Flacks 2004:135), viewing political opportunity structures as ‘filters’ between movement mobilization and the choice of strategies and movement impact (Kitschelt 1986:59, Teräväinen 2010:197), as well as the Closing Space phenomenon that sees the recent assertive pushback against democracy and human rights advocacy as a defensive reaction of mostly authoritarian leaders that fear popular uprisings (Carothers 2016:358, 364). Despite providing key insights, these bodies of literature do not provide a satisfactory understanding of current challenges faced by democracy and rights organizations in the U.S. This master thesis will address this research gap and contribute to an improved understanding of OCDM organizations’ struggles specifically and research on Closing Space and POS more generally. The thesis argues that the Closing Space concept offers a valuable advancement of POS theory as it overcomes the structural determinism of POS and acknowledges organizations’ individual differences and subjective interpretations.Show less
