This thesis explores the neomercantilist dynamics in the US-China chip war, a critical geoeconomic rivalry of the modern era where superpowers vie for dominance in semiconductor technology. By...Show moreThis thesis explores the neomercantilist dynamics in the US-China chip war, a critical geoeconomic rivalry of the modern era where superpowers vie for dominance in semiconductor technology. By analyzing the strategies and policies of both the United States and China, this study investigates the alignment of their actions with neomercantilist theory and assesses the implications for global economic and geopolitical dynamics. The research reveals that both nations employ neomercantilist strategies such as trade protectionism, industrial policy, strategic resource control, and technological nationalism to secure their economic and national security interests. The findings highlight the resurgence of protectionist policies reminiscent of the 19th century, challenging the post-Cold War principles of free trade and globalization. The thesis concludes by discussing the broader implications for the global semiconductor industry, international trade relations, and geopolitical stability, emphasizing the need for collaborative international frameworks to manage the intersection of trade, technology, and security.Show less
“Technology is the engine that powers superpowers.” As China has risen to contest American hegemony in Asia, the US has sought to slow down its development in the increasingly securitized...Show more“Technology is the engine that powers superpowers.” As China has risen to contest American hegemony in Asia, the US has sought to slow down its development in the increasingly securitized technology sector and prepares to wrestle for the control of the contested Indo-Pacific region. In this context, China’s Digital Silk Road (DSR) is seen by many experts as its attempt to achieve both self-sufficiency and a leading global position in technology and digital norm-setting. Washington, on its side, has pressured allied states to reject Chinese technology investments on the grounds of risks for both the security of recipient countries and their relations with the US. Literature on the DSR has often been limited to a descriptive role of its projects, while others have argued it provides and expands a model of digital authoritarianism for developing countries. This thesis aims to bridge the gap in understanding between the DSR and American perceptions of its geopolitical position in the Indo-Pacific through an analysis of the latter’s pressures on a regional actor to reject the Chinese investments in the digital sphere – Malaysia. By analyzing Malaysia’s responses to Washington’s diplomatic offensive, this thesis argues that current US engagement is ineffective in swaying middle powers from welcoming deeper technological cooperation with Beijing. Based on the current interests of Malaysia and other countries in the region, economic considerations would constitute a much more efficient framework of action for the US, while appeals to political ties and national security are less likely to yield the results Washington seeks.Show less
This thesis examines the role of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Gateway by adopting an economic statecraft perspective. This analysis leads to the conclusion that these two...Show moreThis thesis examines the role of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Gateway by adopting an economic statecraft perspective. This analysis leads to the conclusion that these two connectivity initiatives are significantly contributing to the proliferation of protectionism and supranational capitalism within the European Union. Consequently, they are influencing the broader Liberal International Economic Order. By utilizing a qualitative methodological approach, I argue for the emergence of a new political-economic paradigm, which I term neo-ordoliberalism.Show less
This thesis asks the question of how we can understand the nature of ‘kyōka’ (lit. "crazy poems") in the centuries before they became a clearly established genre in early modern Japan. This is not...Show moreThis thesis asks the question of how we can understand the nature of ‘kyōka’ (lit. "crazy poems") in the centuries before they became a clearly established genre in early modern Japan. This is not so much done through a poet’s self-identification of a poem's genre as rather by attempting to chart the relative levels of ‘ga’ (refinement) and ‘zoku’ (‘vulgarity’) characteristics in the poems, and in this way create a new approach to the study of early kyōka. It is pointed out that ga and zoku are not equal categories, but rather that the degree of ‘infiltration’ of zoku determines how a poem can be understood. This approach is then used to look at the ‘Craftsmen’s Poetry Contest in Seventy-one Rounds’ (Shichijūichiban shokunin utaawase) from 1502. Situated in a genre of poem contests developed at the royal court, it ostensibly encompasses poems that sit firmly in a court tradition far removed from the early modern kyōka setting, yet shows remarkable zoku characteristics, and the question is raised whether this poem collection (and possibly others) can be considered 'kyōka hiding in plain sight'.Show less
The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how...Show moreThe thesis provides a comparative analysis of the evolving regulatory frameworks in China's fintech sector, with a specific focus on Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending and crowdfunding. It explores how these frameworks have adapted to technological innovations and assesses their impact on the development and stability of the fintech sector. The study reveals a transition from initial regulatory leniency to increased oversight in P2P lending and details the evolving regulatory environment of crowdfunding. By examining these sectors, the thesis sheds light on the interplay between regulation, technological innovation, and the broader economic and political context, contributing to both academic research and practical policy-making in the fintech field.Show less
This thesis investigates the visual promotion of government-constructed female identities and addresses the question of how the North Korean government visually constructs the ideal female citizen....Show moreThis thesis investigates the visual promotion of government-constructed female identities and addresses the question of how the North Korean government visually constructs the ideal female citizen. It does so to uncover the underlying narratives that the North Korean state seeks to promote about womanhood, national identity, and allegiance to the regime. It conducts extensive literature research on the current field of study to generate theories and variables to test. Using a mixed methods approach, it examines 130 North Korean propaganda posters and 272 depicted characters between 2000-2010. This study finds that the posters greatly emphasise a dichotomy between male and female duties and characteristics. The North Korean regime employs diverse strategies in symbolism and composition that equate most female identities to docile and demure and put them in charge of delegating traditional culture. It can be interpreted that the regime seeks to visualise nationalised womanhood that connects the citizens through tradition, culture, and community.Show less
This thesis examines the role of Confucian concepts in Sino-U.S. relations during Xi Jinping's tenure (2012–2024). A review of the current scholarship asserts a comprehensive understanding of the...Show moreThis thesis examines the role of Confucian concepts in Sino-U.S. relations during Xi Jinping's tenure (2012–2024). A review of the current scholarship asserts a comprehensive understanding of the topic and the apparent gaps in the literature. Next, A dataset comprising 100 items, such as speeches, official reports, and media articles, was constructed and subjected to automated content and discourse analysis. The methodology includes quantitative and qualitative analysis, applying automated content analysis (ACA) across all sources for breadth and critical discourse analysis (CDA) on two selected sources for depth. The research finds an increased trend in Confucian-related word usage in official party narratives related to Sino-U.S. relations aimed at English-speaking audiences. Several Confucian themes are uncovered in CCP discourse, as demonstrated by two speeches by Xi Jinping that suggest a strategic application of Confucian-related words in its constructed narratives. The findings applied to the existing scholarship suggest that Contemporary CCP politics embody a strategically designed party ideology that incorporates reemerging Confucian values in the wake of the post-Mao weakening of the radical Marxist-Leninist party influences.Show less
This research will examine how single women are portrayed in mainstream media in China and the United States. Specifically, it will compare the representations of “leftover women” in China with...Show moreThis research will examine how single women are portrayed in mainstream media in China and the United States. Specifically, it will compare the representations of “leftover women” in China with those of single women in the United States. This thesis offers a comprehensive analysis of the academic literature regarding the developments of “leftover women” in China and single women in the US. Additionally, it will analyze the portrayal of single women in mainstream media by utilizing newspaper articles sourced from the online databases of The People’s Daily and The New York Times. The goal of this thesis is to increase public understanding of issues of gender inequality and contribute to a discourse about single women that advances gender equality.Show less
This thesis explores Bollywood's homogenizing potential through the lens of "soft power," positing Bollywood as a national conduit that obscures the hegemonic tendencies of the BJP and Prime...Show moreThis thesis explores Bollywood's homogenizing potential through the lens of "soft power," positing Bollywood as a national conduit that obscures the hegemonic tendencies of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The analysis is focused on the function of Bollywood as a platform for promoting and perpetuating dominant national narratives and cultural norms, thereby discrediting minority considerations. In addition, this research shall expand its scope to explore developments in celebrity discourses and the growing politicization of social media. Through these inquiries, the thesis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influence of Bollywood on Indian society and politics.Show less
South Korea, Japan, and China are struggling with loneliness in their respective societies. As prolonged feelings of loneliness can have large and lasting consequences for one’s health, it should...Show moreSouth Korea, Japan, and China are struggling with loneliness in their respective societies. As prolonged feelings of loneliness can have large and lasting consequences for one’s health, it should be avoided at all costs. People found solace in watching livestreams; the streams are very personal and it feels like the hosts are in the room with you. In South Korea, mukbangs became popular as more and more people are living in single-person households and therefore more frequently eat alone as well. VTubers made it possible for Japanese people to interact with anime characters, giving life to large communities as a growing number of people are looking at technology to fulfill their social needs. Nǚ zhǔ bō streams provided young Chinese men that are unable to find real girlfriends a virtual girlfriend experience. Livestreaming is a breeding ground for parasocial relationships, as the relationship between streamer and viewer feels very intimate and real. Ideally would viewers find comfort in the company not of the streamers, but in the community as a whole, in which actual meaningful relationships can be formed.Show less
