The small Caribbean island of Aruba has faced problems with administrative integrity ever since it gained independence in 1986, which has hampered its efforts to meet the Sustainable Development...Show moreThe small Caribbean island of Aruba has faced problems with administrative integrity ever since it gained independence in 1986, which has hampered its efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) established by the UN. Aruba, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), collaborates with other nations to accomplish goals related to sustainable development. Its ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the UN Multi-Country Office in Trinidad and Tobago make this possible. This thesis examines how closely Aruba has followed SDG 16, with a focus on SDG 16.5, which calls for a sharp reduction in bribery and corruption. This thesis closely examines the political environment, legal system, and anti-corruption initiatives of Aruba in order to evaluate the country's compliance with SDG 16 and efforts to combat corruption. It assesses the effectiveness of anti-corruption campaigns and highlights Aruba's anti-corruption efforts over the past ten years, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation, legislative changes, and the National SDG Commission. Using an integrated theoretical framework that incorporates the Integrity Management Framework and Norm Diffusion Theory, the thesis looks at how Aruba balances local priorities with compliance to international anti-corruption norms. This method provides insights into governance issues in similar situations. Several theories regarding Aruba's progress toward achieving SDG 16 objectives were put to the test during the research. First hypothesis: Aruba has instituted integrity-promoting programs like the Integrity Chamber and the Bureau of Integrity, according to data. The second hypothesis, which has some support, contends that despite these initiatives, structural problems still exist in the public sector. The third hypothesis, which has some support as well, suggests that political differences make it more difficult to put integrity-related policies into action. To sum up, Aruba has worked toward SDG 16 through a number of tactics and projects, such as the creation of institutions dedicated to integrity, changes to the law, initiatives to increase capacity, support for human rights, and global collaboration. These initiatives show a strong dedication to advancing justice, peace, and robust institutions—all of which are necessary for the nation's long-term development. Aruba is unwavering in its pursuit of SDG 16, despite persistent obstacles like political rifts, structural flaws, and bureaucratic roadblocks. It highlights the significance of sustained endeavors and collaborations for the welfare and sustainable growth of its populace.Show less
Democracies face a crisis of self-preservation: how to defend against internal threats without sacrificing core values? This thesis explores militant democracy, a theory allowing limitations on...Show moreDemocracies face a crisis of self-preservation: how to defend against internal threats without sacrificing core values? This thesis explores militant democracy, a theory allowing limitations on freedoms to safeguard the system. While justifications exist that focus on democratic processes or core values, this thesis argues that the latter struggles with defining those values objectively. Can a democracy claim moral superiority without universal moral truths? Additionally, Rijpkema's (2018) concept of democracy as self-correction, another justification for militant democracy, remains unexamined. This research addresses these gaps by analyzing the limitations of defining core substantive democratic values and the challenges posed by the absence of objective morality. The Böckenförde Dictum will be used to support my argument. Furthermore, it provides a critical analysis of Rijpkema's theory. By examining these underexplored aspects, this thesis aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the tension between militant democracy and core democratic principles. Ultimately, it argues that there is an inherent contradiction within militant democracy, as actions against non-violent anti-democratic voices can contradict the will of the people, the very essence of democracy.Show less
Since NATO expanded the alliance after the cold war with countries that were formerly part of the Soviet sphere of influence, the new allies have made significant and sometimes above average...Show moreSince NATO expanded the alliance after the cold war with countries that were formerly part of the Soviet sphere of influence, the new allies have made significant and sometimes above average contributions to the military operations. This research presents two dimensions on which post-communist NATO members can be divided, and dives into the question how much these variables affect troop contribution to NATO-led operations in Afghanistan. By collecting data from different public sources, a clear visual and numerical image will be created of the troop contribution and modernisation of defence for four different clusters of countries. Results show that post-communist nations overall contribute more to these military operations, but that not every group is equal in terms of how many troops are contributed. Modernised armies are in general less likely to contribute troops, while countries that have a higher domestic and regional threat perception are more avid to fight for their NATO security guarantee.Show less
While examining the efforts of the European Union to halt democratic backsliding two groups of actions have emerged. They can be summarized as efforts concerning legitimacy, where challenges to...Show moreWhile examining the efforts of the European Union to halt democratic backsliding two groups of actions have emerged. They can be summarized as efforts concerning legitimacy, where challenges to current Western norms are met, and concerning authority, where power misusage and active degradation to liberal law are met with policy change and increased vigilance. This project compares the two approaches and seeks to determine when backsliding is halted within two case states - Hungary and Romania. Analyzing the past two decades, the thesis project would allow for a greater understanding of whether each approach is worth taking in states in different stages of illiberalism.Show less
This master thesis looks at the relationship between weaponized interdependence and global security. Powerful states in a network create a weapon of their interdependence to make a situation...Show moreThis master thesis looks at the relationship between weaponized interdependence and global security. Powerful states in a network create a weapon of their interdependence to make a situation beneficial while exploiting or leveraging other states. Many researchers have written about the topic of interdependence, but there has not been a lot of academic attention to weaponized interdependence yet. The thesis builds on relevant literature to create five hypotheses that are favourable for weaponized interdependence having a negative influence on global security. The study is conducted using statistical analysis with data retrieved from various publicly available datasets, being converted into panel data. 211 countries are observed over a time frame from 1990 to 2007. This is done with Random Effects models for Linear and Logistic Regressions. The analysis finds no consistently significant results for the five hypotheses. There are some effects that have shown to be significant. However, these are either contradictory with the hypotheses or with the other variables, resulting in not being able to provide a concise answer to the research question.Show less
The Dutch company ASML produces internationally indispensable machines that manufacture advanced semiconductor chips. As a small state, the Netherlands are now caught between China and the US,...Show moreThe Dutch company ASML produces internationally indispensable machines that manufacture advanced semiconductor chips. As a small state, the Netherlands are now caught between China and the US, which are both interested in securing ASML technology. The purpose of this study is to look at the small state strategies employed by the Netherlands in reaction to US pressure to adopt export controls and what the impact is of ASML as a critical node on the power sources of the Netherlands. It proposes that a critical node mostly affects a small state’s intrinsic power (positively) and collective power (negatively). This will be researched by looking at official Dutch and American policy documents and interviews with government officials. It aims to add work on small state power and foreign policy strategies.Show less
The multicultural landscape within most countries has led to a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, with generations of immigrants navigating the complexities of reconciling their heritage...Show moreThe multicultural landscape within most countries has led to a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnicities, with generations of immigrants navigating the complexities of reconciling their heritage culture with their current society. This research delves into the construction of ethnic identity among different generations of migrants, by focusing on the Portuguese community in Toronto, Canada. By exploring the experiences of different generations of migrants, this study aims to answer the following question: How do different generations of migrants construct their ethnic identity? Through thematic analysis and in-depth interviews, this research will explore the intricate dynamics of ethnic identity formation, examining the themes of identity, ethnic identity, cultural heritage and identity. The findings reveal nuanced patterns, showcasing how community involvement impacts belonging across generations. Multiculturalism's influence on first-generation immigrants is highlighted, emphasizing its role in their decision-making process of which country to migrate to. The study uncovers layered ethnic identities among second- and third-generation migrants, influenced by pivotal experiences and opportunities. The dynamics of cultural heritage connections, predominantly through vocabulary, are analyzed, showcasing how they vary across generations. Third-generation migrants achieve comprehensive integration, contrasting with variations for the first- and second-generations. All in all, this paper concludes by advocating for a nuanced understanding of these complexities in discussions on ethnic identity, urging policymakers and scholars to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by different migrant generations in their pursuit of belonging and integration.Show less
Recent studies have attempted to explain the mixed results in the literature on environmental scarcity and intrastate conflict by exploring factors that might enable or mitigate the effects of...Show moreRecent studies have attempted to explain the mixed results in the literature on environmental scarcity and intrastate conflict by exploring factors that might enable or mitigate the effects of scarcity. However, the role of one of these factors, political corruption, remains underexplored. While scholars have made strides in uncovering whether corruption influences the scarcity-conflict relationship, they have failed to analyze its role in the causal mechanism connecting environmental scarcity to intrastate conflict. In this study, I address this gap in the literature by examining the role of political corruption in the causal mechanism linking environmental scarcity to intrastate conflict incidence. Using theory-testing process tracing in a case study of the 2012-2013 Kenyan Tana River District clashes, I demonstrate that political corruption in environmental governance can play a crucial role in the environmental scarcity-conflict mechanism by further diminishing natural resource availability. This increases confidence in the notion that political corruption might explain the mixed results in the literature. However, future research should test these findings in multiple different contexts to explore their generalizability and rule out possible alternative explanations.Show less
Climate disasters have significant implications for development and human security, especially in contexts that are already fragile and vulnerable such as conflict-affected areas. However, their...Show moreClimate disasters have significant implications for development and human security, especially in contexts that are already fragile and vulnerable such as conflict-affected areas. However, their influence on conflict intensity in ongoing armed civil conflicts has thus far been chronically understudied. In this thesis, I examine the potential causal mechanisms linking the occurrence of sudden-onset climate disasters and fluctuations in conflict intensity using Somalia as a single case study and theory-testing process tracing. This builds on existing research by considering the emotional and psychological impact of sudden-onset disasters in contexts of conflict and its subsequent effect on aggression and violence. The case-study analysis establishes, to a certain extent, a causal link between the occurrence of sudden-onset disasters and increases in conflict intensity. However, certain contextual factors, such as the strength of state infrastructure, are identified as key determinants for such a causal link to be established.Show less
Do United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) impact democratization in post-conflict states? Currently, this question is up for debate and this study builds on new relationships recently...Show moreDo United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) impact democratization in post-conflict states? Currently, this question is up for debate and this study builds on new relationships recently discovered in the literature. Blair, Di Salvatore, & Smidt (2023) argue that UN PKO tactics improve the likelihood of democratization. This relationship is tested through the examination of four mission tactics between the United Nations Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) and the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic (MINURCA). The cases were selected using a most similar design, indicating the cases are similar in all regards, except for their democratization outcomes; Mozambique democratized, while CAR did not. The analysis revealed that ONUMOZ and MINURCA were very similar in their mission tactics and thus mission tactics cannot be considered the sole explanation for democratization. Rather, the size and budget of the mission, involvement of civilian personnel, and recurrence of violence provided more fruitful avenues for explaining the difference in the democratization outcomes. This research contributes to the literature and yields recommendations for future research on UN PKOs and democratization. Additionally, this research provides insight into how the UN can successfully design and implement PKOs aimed at democratization.Show less
My research delves into the correlation between economic external interventions during conflicts and the level of corruption in post-conflict settings. External interventions happening during a...Show moreMy research delves into the correlation between economic external interventions during conflicts and the level of corruption in post-conflict settings. External interventions happening during a conflict are often overlooked as a source of corruption in the post-conflict period. Using a theoretical framework, I analyse the various factors that contribute to heightened corruption in these situations, including instability, misuse of foreign aid, and the absence of the rule of law. I hypothesize that external economic interventions in conflict-ridden countries may result in increased corruption in the post-conflict period. By investigating the connection between external financial aid and corruption, my study aims to shed new light on the dynamics of this previously overlooked relationship. Using quantitative analysis, I was able to conclude that economic foreign intervention during conflict onset increases the level of corruption in the aftermath. By better-understanding corruption in conflict-affected environments, my research emphasizes the importance of further investigation in this area, where corruption remains a persistent challenge. Corruption remains a persistent challenge in post-conflict settings, and policies to address this issue must consider the specific challenges posed by external economic interventions. By identifying the factors that contribute to corruption and the impact of external economic interventions, policymakers can develop more effective strategies for combating corruption and promoting sustainable development in conflict-affected regions.Show less
Voting is the cornerstone of democratic participation, allowing citizens to choose their leadership and shape government policy. However, since the 1990s, voter turnout has been declining, leading...Show moreVoting is the cornerstone of democratic participation, allowing citizens to choose their leadership and shape government policy. However, since the 1990s, voter turnout has been declining, leading to the question of why some people vote and others do not. While existing research has explored various factors influencing voter turnout, the impact of essential human needs has been underexplored. To address this gap, I investigate how food insecurity influences voter turnout, focusing on the mediating role of education. The theorised idea is that food insecurity creates economic stress and limits opportunities, which, in turn, negatively impacts education levels. Disparities in education can reduce political interest and knowledge, arguably leading to lower voter turnout. I employ theory testing process tracing to identify evidence for the constructed causal mechanism. Comparative case studies of Mali and Ghana, states with similar food security levels but varying education levels and voter turnout, will be conducted to explain this complex relationship. The results show the impact of food insecurity on education and voter turnout, revealing variations in school enrolment despite similar economic hardships. The research highlights the complex relationship between food security, education, and electoral participation, emphasising the need for a broader approach to socioeconomic factors to explain electoral participation.Show less
The banning of religious dress, such as the burqa, has sparked much debate over the last two decades. While secularism is a concept most countries committed to liberal values engage with, at least...Show moreThe banning of religious dress, such as the burqa, has sparked much debate over the last two decades. While secularism is a concept most countries committed to liberal values engage with, at least on the perspective of religious freedom, only some countries have formally applied it. France has been legally bound to secularism since 1905 and strongly maintains this stance, issuing the broadest restrictions on religiosity in public under its laïcité model. Although secularism has historically been associated with the Christian tradition, having come out of Enlightenment thought, its modern use seems to affect other religious communities to a greater extent, which has come with much criticism from the affected communities. This paper examines how the application of secularism interplays with the theory of religious decolonisation, in the context of a single-case study analysis of France. Through the use of qualitative content analysis the French government’s exposition of their secularism, laïcité, this paper has found a negative or non-consequential interplay between both concepts.Show less
