This thesis analyses the impact of the colonization era of Japan on South Korea, and how this impacts the economic relations between these two countries over the last decade. Furthermore, this...Show moreThis thesis analyses the impact of the colonization era of Japan on South Korea, and how this impacts the economic relations between these two countries over the last decade. Furthermore, this thesis will look into the events that took place during the colonial era, such as the comfort women issue and the forced labor issue.Show less
The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Honduras has increased more than eight-fold over the past decade, yet assistance from governmental and non-governmental organizations has been...Show moreThe number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Honduras has increased more than eight-fold over the past decade, yet assistance from governmental and non-governmental organizations has been lacking. By contrast, Colombia’s internal displacement crisis has been handled much more comprehensively through numerous IDP support projects. The present thesis investigates whether these Colombian IDP support projects could also be implemented in Honduras to alleviate the crisis there. Specifically, two such projects were used as case studies, with their applicability to the Honduran context being assessed using Williams and Dzhekova’s (2014) Framework for evaluating transferability and applicability of policy initiatives. The analysis found that while many elements of Colombian IDP support projects are transferable to Honduras, the country faces certain challenges to a larger extent than Colombia, affecting project transferability negatively. These challenges include the comparatively weak institutionalization of indigenous administrations, higher corruption and potential for instability in political institutions, lower levels of education and community strength among IDPs, and fewer skilled staff in local state institutions. This thesis thus recommends adaptation of the project elements affected by these challenges to increase the chances of success for IDP support projects in Honduras.Show less
Countries in Southeast Asia in the 21st century are both dependent on China when it comes to economic affairs such as trade, but also infrastructure investment. At the same time, these countries...Show moreCountries in Southeast Asia in the 21st century are both dependent on China when it comes to economic affairs such as trade, but also infrastructure investment. At the same time, these countries are in conflict with China, about the South China Sea, in which China claims a bigger part of this sea than Southeast Asia would like. This thesis discusses the following research question: Why do Southeast Asian countries maintain Chinese infrastructure investments despite the territorial dispute about the South China Sea?Show less
This research is concerned with determining the extent of state agency of sub-Saharan African states, in the matter of Chinese non-/quasi-state investment in Africa’s renewable energy development....Show moreThis research is concerned with determining the extent of state agency of sub-Saharan African states, in the matter of Chinese non-/quasi-state investment in Africa’s renewable energy development. The possibilities in Africa for renewable energy development are numerous and undoubtedly crucial for sustainable economic development in the years to come. Taking state agency as a dependent variable in this research, several independent variables emanate from existing literature on this topic. These include the types of engagement between Chinese and African actors, the organization and structures of funding for projects and development, national frameworks, and paradiplomacy. Scholarship on this topic provides that on China’s behalf, most types of engagement such as direct private investment and transnational organizations are usually shaped to benefit China, which might undermine mutual advantages. Yet, China, with a technological advantage compared to sub-Saharan Africa and with its role as the main creditor, it is not deemed conspicuous in that regard for China to have a slight upper hand and leave less agency for sub-Saharan countries. The issue of orchestration also strains state agency as bottom-up movements are supported and mostly operate independently. When examining the types of engagement, it appears that sub-Saharan states still hold many autonomous decision-making capabilities, because most cooperation is deliberate or a result of thorough consideration and negotiation. In the case of orchestration, state agency is largely dependent on the groups international organizations target and to which end. These could include, for example, slow pace of energy transitions or lack of governmental attention. In the case of funding, most flows through development banks, which remain focused on advisory roles and asset management. These tend to distance themselves from project development and management. Cases vary across the region, however, as in Uganda state agency is shaped strategically. This results in sustainable regulation, swift development, and less need for strict state control of assets.Show less
