The semiconductor sector is extremely interdependent and globalized. Despite this China aims to achieve more self-sufficiency and technological development. This study aims to explain the instances...Show moreThe semiconductor sector is extremely interdependent and globalized. Despite this China aims to achieve more self-sufficiency and technological development. This study aims to explain the instances in which the Chinese state is successful in achieving its objectives in the semiconductor sector. Through the following research question: How can Chinese economic statecraft explain whether the Chinese State is able to control the semiconductor industry successfully ? By applying the theory of Chinese economic statecraft, this thesis incorporates the role and agency of firms in the analysis. Through case studies of Hisilicon and SMIC , the thesis explores the variables which explains whether the state is successful in achieving its objectives by incentivizing firms to align their operations with state objectives despite initial incompatible goals. Additionally, an unintentionality factor is added to account for external shocks faced by firms in the Chinese semiconductor sector.Show less
This Bachelor Thesis investigates if the claim made by Simone Kleingeld in her influential 2007 'Kant's Second Thoughts on Race' that Kant turned from a racist (inconsistent universalist) to not...Show moreThis Bachelor Thesis investigates if the claim made by Simone Kleingeld in her influential 2007 'Kant's Second Thoughts on Race' that Kant turned from a racist (inconsistent universalist) to not being a racist (consistent universalist) during the 1790s but before the writing of Perpetual Peace is correct by investigating if there is racism apparent in Perpetual Peace. It has found that although Kant makes an attempt in Perpetual Peace to become a consistent universalist, and thus not a racist, this attempt is not completely successful as there are still hints of his old racist remarks that shine through in the text of Perpetual Peace. Therefore, this thesis refutes the claim made by Kleingeld (2007) that Kant turned from being a racist to a consistent universalist.Show less
This thesis examines China’s cultural (foreign) policies. Taking a sample of three different case studies, this thesis aims to find an answer to the question of how China is using cultural heritage...Show moreThis thesis examines China’s cultural (foreign) policies. Taking a sample of three different case studies, this thesis aims to find an answer to the question of how China is using cultural heritage as a means to becoming a modern imperial power. A possible reason for the Chinese government to do this is that the current global power dynamic is shifting eastwards, away from the U.S., and towards China. Over the three case studies, which all fall into a different type of imperialism, it becomes clear that the cultural heritage policies China employs are not just soft power, but indeed are cultural imperialism.Show less
Within South Korean society, living alone has long been stigmatized due to the prevalence of normative beliefs about the family and the life course. However, after the IMF crisis of 1997, social...Show moreWithin South Korean society, living alone has long been stigmatized due to the prevalence of normative beliefs about the family and the life course. However, after the IMF crisis of 1997, social structural issues led to a rapid increase in young people living alone. Despite this social change, the stereotype that people living alone are abnormal or incomplete continues to persist. This thesis looks at representations of young single-person households in South Korean documentaries broadcasted between 2020-2023. The most notable findings are that documentaries by the broadcaster KBS reinforce traditional family ideology or only subtly challenge it, whereas documentaries by the broadcaster MBC actively and directly challenge traditional family ideology. The documentaries of both broadcasters are unbalanced: the documentaries focus either on negative experiences of living alone or on positive experiences of living alone. Documentaries that focus on the latter are more likely to challenge traditional family ideology. Moreover, young single-person households in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, low-income young single-person households in difficult circumstances and young single-person households who live in ‘special’ co-living or communal housing are overrepresented.Show less
Over the past fifty years, Seoul has seen significant transformations in politics, business, and culture. These changes have simultaneously impacted the urban fabric of Seoul to a great extent....Show moreOver the past fifty years, Seoul has seen significant transformations in politics, business, and culture. These changes have simultaneously impacted the urban fabric of Seoul to a great extent. Within contemporary government redevelopment policies, there is a trend that focuses on composing a modern and global image of Korea. Despite the positive impacts of these policies, such as an increase in wealth and living conditions of the average Korean, the redevelopment projects have also negatively affected the livelihoods of Seoul’s locals. This thesis explores this phenomenon through the lens of place memory, urbicide, and heterotopia and answers the question ‘How has the redevelopment of Seoul impacted the urban fabric of Euljiro-dong and its locals?’ This is done through a historical overview of redevelopment in Seoul spanning from the Chosŏn period until the twenty-first century. In addition, the contemporary impact of redevelopment is explored through a case study and a survey that focused on business owners in Seoul’s Euljiro-dong. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that the planning of Seoul is characterised by a distinct form of urban destruction. Although South Korea has grown immensely based on democracy, there is still room for improvement in local participation and bottom-up initiatives.Show less
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
This thesis explores the factors contributing to the complexity of finding a perfect depiction of Jesus, addressed through three sub-questions. First, the arguments for changing the dominant white...Show moreThis thesis explores the factors contributing to the complexity of finding a perfect depiction of Jesus, addressed through three sub-questions. First, the arguments for changing the dominant white depiction of Jesus reveal historical and contemporary social contexts as significant factors. Historical arguments highlight the importance of Jesus's story and social class, while contemporary arguments focus on societal impacts, such as racial attitudes. Second, the nature of powerful religious symbols is examined, showing how individual perceptions and the interplay of inner and outer worlds affect a symbol's power. Third, the responsibility of depicting Jesus's image is discussed, involving religious institutions, individuals, museums, and artists, emphasizing the collective responsibility to foster a meaningful and inclusive representation. The thesis concludes that the complexity arises from historical and contemporary arguments, individual symbolism, and the various entities involved in depicting Jesus. Highlighting the ongoing debate and collective responsibility, the thesis underscores the importance of continuous dialogue and awareness in shaping the image of Jesus, acknowledging the impossibility of a universally perfect depiction.Show less
