Comparative analyses of ethnic minority policies in Manchukuo and the Soviet Union during the inter war years. Rather than "ideas", it was mostly the need of the indigenous population for the...Show moreComparative analyses of ethnic minority policies in Manchukuo and the Soviet Union during the inter war years. Rather than "ideas", it was mostly the need of the indigenous population for the establishment of hegemony as well as domestic and international crisis that drove ethnic minority policies.Show less
This thesis studies both the way decision making works related to the Chinese space program (the ensemble of projects undertaken by the Chinese government to establish its presence in space), and...Show moreThis thesis studies both the way decision making works related to the Chinese space program (the ensemble of projects undertaken by the Chinese government to establish its presence in space), and the degree in which this decision making reflects Lieberthal and Oksenberg’s “Fragmented Authoritarian Model”. Therefore the hypothesis tested in this thesis is: “Decision making in Chinese politics related to the Chinese space project corresponds with Lieberthal and Oksenberg’s “Fragmented Authoritarian Model” in every detail.” In order to test this hypothesis first the “Fragmented Authoritarian Model” is described. Then the decision making related to the Chinese space program is studied in detail, using secondary sources. In the conclusion the results obtained are compared with the “Fragmented Authoritarian Model”.Show less
The thesis elaborates upon the political and legal feasibility of processing asylum applications in offshore centres operated by EU member states; this shall promote legal and safe migration of...Show moreThe thesis elaborates upon the political and legal feasibility of processing asylum applications in offshore centres operated by EU member states; this shall promote legal and safe migration of asylum seekers into the European Union. The legal feasibility is determined by member states´ ability to safeguard provisions under the 1951 Geneva Convention and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. The key condition for the legal feasibility of offshore asylum processing is the ability to safeguard the principle of non-refoulement. Features of member states´ initiatives for offshore processing as well as those of the operational Australian asylum system are analyzed, and their incompatibility with this principle is confirmed. Ability to fully safeguard against refoulement extra-territorially is further discussed. By analyzing the situation within the territorial Common European Asylum System, the political feasibility for creating an effective and legally feasible extra-territorial asylum procedure is assessed; this involves resettlement of confirmed refugees into the EU and readmission of failed asylum seekers. It is concluded that offshore processing of asylum applications is politically and legally unfeasible at this stage; it would require pooling of national sovereignty much beyond the extent that it now politically feasible – also, member states firstly have to address current deficiencies of the territorial asylum system.Show less
This thesis discusses the way in which we construct the identity of artificial intelligence through science fiction film. It examines how sympathetic treatment of artificial intelligence in this...Show moreThis thesis discusses the way in which we construct the identity of artificial intelligence through science fiction film. It examines how sympathetic treatment of artificial intelligence in this genre may induce empathy in its audience, and how could this sway the artificial intelligence debate when it enters the political sphere. The paper first provides discussions of the artificial intelligence debate, the effect on viewer emotion films can have, and the extent to which humans can empathize with artificial intelligence. The paper then uses three science fiction films – Interstellar (2014), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Her (2013) – to demonstrate the effects such films can have on viewer emotion and discuss the possible repercussions sympathetic treatment of AI could have on the human race. The essay warns against this attitude due to the significant dangers the unchecked development of AI could pose to the human race, and suggests precautionary steps to be taken in the field of education.Show less
The thesis argues that Buen Vivir (good living) proves to be a viable new form of environmental governance in Ecuador, which has undergone a significant process of norms socialization and shaped...Show moreThe thesis argues that Buen Vivir (good living) proves to be a viable new form of environmental governance in Ecuador, which has undergone a significant process of norms socialization and shaped environmental governance on a national and global level. The thesis brings together discusses on development, sustainable development and on environmental governance, as well as works that have looked at the topic of Buen Vivir. Methodologically, a constructivist transnational approach has been taken, which enables the view at environmental governance across spatial and institutional borders. Theoretically, it draws on concepts of transnational networks, including epistemic communities and advocacy networks, to explain the transfer of ideas. In addition to these concepts, the theoretical model of norm socialization from Risse and Sikkink is applied. After giving a historical background, which highlights the emergence of indigenous movements during the neoliberal 1980s and 1990s, the second chapter shows how the environmental values of these local movements became embedded in national policy under the concept of Buen Vivir, which can be seen in Ecuador’s constitution from 2008 and its National Development Plan. Chapter 3 is a detailed investigation of the transnational networks involved in the Ecuadorian Yasuni-ITT initiative, which set the start for a norm socialization process of Ecuadorian environmental governance from a national to a global level.Show less
Francis Fukuyama's "End of History and The Last Man" hypothesis has become a much maligned and often misused one. Here, his concept of Thymocracy is tested against a non-Western society, Singapore.
The 21st century film iteration of Batman was created by Christopher Nolan who reimagined the character and his story in The Dark Knight Trilogy by adopting a darker, grittier, more serious tone....Show moreThe 21st century film iteration of Batman was created by Christopher Nolan who reimagined the character and his story in The Dark Knight Trilogy by adopting a darker, grittier, more serious tone. This thesis will explore how the shift in tone moved the films away from fantasy into what might be termed a heightened reality, thereby allowing for the creation of a more complex, Batman-orientated narrative. Moreover, this thesis will demonstrate how these changes deepened the superhero genre and brought to the foreground the ambiguous, morally gray nature of the main protagonist, which resulted in the redefinition of how a superhero can be presented and understood, and lifted the ‘superhero film’ above being mere escapist entertainment.Show less
In the last decade or so, more and more evidence has accumulated to support an enactivist theory of mind. Such a theory has great consequences for how we view the mind and thus also how we view the...Show moreIn the last decade or so, more and more evidence has accumulated to support an enactivist theory of mind. Such a theory has great consequences for how we view the mind and thus also how we view the mind’s malfunctions; mental disorders. A new way of looking at mental disorders within the framework of enactivism means to see a mental disorder not just as a brain malfunction, but as a disorder in the subjects being-in-the-world; meaning the interaction between brain, body and world. The author explores what such a view would be and what consequences this would have for understanding, diagnosing and treating mental illness.Show less
Marlon Hom demonstrates that Pu Songling’s portrayal of women can be divided into two categories: 1. mortal women and 2. mythical women. Pu's women show only one set of characteristics at a time....Show moreMarlon Hom demonstrates that Pu Songling’s portrayal of women can be divided into two categories: 1. mortal women and 2. mythical women. Pu's women show only one set of characteristics at a time. The morally good and chaste personality traits belong to the humans, while the independent and assertive women are usually mythical beings. Lady White in "The Tale of the White Snake" (bái shé zhuàn 白蛇傳) displays both the mortal and supernatural aspects: she exhibits proper human behaviour, but at the same time she retains the assertive traits attributed to her snake spirit nature. This thesis will explore why and how Lady White's portrayal in the drum ballads is shown in a much more favourable light compared to her depiction in the vernacular story "Lady White is imprisoned underneath the Thunder Peak Pagoda".Show less
Physiognomy, reading fate or character from a person’s face, is now discredited but was once seen as a teachable skill. This thesis presents a cross cultural study of physiognomic knowledge in...Show morePhysiognomy, reading fate or character from a person’s face, is now discredited but was once seen as a teachable skill. This thesis presents a cross cultural study of physiognomic knowledge in three distinct early modern cultures (Europe, China and Mughal India), as represented in figurative art. Artworks studied are mainly paintings, but also some sculpture and printed material, including physiognomic manuals. Using Clifford Geertz’s anthropological approach of identifying how art functions within a “cultural system”, the subsequent interactions are divided into two categories: representations of the Self (elite male patrons, or the artist himself), and representations of the Other (women, the poor, and the foreign). Representations of the Self are found in portraiture. Given the largely unspoken nature of physiognomy, it is necessary to examine how its use may be recognized within portraits. Anxieties surrounding appropriate representations of physiognomy are also important in understanding how art and physiognomy interacted. Conversely, representations of the Other are found in genre paintings and some portraits. The overall impact of physiognomy in these artworks is to emphasise innate differences between the patron Self and his Other. Ultimately, the resulting prevalence of physiognomy in figurative art suggests its transcultural importance within the early modern world.Show less
This thesis posits that the construction of a Japanese identity in government produced popular culture is inconsistent. The contradictory values within a constructed ‘Self’ portray Japan as a ...Show moreThis thesis posits that the construction of a Japanese identity in government produced popular culture is inconsistent. The contradictory values within a constructed ‘Self’ portray Japan as a ‘superior victim’ with regard to the abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea. By utilizing a value-action framework it can be determined that the values portrayed in the narratives of the analysed popular culture have indeed been affected by the lines of action in the production process, and can therefore be concluded to be, in this study, the dominant values in North Korea policymaking. These values can be found throughout the narratives analysed in this thesis. By positioning these values in a model of culture in action, it becomes clear that the perceived ‘Japanese identity’ is in a transitional phase.Show less
This thesis discusses the relevance of Islam in creating communities for Central Asian migrants in Moscow. Drawing upon academic sources and Russian newspapers, the analysis of the role of Islam...Show moreThis thesis discusses the relevance of Islam in creating communities for Central Asian migrants in Moscow. Drawing upon academic sources and Russian newspapers, the analysis of the role of Islam for migrants has focused on places frequently attended by Central Asian people in Moscow. It emerges that migrants attending mosques consider Islam as the main source to negotiate their identity while abroad, as well as the common denominator that helps them in developing personal connections. Moreover, the role of Islam in ethnic cafés and bazaars is described, showing that activities, behaviors and relationships developed in these places are often influenced by Islamic rules and values. In addition, a possible evolution of the role of Islam for migrants has been proposed through a comparison of the Muscovite situation with Vienna and West Berlin in 1950s and 1960s. Based on these analyses, it can be concluded that Islam plays a crucial role for migrants in various dimensions. Indeed, Islam may be helpful to tolerate their precarious living conditions, to provide norms and values, and to form communities based on the common religious background.Show less
In the present thesis, I explore the notion of didactic irony, irony’s teaching that enables a critical and responsible reading process. I explain how didactic irony manifests itself in different...Show moreIn the present thesis, I explore the notion of didactic irony, irony’s teaching that enables a critical and responsible reading process. I explain how didactic irony manifests itself in different intensities and orientations but always in relation to the realm of uncertainty. In teaching and simultaneously questioning, didactic irony points to the underlying uncertainty of meaning, knowledge, and truth. I conceptualise literature as asking for and thereby stimulating the active participation of the reader in the process of reading. Didactic irony may be seen as an important means of creating critical distance and responsibility, in literature and life alike. The connection between literature and life here exists in the critical and responsible process of interpretation that precedes all acquisition of knowledge. Especially when reading the legend of Gregorius, this connection may be seen as a stimulating ‘lesson in reading’. I thus investigate three adaptations of the legend of Gregorius by analysing Hartmann’s von Aue medieval verse epic Gregorius (ca. 1190), Thomas Mann’s modernist novel Der Erwählte (1951), and Jörg Udo Lensing’s postmodernist film Gregorius auf dem Stein (2012).Show less
Currently, there are social movements and protests all over the world, like the occupy Wall Street movement in the United States, the current student movements in Amsterdam or the Penguin...Show moreCurrently, there are social movements and protests all over the world, like the occupy Wall Street movement in the United States, the current student movements in Amsterdam or the Penguin Revolution (Student protests for free education) in Chile. The research paper analyzes the current student movement in Chile because it is important to conceptualize the characteristics of this movement in order to understand what motivates it. Therefore, the research question; ‘To what extent can the Chilean Student movement since 2006 be considered a populist movement, rather than a new social movement?’, is answered. The paper reaches the conclusion that the Chilean student movement could rather be considered a populist movement than a New Social Movement, as indicated by the fact that the Chilean case has 15 matching characteristics with the theory of populist movements. In Chapter 1, this article discussed the literature on New Social Movements and populist movement theories. Some characteristics are more important than others, like the organization or the charismatic leader. Those variables evolved over time, which means that the movement might have started out as a new social movement but is a populist one by now. The use of new social media is also very important for the Chilean protesters because this makes the movement very organized.Show less
This thesis argues that the Wilberforce Museum assumes a similar role as William Wilberforce in the opposition of slavery in the representation of slavery and abolition and the opposition of...Show moreThis thesis argues that the Wilberforce Museum assumes a similar role as William Wilberforce in the opposition of slavery in the representation of slavery and abolition and the opposition of contemporary slavery.Show less
