This thesis proposes the ancient Chinese philosophy of Confucianism as an analytical lens to study Chinese foreign policy. The need for a framework consisting of Confucian teachings emerges from...Show moreThis thesis proposes the ancient Chinese philosophy of Confucianism as an analytical lens to study Chinese foreign policy. The need for a framework consisting of Confucian teachings emerges from the limited perspectives mainstream Western IR can offer to the theories evolving around the rise of China. There is value in looking at Chinese foreign relations through Confucianism because it shows cultural and social behavioural aspects, which govern Chinese society, and thus, contributes a different approach to the study of IR. The presented case study of China’s foreign policy toward the Middle East takes into account context specific, relational elements in order to obtain valuable insights. By applying a framework consisting of Confucian teachings on governance, order, and relationship, this thesis demonstrates an interpretation of Chinese foreign policy that has been disregarded by mainstream Western IR scholarship until now.Show less
This essay examines whether or not Chinese firms differ in CSR approach, focusing on sustainable development, when compared to Western MNCs in the PRC. To do so, corporate identity, output and CSR...Show moreThis essay examines whether or not Chinese firms differ in CSR approach, focusing on sustainable development, when compared to Western MNCs in the PRC. To do so, corporate identity, output and CSR reporting were compared for three case study firms: BMW Group (Western MNC), Brilliance China Automotive Holdings (Chinese firm), and BMW-Brilliance (a joint venture between the other two firms). The joint venture was included, because of certain ownership restrictions in the PRC in the automotive industry and the Western firm as a sole entity could not be examined in the PRC. The results showed that the Western MNC outperformed the other cases on all three categories, the joint venture came in at a close second, and the Chinese firm lacked far behind on all three categories. Comparing the results between the Western MNC and the joint venture seemed to indicate that the joint venture is merely used as a vessel for the Western MNC to sell/produce vehicles in the PRC due to the ownership restrictions. The context of the PRC did not seem to matter significantly, as BBA and BMW showed strikingly similar results. Results did show that certain theories surrounding CSR practicing in the PRC can be applied to Western MNCs in the PRC as well.Show less
Agriculture in Russia became a sector of great focus for the government as a consequence of the Crimean Crisis of 2014. Tit for tat sanctions resulted in a partial ban on agricultural imports into...Show moreAgriculture in Russia became a sector of great focus for the government as a consequence of the Crimean Crisis of 2014. Tit for tat sanctions resulted in a partial ban on agricultural imports into Russia from the EU and the US, which forced the government to look for internally sourced replacements for food that had earlier been imported. The resultant policies of import substitution appear to have been successful. China is an obvious additional potential market for Russian agribusiness, which has benefited from the barriers set up during the “Sanctions Wars” that began in 2014. The same factors that cleared the domestic market for Russian producers (namely, political and trade disputes with the United States and European Union) are likely to help them ramp up exports to China. The timing has been fortuitous for Russia. They had years to “prepare” their internal response before China began to get hit with some of the same policies Russia has faced for over half a decade. As China often uses access to its market as a source of political leverage, it is important to investigate the potential risks involved in organizing production of meat for export in the Far East to the East Asian region and China in particular.Show less
The Chinese art and antiques market is to a large extent influenced by nationalism. In contrast to other governments, the Chinese government is not very successful in the repatriation of Chinese...Show moreThe Chinese art and antiques market is to a large extent influenced by nationalism. In contrast to other governments, the Chinese government is not very successful in the repatriation of Chinese cultural heritage. Therefore, it supports individuals to do so by rewarding those who step in. Nationalism nowadays is a very important value in Chinese society encouraged by the government. Part of that is also to encourage people to show their nationalism by means of buying art. Donors are also encouraged by the rewards they get for their donations. When an object that has been stolen from China comes up for sale it always attracts a lot of attention in China. This is especially the case when it originates from the Yuanmingyuan, a place connected to the humiliation of China. Many think the sale of stolen objects should be forbidden and if the government does not succeed in stopping the sale, people will try to buy it in order to repatriate it to China. Which can result in a bidding war in which the price reaches unrealistic heights. Individuals outside of mainland have used antiques to construct their Chinese identity and to strengthen their ties with China by among others donating stolen art. This is a way for them to show they support Chinese nationalism. Something that has had an influence on the buying behaviour of the overseas on the Chinese art and antique market. Since the beginning of the 2000s buyers from mainland China with the same purpose have entered the market. This has had an enormous influence on the Chinese art and antiques market. Thus, the Chinese art and antique market is to a large extent influenced by nationalism.Show less
This thesis looks at two scholarly works researching the debt traps in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. From these two scholarly works factors are derived and evaluated that, according to the scholarly works...Show moreThis thesis looks at two scholarly works researching the debt traps in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. From these two scholarly works factors are derived and evaluated that, according to the scholarly works, helped cause Nigeria and Sri Lanka's debt trap. These factors are then used to evaluate the case of Ethiopia and see to what extend this country runs the same risks. This thesis shows that based on the factors derived from the two scholarly sources, data on Ethiopia shows the presence of these factors, which indicate a risk for a possible future debt trap.Show less
Companies are organisations whose performance is influenced by the institutional environment. This environment is composed of several institutional elements, which impact the performance of...Show moreCompanies are organisations whose performance is influenced by the institutional environment. This environment is composed of several institutional elements, which impact the performance of businesses. The case study of this thesis compares the financial and operational performance of nine Indian and twenty-four Chinese airlines between 2010 and 2015. By means of a thorough and extensive data collection, it has been found that Indian airlines perform more on-time than their Chinese peers, whilst Chinese carriers tend to exhibit a more solid financial performance. The underlying causes for these outcomes are subsequently investigated through a newspaper review, which brought several institutional elements to the limelight, that can largely explicate the divergences in performance. The identified elements range from modes of decision making and legal elements to government affiliation and policy, which are analysed in detail.Show less
Unlike the nineteenth century, the competition for power in Eurasia is increasingly fought between Russia and China. In turn, according to the prevailing neorealist discourse, these powers compete...Show moreUnlike the nineteenth century, the competition for power in Eurasia is increasingly fought between Russia and China. In turn, according to the prevailing neorealist discourse, these powers compete for security and economic influence in what is referred to as ‘the New Great Game’. In recent years, China is seen to increasingly tilt the balance of power from Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence towards Beijing – especially in the economic realm – with Russia attempting to retain its hegemonic position. Accordingly, a pressing question is what implications the spillover of this competition for hegemony in Central Asia has for Sino-Russian relations in the region’s most important multilateral organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. In this thesis the above query is assessed by three schools of thought: limitationism, alarmism and normalism. In scholarly discourse limitationist and alarmist discourses have been prevalent, but not entirely convincing, discussing the implications of the New Great Game on the SCO leadership. They have generally emphasised (and polarised) either the cooperative or the competitive nature of Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia’s and the SCO’s New Great Game scenario respectively. Conversely, the framework on which this thesis’ explanation of the Sino-Russian relations in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is based, is the altering balance of power, combined with dual cooperative and competitive Sino-Russian relations in Central Asia, as discerned by ‘normalists’. It can be concluded that analogous to their simultaneous converging and diverging interests in Central Asia at large, Sino-Russian relations in the SCO should be regarded as practical interrelations based on ‘complex reciprocity’ (Yu 2007, 79). They are a tacit compromise to, ultimately, let the SCO function as an satisfactory diplomatic forum where Moscow and Beijing can regulate the New Great Game: their relations in CA, China’s rise and Moscow’s traditional sphere of influence.Show less
Internal migration in China has created a serious problem that has been identified by many scholars and policy makers for decades. The Chinese government attempts to restrict migration flow through...Show moreInternal migration in China has created a serious problem that has been identified by many scholars and policy makers for decades. The Chinese government attempts to restrict migration flow through a policy called ‘hukou’ that in its simplest form ties individuals to accessing public services only in one registered location meaning agricultural hukou type people can find moving to urban areas extremely difficult; ultimately creating a dualistic society within China and the policy has led to massive displacement and discrimination of one fifth of the population. Given the controversial and discriminatory nature of hukou, this paper will analyse why the Chinese government would choose to continue to implement such a policy and how through hukou’s implementation, the Chinese leadership is able to maintain domestic stability and have it contribute to their continued legitimacy through success in the fields of economic prosperity, social stability and national unity. The paper will examine both the economic and political benefits of hukou and the reasons why this may affect the decision to reform the policy.Show less
The recent years have seen a rise in the interest and media coverage concerning the housing markets in Hong Kong and Singapore. Both cities are routinely ranked as some of the most expensive...Show moreThe recent years have seen a rise in the interest and media coverage concerning the housing markets in Hong Kong and Singapore. Both cities are routinely ranked as some of the most expensive property markets internationally, and have thus been the subject of significant comparison. This is often done on the basis of the two cities sharing commonalities in history and the situations of their housing markets, but in doing so, these comparisons negate the influences that the political environments over the course of history have had on the two governments' approaches to housing policy. In particular, the two governments operate from very different perspectives, as this paper will demonstrate with the use of theoretical frameworks concerning international political order and political economy. Drawing on research into the historical and political trajectories of the two cities with specific regards to housing development, this paper aims to identify the political influences on the history and approaches to housing development in Hong Kong and Singapore that are overlooked in much of the coverage and comparisons employed today.Show less
Currently, China is one of the most important actors in the international energy arena. Increasing economic growth requires The People’s Republic of China (the PRC), first, to expand its energy...Show moreCurrently, China is one of the most important actors in the international energy arena. Increasing economic growth requires The People’s Republic of China (the PRC), first, to expand its energy supply providers (diversification), and, second, to make this supply a secure one. Due to the rapidly changing market of energy, it is important to understand what factors place the main stress on the current energy policies and drive it to change. The essay addresses the following question: Why is China altering its current energy policy in the Middle East and pursuing diversification of energy supply in Central Asia and Russia? There are four main triggers pushing the PRC to a change: security, environment, technology and geopolitics. These four are acting as both separate issues and interconnected factors. The essay argues that China's high dependence on the Middle Eastern energy exports does not allow the PRC to switch to other suppliers completely in the nearest future. On the contrary, friendly relations between Persian Gulf countries and China should be used towards the creation of the triad energy framework (China—Central Asia—Russia or the Middle East—Central Asia+Russia—China). Central Asia serves as both the primary secure supplier of energy to China and as the transit point. This transit option connects China with the Middle East through the land which are the safe supplying routes Chinese government is pursuing. Moreover, the growing worldwide environmental concern requires China to reconsider its current energy supply strategies. Thus, the geopolitical switch may stimulate more environmentally friendly consumption and production of energy by the means of gas. Finally, gas and more specifically the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) has a bigger potential in Central Asian, Russia, and China than in the Middle East allowing China not only to pursue cleaner energy supply but to overcome certain security issues.Show less
The Chinese housing market has been a significant contributor to economic growth in China: the rampant land sales and the abundant financing of real estate development proved to be an effective way...Show moreThe Chinese housing market has been a significant contributor to economic growth in China: the rampant land sales and the abundant financing of real estate development proved to be an effective way to boost GDP. Nevertheless, the construction boom that came along with the capitalist reforms led to numerous unforeseen consequences. The large numbers of unsold properties and vacant apartments bought by investors, especially in tier 3 and 4 cities, has left many wondering whether there is adequate demand to cope with the large housing supply. Simultaneously, prices in tier 1 cities have skyrocketed to unaffordable levels, leaving working class Chinese out of home ownership. This paper is therefore aimed at analyzing and understanding the developments of the capitalist housing market in China and how these problems came to be. It highlights the internal processes and political structures that have led to the existence of the problem.Show less
This paper explores the effects of crises on institution building. More readily, it highlights the 1997 Asian Crisis and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis as catalysts for changing East Asia’s...Show moreThis paper explores the effects of crises on institution building. More readily, it highlights the 1997 Asian Crisis and the 2008 Global Financial Crisis as catalysts for changing East Asia’s economic structure. An outcome of these crises has been the increased regionalism of East Asia, which has led to a greater regional interdependence, and a subsequent shift away from Washington and economic dependence on the U.S. This analysis will be done through a combination of Calder’s critical juncture and Sheng’s institutional building. Additionally, this thesis will examine the importance of ASEAN and China as leaders for this regionalism. The approach taken in this thesis suggests that these crises have greatly undermined the norms promoted by U.S. led institutions, and largely define the today’s crisis of neoliberalismShow less
