This thesis aims to answer the question of why the Indonesian state has increasingly securitized LGBT people in Indonesia from 2000 to 2016, by focusing on two factors: public homophobia and state...Show moreThis thesis aims to answer the question of why the Indonesian state has increasingly securitized LGBT people in Indonesia from 2000 to 2016, by focusing on two factors: public homophobia and state homophobia. Data on public attitudes toward the LGBT community in Indonesia will be drawn from various surveys conducted after 2000s. These surveys measure attitudes on existing heteronormative ideals in Indonesian society and capture the conservative turn starting from 1998 during the post-democratic transition period. The increasing threat of homosexuality as propagated by the Indonesian state will be historically and systematically analyzed through a number of statements made by political elites. Strong evidence is found on public and state homophobia increasing in Indonesia and this materializing politically and legally.Show less
The scope of this research is to figure out why, despite all the “infrastructure for resources” kind of investments undertaken by the Chinese, Sub-Saharan countries have not yet solved their...Show moreThe scope of this research is to figure out why, despite all the “infrastructure for resources” kind of investments undertaken by the Chinese, Sub-Saharan countries have not yet solved their widespread poverty issue. More specifically, the focus will be on Angola; a country that experienced extraordinary GDP growth in the first years of the economic partnership with China, yet poverty among the population remains rampant. Therefore, in order to discover what might explain a lack of economic development in a particular country that receives a great amount of infrastructure-related investments from China, I will firstly list four aspects that have been claimed to be destructive for the sustainable economic development of a country. These are: the non-interference approach adopted by China, the Chinese companies’ hiring policy, the lack of good governance and the disadvantage of the resource curse, by which many African countries are affected. After that, I will analyse these aspects in the more specific case of Angola in order to investigate which obstacles are inhibiting its economic development in actuality. Finally, I will argue that if the Angolan government solves its governance issues and adopts adequate measures to change the structure of the national economy, then, China will presumably be able to provide good opportunities to further stimulate economic development. However, if nothing is changed at the governance level, it is very unlikely that an economic transformation will ever take place.Show less
In this study, I examine the relationship between the business operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) and their uptake of human rights. In contrast to other studies, I investigate why...Show moreIn this study, I examine the relationship between the business operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) and their uptake of human rights. In contrast to other studies, I investigate why some MNCs are doing better with respect to the uptake of human rights within their business operations in by exploring the role of (the threat of) corporate human rights litigation. I find the following: first, there is an association between the ranking of MNC according to the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB) and the human rights lawsuits the MNCs faced. Second, based on a case study of three MNCs there appears that most MNCs adopted human rights measures during or after they were confronted with human rights litigation, pushing the uptake of human rights by MNCs. Lastly, there is a rising trend of foreign direct liability cases against MNCs for human rights violations. Based on a comparative case study, it appears that these cases oftentimes do not bring any judicial outcome due to procedural requirements that are in most cases difficult to fulfil by the plaintiff. However, it seems that in most instances a judicial verdict is not compulsory to push a company towards the uptake of human rights within their business operations.Show less
This research paper contributes to the insights about cross-cultural management between the Netherlands and Malaysia in regard of a multinational. One of the main issues these days is how cross...Show moreThis research paper contributes to the insights about cross-cultural management between the Netherlands and Malaysia in regard of a multinational. One of the main issues these days is how cross-cultural management can show its strength and how it possibly can be improved. In answering the main question, not only will the conditions for growth towards a cross-cultural management be discussed, but there will be an interpretative study on how performance management functions. The practical objective of the research is, by means of this interpretative research, to lay the foundation for an expansion of cross-cultural management between the Netherlands and Malaysia. As a result, this will illustrate the additional assets for perhaps different countries. Ultimately, the multinationals can use this to improve customer satisfaction and work more efficiently. The intellectual objective is to contribute to understanding about supporting cross-cultural management in a multinational.Show less
The following thesis has focused on researching the manner in which the rise of a Southeast Asian middle-class has contributed to propel and sustain the ecommerce sector growth in Southeast Asia....Show moreThe following thesis has focused on researching the manner in which the rise of a Southeast Asian middle-class has contributed to propel and sustain the ecommerce sector growth in Southeast Asia. Three primary arguments were advanced within the paper. Firstly, the demographics of the Southeast Asian middle-class. With an expanding middle-class size, the rise of ecommerce is primarily dictated by a growing number of individuals using online shopping platforms to consume. Secondly, the purchasing power of the middle-class. Due to higher salaries, the purchasing power is deemed to represent a pivotal variable in influencing the ecommerce sector growth in the region. Thirdly, the inner features and values held by the Southeast Asian middle-class today. Consumerist in nature and with a rising desire for exlcusivity and rare items, this last factor is one of great importance, particularly among the youngest segments of society.Show less
As the Global War on Terror increased counterterrorism in Indonesia, Indonesian Jihadi groups found themselves in a new position. On the one hand, counterterrorism units destroyed their...Show moreAs the Global War on Terror increased counterterrorism in Indonesia, Indonesian Jihadi groups found themselves in a new position. On the one hand, counterterrorism units destroyed their organization. On the other hand, it encouraged them to ally with international terrorist networks such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL. This thesis provides an analysis of the Indonesian government’s counterterrorism strategy towards the rising threat of terrorism. In order to understand this relationship, this thesis looks into the role of counterterrorism on the alliance formation process of local Jihadi groups with larger international network. After the Bali bombings in 2002, the Indonesian government started to build its counterterrorism capacity according to good governance principles. Counterterrorism efforts where sharpened, and with success: Indonesia’s largest Jihadi group Jemaah Islamiyah, was largely dismantled by Indonesian counterterrorism units. However, through the funding of Al-Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyah was able to conduct several other attacks. This left the government no choice than to increase the role of the Indonesian Military in counterterrorism operations. More raids, arrests and killings of Indonesian Jihadi members stimulated the number of terrorist attacks against the Indonesian government and thus, revenge became one of the primary reasons for terrorism. This thesis finds that the relationship between counterterrorism and terrorism is an increasing spiral of violence. Furthermore, counterterrorism units have been able to weaken local Jihadi groups’ internal strength. The findings show that this internal breakdown has influenced some of the local Jihadi’s group decision to ally with larger international networks such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL.Show less
