The 2001 war in the Islamic State of Afghanistan has devastated the lives and livelihoods of millions of Afghans, and drew in the international community in the pursuit of establishing a peaceful...Show moreThe 2001 war in the Islamic State of Afghanistan has devastated the lives and livelihoods of millions of Afghans, and drew in the international community in the pursuit of establishing a peaceful Afghanistan. On the 29th of February 2020, the US and the Taliban signed an agreement to bring peace to Afghanistan, the Doha Agreement. While the peace developments remain in uncharted territory, China has been taken on a more prominent role in supporting the peace processes in Afghanistan by facilitating peace talks, fostering regional cooperation through the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA). Then, how is China’s broader engagement in Afghanistan contributing to the peacebuilding processes in Afghanistan? By using a combined approach to peacebuilding, this research reviews China's contribution in the dimensions of jump-starting the national economy, re-establishing the framework of governance, repairing key transportation, communication and utility networks, rebuilding key social infrastructure, assisting local population, demine where applicable and normalise financial borrowing and the Chinese behaviour toward the non-state armed actor, the Taliban. This research concludes that China's involvement does not conclusively contribute to, nor hinder, the peacebuilding efforts. Rather, China’s contributions to the Afghan peace occur largely in the economic sphere, through investment in Afghan infrastructure and the normalisation of financial borrowing, and by posing as a mediator between parties involved in the Afghan conflict, notably the Taliban.Show less
This thesis uses the theory that state behaviour and identity are interrelated to consider China’s dual identity of developing country and great power. The global climate regime is used as a case...Show moreThis thesis uses the theory that state behaviour and identity are interrelated to consider China’s dual identity of developing country and great power. The global climate regime is used as a case study that is internationally relevant and exemplifies this dual identity, and China’s behaviour in the regime is studied through analysing official statements and news sources. This thesis concludes that China continues to identify itself as a developing country, cooperates with developing countries and advocates for their interests, but it is outgrowing these interests itself. China increasingly focuses on its capabilities instead of a lack thereof and takes on a active and assertive role in negotiations, resembling great power behaviour more than a traditional developing country role. Identity is shaped in relationships, and the other states must accept the identity that China acts out. This may become a problem for China in the near future in the climate regime.Show less
Hong Kong have seen several large protests since the handover in 1997. These protests seems to have been emerged out of a growing discontent with the meddling of China in to its affairs. Hong Kong...Show moreHong Kong have seen several large protests since the handover in 1997. These protests seems to have been emerged out of a growing discontent with the meddling of China in to its affairs. Hong Kong is a "Special Administrative Region" of China, it operates under the "One Country Two System" principle, which means it has its own government and can govern itself. Currently Hong Kong has once again been affected by ongoing anti-government demonstrations for over half a year. It seems that the protest also indicates a growing concern for the stipulated principle of “One Country Two Systems”. This paper will try to answer the question: Why do a large group of people in Hong Kong perceive the principle of “One Country Two Systems” as problematic? It will do so by conducting a discourse and thematic analysis on the slogans used in this protest. It is suggested that the slogans show a unique Hong Kong identity that can in part cause implications for the current principle of “One Country Two Systems”Show less
In recent years, China’s rise has had profound effects on a global scale as well as on individual states. There is an academic debate whether this rise is peaceful and possibly mutual beneficial or...Show moreIn recent years, China’s rise has had profound effects on a global scale as well as on individual states. There is an academic debate whether this rise is peaceful and possibly mutual beneficial or that it is a threat, economically speaking as well as political. This thesis aims to determine to what extent Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) affects the economic sovereignty of Laos. In this context, economic sovereignty is defined as the power and capability of a national government to decisions make independent of the interests of other governments. Using quantitative and qualitative research and various case studies, research has been conducted to examine the effects of Chinese FDI on the economic sovereignty of Laos in the last five years including current times. The results indicate a strong correlation between Chinese economic activity in Laos and the deepening of economic dependency on China as well as a decay of economic sovereignty for Laos due to significant debt accumulation.Show less
This thesis focuses on the geopolitical implications of China´s rise to space. Based on China´s space policy, the thesis analyses the benefits that Chinese space projects bring to Beijing. The...Show moreThis thesis focuses on the geopolitical implications of China´s rise to space. Based on China´s space policy, the thesis analyses the benefits that Chinese space projects bring to Beijing. The concept of comprehensive power is defined and is taken as the central concept of this thesis. Two fields of China´s comprehensive power are used to research the impact that Chinese space policy has for the nation. Military & Technology implications, and Natural Resource implications. The thesis concludes that China´s goals in the military aspect are to have military control over the satellites in order to control cyberspace. Once achieved, China aims to spread its soft power to countries using technology connected to Chinese cyberspace. In the resource-seeking aspect, China aims to extract Helium 3, a natural resource, in order to create a non-radioactive energy supply. Therefore, these space projects can strengthen China´s position in the global order.Show less
This thesis examines how the South Korean government has been involved with the spread of the Korean Wave and explores how these involvements have influenced South Korea’s public diplomacy. By...Show moreThis thesis examines how the South Korean government has been involved with the spread of the Korean Wave and explores how these involvements have influenced South Korea’s public diplomacy. By examining both academic literature and the official Diplomatic White Papers released by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs ever since 2006, this thesis will examine the policies that different Korean governments have created in support of the Korean Wave. By splitting the Korean Wave into three eras, the thesis will provide a comprehensible overview of the courses that different governments have taken. Additionally, this thesis will show how actively the Korean government has utilized the Korean Wave in its public diplomacy and nation branding.Show less
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands at the forefront of Southeast Asian regional cooperation. Within its fifty years of existence, ASEAN has faced many challenges, among them...Show moreThe Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands at the forefront of Southeast Asian regional cooperation. Within its fifty years of existence, ASEAN has faced many challenges, among them the territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving overlapping claims of its member countries with China. Despite ASEAN’s efforts to create peace and stability in the region, effective multilateral measures remain scarce. Although often praised as a strong point of ASEAN, this thesis highlights that ASEAN’s diversity remains one of its main weaknesses in finding common ground for multilateral approaches in regional security.Show less
Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, the African continent has been affected by an expansion of the Chinese economic presence across several dimensions. This process of economic...Show moreSince the beginning of the twenty-first century, the African continent has been affected by an expansion of the Chinese economic presence across several dimensions. This process of economic integration elevated the relevance of the Sino-African commercial relationship, raising questions over the PRC’s interests and the resulting consequences for the African continent. By using the notion of economic diplomacy, this paper investigates the evolution of Chinese economic policies in the African continent between 2006 and 2015, particularly by looking at the case study of Zambia. The findings of the research show that Chinese economic policies were established through bilateral agreements with single African countries to foster economic integration by commercial and financial means. During the empirical analysis, implications deriving from the evolution of Chinese economic policies raised questions for possible future research.Show less
The aim of this thesis is two-fold. First, to scrutinize the explanatory capacity of Qin Yaqing’s Relationality Theory. Second, to elucidate the Sino-Filipino case, where the lack of hositlites...Show moreThe aim of this thesis is two-fold. First, to scrutinize the explanatory capacity of Qin Yaqing’s Relationality Theory. Second, to elucidate the Sino-Filipino case, where the lack of hositlites following the Arbitral Tribunal’s favorable ruling to the Philippines presents a puzzle to mainstream International Relations Theory. This thesis finds that the concepts in Qin’s theory offer three novel explanations. First, increased intimacy between both countries sheds light on why no higher-level conflict erupted. Second, the distinction between rule-driven and rule-independent measures partly accounts for the intermittently resurgent tension spikes, as the latter often undermined the former’s conducive efforts to cooperation. Finally, relational rationality sheds light on how competing interests for each actor render both sides’ actions rational. Despite these insights, two limitations stand out. First, the main difficulty found concerns the methodological application of various concepts. Second, the lack of clarity on how different variables interact with one another constituted a hurdle to the theory’s explanatory capacity.Show less
This paper analyses the development and success of China’s use of economic diplomacy in cross-strait relations. It analyses two coercive approaches, and two non-coercive approaches to economic...Show moreThis paper analyses the development and success of China’s use of economic diplomacy in cross-strait relations. It analyses two coercive approaches, and two non-coercive approaches to economic diplomacy. The success of each respective example of economic diplomacy is analysed based on the degree to which the Chinese government succeeded in changing the political affiliation of Taiwanese target groups. The successfulness of each case of economic diplomacy is then further explained through the degree of control the Chinese had over the key-factors involved in these cases. I conclude that overall, non-coercive strategies of economic diplomacy are China’s best option for increasing its influence over Taiwan. While coercive strategies can also benefit Beijing, they are unable to significantly alter the political affiliation of the Taiwanese electorate in Beijing’s favour, as strong coercion tends to generate major public opposition.Show less
In recent years China’s influence in the global order has increased remarkably, thereby stirring up opinions whether China will once again become the world’s leading power by taking over the US’s...Show moreIn recent years China’s influence in the global order has increased remarkably, thereby stirring up opinions whether China will once again become the world’s leading power by taking over the US’s position. Accompanied with their rapid economic growth, Chinese outbound tourism increased substantially. Due to this growing middle class, accompanied with higher disposable income, China has become the largest tourism marked in the world in terms of travels. Due to growing international tourism of Chinese citizens to overseas holiday destinations the phenomenon of cultural interaction between China and other countries is reinforced. As tourism via the Taiwan Strait is said to be dependent on the changing political relations of the two governments, this thesis will conduct research on the influence of tourism in relation to political affairs between China and Taiwan. Consequently, this research will look into the utilization of tourism as a political tool as part of public diplomacy, specifically analyzing the way in which China uses tourism as a public diplomacy tool and how they apply this as a political tool on Taiwan, demonstrating the framework of tourism to wield both soft and hard power. This research will focus the Approved Destination Status policy by the Chinese regarding the regulation of group tours visits to other entities, which has been operating between China and Taiwan since 2008.Show less
Abstract: The concept of economic diplomacy and its possible benefits for smaller economies has received relatively little scholarly attention. This thesis researches the Swedish-Sino economic...Show moreAbstract: The concept of economic diplomacy and its possible benefits for smaller economies has received relatively little scholarly attention. This thesis researches the Swedish-Sino economic diplomacy from 2010-2018 and concludes that the exchanges have been beneficial for both Sweden and China according to the variables of trade and investments. However, Sweden has seen less value of Chinese investments after the acquisition of Volvo Cars in 2010 and this trend is likely to continue in the near future.Show less
This research paper poses the question of why Beijing is currently investing in the Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership. Ever since China announced its participation in the agreement in...Show moreThis research paper poses the question of why Beijing is currently investing in the Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership. Ever since China announced its participation in the agreement in 2012, scholarly debate attempted to make sense of this course of action. With many initially arguing that Beijing was planning a strategic move to counter the US rebalance to Asia through Washington’s TPP participation, lesser attention has been paid to other plausible reasons. Now, after the US withdrawal from the TPP in 2017, it appears useful to stretch out the debate and analyse other indicators that might encourage China to continue its participation efforts in the RCEP. Therefore this thesis identifies four indicators as key motivational drivers for the Chinese cooperation effort and conducts qualitative as quantitative analysis of those.Show less
The Chinese aspiration to accumulate modern technology has great consequences for industrialised nations. In the ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative, the Middle Kingdom aims to become the leader in...Show moreThe Chinese aspiration to accumulate modern technology has great consequences for industrialised nations. In the ‘Made in China 2025’ initiative, the Middle Kingdom aims to become the leader in technological advancement before the half of the 21st century. It is essential to perceive the Chinese economic actions motivated by this development initiative, and how this influences global competition on innovation. This study consists of a qualitative approach investigating how the Chinese economic actions motivated by ‘Made in China 2025’ influence Sino-German competition. This is investigated trough an analysis of Chinese economic actions and is supplemented by perceptions of professionals in the field through two interviews. It is found that the new competitor is welcomed by Germany, which is also reflected by substantial cooperation. However, the influence of the Chinese government negatively affects the fairness of competition on innovation with Germany. A practical implication that derives from this is that screening of acquisitions by the German government is a solution to tackle Chinese government influence aimed at attaining knowledge. Further research can focus on which approaches are efficient for screening acquisitions. Show less
In a global community ever more transformed by climate vulnerabilities, cooperation along transboundary rivers has increasingly transcended from the environmental, to the political domain. This...Show moreIn a global community ever more transformed by climate vulnerabilities, cooperation along transboundary rivers has increasingly transcended from the environmental, to the political domain. This holds especially true for the industrially powered economy of the People’s Republic of China, which, after its initial economic take-off, started pursuing an energy diplomacy strategy vis-à-vis the neighboring Greater Mekong Sub-region. However, predominantly known as the ‘upstream superpower’, that ambition poses challenges for this country on a quest for water resources. This thesis focuses on the Mekong sub-region country Cambodia, which, since becoming a member of ASEAN and WTO, has deepened economic, as well as political ties with China. Here, the effects of China’s importance to Cambodia are evaluated, by looking at three critical components: 1) investment; 2) aid; and 3) trade. The analysis shows how China, through the provision of economic incentives through these pathways, has managed to increase both political support, while safeguarding domestic energy security. The thesis uses Cambodia’s hydropower sector as its case study to show how China’s regional pursuit, geo-economics strategy, and energy diplomacy can shed light on recent regional power shifts and China’s increasingly recognized regional role as a cooperative leader.Show less
