This thesis tests the case of the Arctic Council, the leading international organization focused exclusively on the northernmost region on earth, against Liberalism and other theories of...Show moreThis thesis tests the case of the Arctic Council, the leading international organization focused exclusively on the northernmost region on earth, against Liberalism and other theories of International Relations. Established in 1996 and including former Cold War opponents Russia and the United States among its signatories, the Council’s existence as a platform for cooperation so soon after the Cold War highlights its global and historical significance. By looking at the core of the Arctic Council, this thesis highlights its development as an international organization and aims to underline how military confrontations have been kept to a minimum. Since its establishment, the Council has faced a multitude of challenges as an international organization where the environmental change has facilitated access to more natural resources in the Arctic, catching the attention of other states and organizations who wish to exploit these changes to their own benefit. This thesis concludes that the Arctic Council has developed into a more structured international organization and can be evaluated to be a successful one. This research suggests the cooperation between the Arctic states within the Arctic Council can be a preventing factor for military confrontation from escalating in the region. The Council is argued to have acted within its geostrategic framework, been successful in what it was established to do and adapted to a changing landscape in the region at the same time. To stay within their stated mission and act within their geostrategic framework to reduce military tension is argued the lesson to be learned for other international organizations from the case of the Arctic Council.Show less
The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is seen as the fourth time that a series of technological innovations will revolutionise the production and movement of goods. The prospect of a 4IR also...Show moreThe fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is seen as the fourth time that a series of technological innovations will revolutionise the production and movement of goods. The prospect of a 4IR also sprouted a debate surrounding the socioeconomic implications that may come with these technological innovations. The 4IR could have grave consequences for low-skilled labourers. For example, the automation of production may result in a predicament where human labour can no longer compete with machines, which may decrease demand for low-skilled labour or make it redundant. As a result, in highly developed countries growing job insecurities may accelerate the growth of a “new dangerous class” called the precariat. This class could put pressure the political foundations of capitalist democratic societies. Moreover, in developing countries, automation of production may result in companies deciding to relocate their production back to highly developed countries where most of their consumers are based. As a consequence, developing countries can no longer depend on their comparative advantage of having an abundance of cheap labour. Hence, one can argue that the development strategy of development by way of industrialisation may become unworkable. In short, the 4IR may increase the gap between rich and poor, decrease social mobility and increased labour insecurity; all of which resonate with some of the contradictions that Karl Marx thought were endemic to the capitalist economy. This thesis will investigate this predicament through an analysis of the socioeconomic effects emerging from the 4IR and relating this to Marx’s critique of capitalism. The thesis aims to add to existing literature on Marx by considering the relevance of Marx in the 21st century.Show less
