Global temperatures are rising as policymakers aim to tackle the climate challenges our world faces today. The European Union plays a leading role in climate politics and the global reduction of...Show moreGlobal temperatures are rising as policymakers aim to tackle the climate challenges our world faces today. The European Union plays a leading role in climate politics and the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through one of its key tools, the Emissions Trading System. This thesis examines the impact of EU member states’ industrial composition on implementing the EU ETS in phase 2 through a comparative analysis of the Netherlands and Belgium. An examination of the correlation between national industries and the national implementation of the ETS has thus far remained absent in the existing literature and provides policy insights for future climate politics. An analysis of the relevant policy documents reveals how both countries varied in their implementation of the system. It demonstrates how the more pollutive industrial composition of the Netherlands caused the government to be more responsive to the affected industries’ interests in the allocation process. However, contrary to expectations, the Netherlands was not more lenient the monitoring of the system and was even more strict than Belgium in most areas.Show less
This thesis examines the influence the BRICS and the EU have on South African foreign policy, specifically between 2010 and 2023. South Africa and the world have witnessed much change during those...Show moreThis thesis examines the influence the BRICS and the EU have on South African foreign policy, specifically between 2010 and 2023. South Africa and the world have witnessed much change during those 13 years, between the several conflicts that erupted involving some BRICS member-states, revolutions in Africa, and the work that led up to the expansion of the BRICS into the BRICS+ format in 2024. Including a discussion on formal and informal IGOs, this study uses a constructivist theoretical framework and discourse analysis to examine South African foreign policy annual reports, BRICS joint statements, EU-AU joint declarations, and EU-South Africa joint declarations. It finds that South Africa’s foreign policy is influenced by the BRICS and the EU through two main pillars of its foreign policy, but in different manners, yet relating to the central theme of the multilateral system, particularly the UN.Show less
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been criticized for being ‘too ambitious’ and ‘ambiguous’ (Lim, Jørgensen, Wyborn, 2018 ; Hák, Janoušková, Moldan, 2016). The failing of the SDGs is...Show moreThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been criticized for being ‘too ambitious’ and ‘ambiguous’ (Lim, Jørgensen, Wyborn, 2018 ; Hák, Janoušková, Moldan, 2016). The failing of the SDGs is globally visible. This study will focus on the ineffective SDG implementation in western Europe. Specifically, western European countries are ‘political entrepreneurs’ being regarded as capable of adequately addressing global challenges (Silander 2019 ; Silander 2020 ; Mintrom 2020). However, the failing of the SDGs causes reputational damage to their title as policy entrepreneur. Rhetorical legitimation theory has argued that legitimacy conveys in texts produced by organizations (Halliday, Block-Lieb, Carruthers 2010). This study therefore aims to answer the following research question: What has been the role of Western-European states as policy entrepreneurs in the legitimation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A total of 12 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) will be examined through discourse analysis to interpret the rhetoric applied in the VNRs given the social context in which they originated. This thesis will argue that western European countries have played an active role in legitimizing the SDGs. Nevertheless, the position western European states took in the process has shifted, simultaneously with the social context, over time.Show less
In the quest for natural resources, indigenous and underdeveloped communities are often sacrificed as states turn their interests toward bolstering their economies. The Human Rights Council (HRC)...Show moreIn the quest for natural resources, indigenous and underdeveloped communities are often sacrificed as states turn their interests toward bolstering their economies. The Human Rights Council (HRC) of the United Nations stands at the forefront of championing human rights and operates as both norm maker and primary monitor of human rights standards. By using institutionalism as a framework, this thesis considers the robustness of the HRC and seeks to understand its effect in protecting local communities in underdeveloped states subjected to often arguably unfair land grab deals. Through discourse analysis, the research delves into the language, narratives, and discursive strategies deployed within text and content produced by the HRC. Through comparative analysis that considers the two sample cases of Myanmar and Cambodia, the research considers under what conditions the HRC successfully contributes to the protection of these vulnerable communities.Show less
The dynamics of power in international relations are inherently fluid and subject to ongoing change. There is a growing recognition that the influence within the European Union is gradually moving...Show moreThe dynamics of power in international relations are inherently fluid and subject to ongoing change. There is a growing recognition that the influence within the European Union is gradually moving away from powers like France and Germany towards countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The aforementioned transition was precipitated, among other factors, by the Ukrainian-Russian conflict, which has significantly impacted geopolitical terrain. Poland, a nation with significant economic and military prowess and a sizable population, is positioning itself as a key player aiming to rebalance power dynamics in favor of Central and Eastern European member states that have historically been marginalized. This study seeks to answer the question concerning the presence of a power shift within the European Union, and to identify the fundamental causes driving this change.Show less
The rise of populism within the European Union (EU) threatens the protection of human rights, including gender-equality. Although several studies tried to explain the effect of populism on gender...Show moreThe rise of populism within the European Union (EU) threatens the protection of human rights, including gender-equality. Although several studies tried to explain the effect of populism on gender-equality, they do so by using case study analyses focusing mainly on populist rhetoric. To deepen the understanding of previous research, this study reanalyzes the effect of populism on gender-equality. I add to the existing literature by taking a quantitative approach studying the effect of right-wing populism on gender-equality within the EU. Using an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis, I combine several datasets to explore the relationship between 2010 and 2021 within all EU member states. I hypothesize that countries which contain a higher share of right-wing populist posts as part of the total cabinet posts, show lower levels of gender-equality. To test this hypothesis, I identify right-wing populist parties within the EU by using data of the Supplement to the Comparative Political Data Set – Government Composition 1960-2021 dataset (CPDS). Moreover, I operationalize gender-equality consulting the Gender Equality Index (GEI) measured by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). The results illustrate the effect of populism on gender-equality is context-dependent, meaning that populism only influences some areas of gender-equality.Show less
Vietnamese modern history has always been in opposition to China’s economic and geopolitical interests, rejecting further encroachment upon their economy for their geopolitical independence. In...Show moreVietnamese modern history has always been in opposition to China’s economic and geopolitical interests, rejecting further encroachment upon their economy for their geopolitical independence. In spite of this opposition, Vietnam joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s development project that serves as their geoeconomic tool to gain further influence upon its members. I theorise that Vietnam was coerced into entering the BRI against its interest by two main factors: Chinese firms’ economic dominance over Vietnam, and Vietnam's unreliable trade partners. With a focus on the causal mechanisms and the causal link that drove this event to happen, this paper will use process tracing as the method of research. Through this research, I seek to expand upon the underexplored academic gap of a least likely case against Chinese geoeconomic encroachment.Show less
Sexual violence against girls and women in times of conflict is a widespread and devastating human rights violation worldwide. With this issue increasingly recognized as an international security...Show moreSexual violence against girls and women in times of conflict is a widespread and devastating human rights violation worldwide. With this issue increasingly recognized as an international security issue, the international community has begun to take steps to address it. Yet, despite a large number of measures implemented by the United Nations (UN), conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) persists. This thesis explores the UN’s ineffectiveness in combating CRSV. Drawing on a comparative case study of the Iraq war and the South Sudan conflict, this paper seeks to understand how the UN’s legitimacy and resources may be at the root of this ineffectiveness. The results of this research contribute to a better understanding of the complexities of sexual and gender-based violence in different conflict contexts, and provide insight into strategies to strengthen the UN’s capacity to prevent and respond to these violations of human rights.Show less
India's transformation from being a participant in environmental discussions to assuming environmental responsibilities on the global stage has been remarkable. Since endorsing the Paris Agreement,...Show moreIndia's transformation from being a participant in environmental discussions to assuming environmental responsibilities on the global stage has been remarkable. Since endorsing the Paris Agreement, India has exhibited substantial progress in aligning global policies with domestic initiatives. The objective of this thesis is to grasp the determinants behind changes in India's discourse on climate change through an examination of Indian climate politics and textual analysis across different time periods. The research builds on compliance theory and contributes to the study of compliance in climate change discourse in India since the Kyoto Protocol of 1997. The case study presented in this research demonstrates how a shift to a pragmatic diplomatic approach and India’s aspiration to become a globally responsible leader may alter a nation’s behaviour in international environmental negotiations.Show less
The existing academic literature explores the causal relationship between ethnic cleavage and the outbreak of war, with a particular emphasis on repression, resistance, and identity. While scholars...Show moreThe existing academic literature explores the causal relationship between ethnic cleavage and the outbreak of war, with a particular emphasis on repression, resistance, and identity. While scholars recognize the importance of these concepts, they typically examine two distinct areas: the interaction between repression and resistance, and the isolated analysis of identity. This compartmentalized approach overlooks the interplay between these concepts and their combined impact on the path to war. The dissertation addresses this gap by testing the theory of the nexus of repression, resistance, and identity in the case of Kosovo from 1981 to 1998. To explore this relationship, the study integrates data from secondary sources, semi-structured interviews with individuals involved in the activities leading up to the Kosovo War, and archival material.Show less
The values the Liberal International Order (LIO) professes to uphold in theory, such as the promise of equal treatment, are not always lived up to in practice. In fact, it cannot always live up to...Show moreThe values the Liberal International Order (LIO) professes to uphold in theory, such as the promise of equal treatment, are not always lived up to in practice. In fact, it cannot always live up to this promise. The LIO’s social hierarchy prevents non-Western countries from fully acquiring the recognition they believe they are entitled to, leading them to contest the legitimacy of the LIO. For some countries, the emerging multipolar world presents an alternative option to gain international status and recognition. This thesis uses South Africa as a case study to examine how misrecognition in the LIO motivates countries to join BRICS. The results and analysis indicate that the LIO’s inability, but BRIC’s ability, to promise recognition motivated South Africa to join BRIC. Yet, in assessing the available empirical record, and whether the collective body of evidence can support making an inference that the causal relationship existed in the case of South Africa, this thesis concludes that there is only weak confirmatory evidence.Show less
This thesis aims to examine the pace of European Union enlargement towards two Western Balkan states, Montenegro and Serbia, focusing on the influence of political factors. The thesis will start...Show moreThis thesis aims to examine the pace of European Union enlargement towards two Western Balkan states, Montenegro and Serbia, focusing on the influence of political factors. The thesis will start with an introduction section aimed at providing contextual background of EU enlargement and Western Balkan region. Research question of this thesis is: "How political factors influence the pace of EU enlargement towards Montenegro and Serbia?", and will be introduced in the introduction. Theoretical framework will be supported by Sandra Lavenex's theory of EU external governance, where emphasis will be placed on the concepts of cooperation and integration. Furthermore, based on theoretical framework, two hypotheses will be introduced. Methodologically, the study will adopt qualitative methods, primarily employing process tracing techniques through case analysis and comparative case analysis. The literature review will categorize insights collected from the literature in various themes, including political dynamics and geopolitical complexities, challenges confronting democratic governance, identity dynamics and state-nation relations. Results and analysis section will provide analysis and founded results. Ultimately, this research will aim to provide an understanding of the multifaceted dynamics of EU enlargement towards Montenegro and Serbia.Show less
The consistent implementation of debt trap diplomacy by China has become an important instrument in the superpower’s quest for further worldwide dominance and power. This paper examines how the...Show moreThe consistent implementation of debt trap diplomacy by China has become an important instrument in the superpower’s quest for further worldwide dominance and power. This paper examines how the nation’s debt trap diplomacy has helped it consolidate its position within the global order by offering insights gathered from a case study of the small east African country of Djibouti. Due to its helpful marine connections and strategic location at the intersection of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Djibouti has been a focal point in the field of geopolitics. Building ports, railroads, and military facilities are only a few examples of the infrastructure development projects that have dominated China's relationship with the nation. China's debt trap diplomacy in the region is based on the substantial loans that its government and state-owned banks have provided to fund these projects. The involvement in Djibouti is an example of China’s larger gameplan meant to increase its power and influence in the international system. The eastern power’s use of its economic might to fund infrastructure projects and give easy loans effectively confines small countries like Djibouti within its area of influence. As a result, China's position as a major actor in world events is strengthened, further eroding the conventional power structures set up by Western countries.Show less
Partijafsplitsingen, of legislative party switching, is binnen de politicologie een onderwerp waar veel onderzoek naar is gedaan. Desondanks is de context van Nederlandse gemeenteraden nog niet...Show morePartijafsplitsingen, of legislative party switching, is binnen de politicologie een onderwerp waar veel onderzoek naar is gedaan. Desondanks is de context van Nederlandse gemeenteraden nog niet eerder onderzocht, terwijl het fenomeen in de praktijk steeds vaker waargenomen wordt (Abels, 2018; Ketelaar, 2021). Deze studie beoogt een eerste aanzet te zijn voor meer inzicht in factoren en beweegredenen bij afsplitsingen binnen Nederlandse gemeenteraden. In de theoriesectie wordt allereerst de academische literatuur gecombineerd met de specifieke context van Nederlandse gemeenteraden. Hieruit volgen zes verwachtingen, die vervolgens middels een thematische analyse worden getoetst aan acht semi-gestructureerde kwalitatieve interviews met afgesplitste gemeenteraadsleden. De bevindingen suggereren dat er in bijna alle gevallen sprake is van een conflict: interpersoonlijk, ideologisch, of een combinatie van beide. De mogelijkheid tot herverkiezing noemt een enkeling als belangrijke reden, al moet hierbij een kanttekening worden geplaatst wat betreft de representativiteit van de steekproef. Het aantal voorkeursstemmen speelt voor de meeste participanten een grote rol voor de rechtvaardiging van hun keuze tot afsplitsing. Bijzondere rollen, zoals het fractievoorzitterschap, lijken weinig tot geen effect te hebben op partijveranderingen. Tenslotte laat het thema loyaliteit zien dat raadsleden vooral betrokken zijn bij personen binnen de partij, boven de partij als institutie. Daarbij wordt bij dit thema ook duidelijk hoe ingrijpend en emotioneel de gebeurtenis voor deelnemers kan zijn.Show less
Refugees occupy a unique moral and legal position in our communities. Their relationships with their host states are born out of necessity and coloured by their disenfranchisement, as refugees do...Show moreRefugees occupy a unique moral and legal position in our communities. Their relationships with their host states are born out of necessity and coloured by their disenfranchisement, as refugees do not receive democratic participation rights in the same way citizens do. Given that refugees are not allowed to vote, together with their uniquely vulnerable circumstances and the coercive character of the (immigration) laws they are expected to obey, we might wonder what kind of political obligations, if any, they have. As the literature is focused on the rights of refugees, there is insufficient discussion regarding their duties. I will here investigate the political obligations of refugees by examining whether the four main theories of political obligation, consent, gratitude, natural duty, and fair play, can be applied to refugees. I will then discuss a more limited version of political obligations, based on the fair play account specifically, as I discuss a moral basis from which we may better understand both the rights and duties of refugees. Finally, I will discuss the implications of separating such obligations from participation rights, and what this may entail for other migrants and travelers.Show less
The Sino-Russian relationship has been the topic of much interest, especially with regard to Central Asia. Much analysis studies it in terms of hard power resources, positing an axis-of-convenience...Show moreThe Sino-Russian relationship has been the topic of much interest, especially with regard to Central Asia. Much analysis studies it in terms of hard power resources, positing an axis-of-convenience. This research challenges that view by looking at an area of competing influence: educational diplomacy. The Russo-Kazakh and Sino-Kazakh relationships are chosen to compare the resources, strategies, and outcomes. Analysis of official discourse and foreign policy are synthesized with previous research and surveys on Kazakhstani perceptions, and data on students studying in China and Russia. The varying approaches of Russia and China are compared to ascertain their success in soft power projection via educational diplomacy, and how it provides insight into the balance of power in Central Asia.Show less
This thesis is focused on the crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border of 2021 during which thousands of migrants tried to illegally enter Poland. It highlights the county’s unique response to the...Show moreThis thesis is focused on the crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border of 2021 during which thousands of migrants tried to illegally enter Poland. It highlights the county’s unique response to the crisis, including its decision not to involve Frontex, and poses a research question regarding what process led to this decision. To answer this inquiry, this thesis conducts an explaining outcome process tracing study, utilizing theories of Rational Choice and Securitization. The analysis proves the hypotheses, linking the Law and Justice party’s decision to the tension between them and the EU regarding migration policy, subsequently emphasizing independence from and growing military resources. Overall, it sheds light on the multifaceted nature of migration issues in contemporary Europe and the various political and institutional factors at play.Show less
