This thesis discuss the current power relations between the NGOs and teh state in China and explores the survival and struggle strategies used by the NGOs to achieve better autonomy under the...Show moreThis thesis discuss the current power relations between the NGOs and teh state in China and explores the survival and struggle strategies used by the NGOs to achieve better autonomy under the authoritarian rule of the party. This thesis introduces the development path of civil society in China, focusing on environmental NGOs and woemns rights NGOs. By studying the strategeis used by NGOs in these fields, this thesis aims at better capture the nature of power relations between state and NGOs in china.Show less
El nacionalismo territorial es un fenómeno que por medio de reivindicaciones, justas o injustas, evoca un sentimiento de afinidad entre los ciudadanos de un país. El dicho fenómeno está bien...Show moreEl nacionalismo territorial es un fenómeno que por medio de reivindicaciones, justas o injustas, evoca un sentimiento de afinidad entre los ciudadanos de un país. El dicho fenómeno está bien vinculado con Argentina y su historia. Hasta el día de hoy el gobierno argentino lo utiliza en cuanto a la reivindicación de las Malvinas pero el clímax del nacionalismo territorial, hasta ahora, ha sido la guerra de las Malvinas en la cual la junta militar argentina atacó a Gran Bretaña que controlaba las islas. Argentina perdió la guerra y sigue reclamando que las islas son suyas lo cual evoca los sentimientos nacionalistas entre los argentinos. Este trabajo tratará de mostrar cuáles eran las razones y argumentos que tenía la junta militar de los años 1976-1982 para evocar los sentimientos nacionalistas en el pueblo argentino. El análisis se enfocará en el punto de vista del gobierno y tendrá en cuenta la situación política de ese tiempo y la opinión publica acerca la junta militar que estaba en poder.Show less
This thesis will use qualitative research methods in order to bridge the gap between the Post-Soviet and the Postcolonial studies. Over the past years Postcolonial literature began dominating...Show moreThis thesis will use qualitative research methods in order to bridge the gap between the Post-Soviet and the Postcolonial studies. Over the past years Postcolonial literature began dominating Universities across the world. The theories presented by Postcolonial scholars are gaining more legitimacy in the international arena, providing an insight into the identity crisis experienced by the global society. This piece will analyse the two main concepts presented by Postcolonial scholars: the Empire and Modernity. The concepts will be examined in the light of Post-Soviet literature. The interrelation of Postcolonial theory with the narrative on Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe will unveil the extent to which U.S.S.R can be considered as a colonial Empire. The Soviet rule did not only have the negative consequences on the material and social infrastructure of Eastern European nations, the colonial power has also contributed to the creation of a stereotype of “Eastern bloc” and the belief in a clear cut divide of Europe, which also is referred as the “Iron Curtain”. Such stereotypes still inhabit the imagination of many across the world. Nevertheless such conception of Eastern Europe is inaccurate as portrayed by the comparison of the historical narratives from Romania and Poland in the later part of the thesis. The article will conclude with the manner in which these stereotypes have been resisted within and outside of the Eastern side of the “Iron Curtain””.Show less
Following the 1987 ECJ court case in which the Reinheitsgebot was deemed illegal and protectionist under EU Law, this thesis explores how German brewers responded by labelling their beers as being...Show moreFollowing the 1987 ECJ court case in which the Reinheitsgebot was deemed illegal and protectionist under EU Law, this thesis explores how German brewers responded by labelling their beers as being brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, as a way of distinguishing their beers from other imported beers. Using Roland Barthes's ideas of Signs and Jason Bosland's theory of trade-marks and culture, it was explored in depth how German beers labelling their beers essentially trade-marked their beers to allow distinction from other beers. It was argued that by doing this, German brewers were essentially protecting their cultural heritage as the Reinheitsgebot is associated with German culture-the Reinheitsgebot is seen to be of great traditional significance in Germany. However, as Germany is renowned for its great beers, it was also explored to what extent this act by German brewers was due to economic (and marketing) reasons and not necessarily for cultural heritage reasons. Other elements were also explored such as the significance of the Reinheitsgebot as well as how it is increasingly challenged by German brewers today, with many arguing that it is prohibiting German brewers from keeping up with global beer markets. Furthermore, it was also considered how the Reinheitsgebot has an international perspective-how it is recognised by international brewers and how the Reinheitsgebot is perceived abroad.Show less
During the Iraq War the American government used Private Military Companies (PMCs) to a great extent, and in doing so they inserted a previously largely unknown force into a volatile post-conflict...Show moreDuring the Iraq War the American government used Private Military Companies (PMCs) to a great extent, and in doing so they inserted a previously largely unknown force into a volatile post-conflict situation without knowledge of the possible repercussions. This is especially of concern since PMCs have received a negative reputation for their involvement in Iraq, due to several scandals including prisoner abuse and war profiteering. When considering that the post-invasion mission of the United States was that of state building, it has to be examined if PMCs have affected state building. State building is thought to be one of the most important issues of our time-weak or failed states pose a threat to the international order and their neighbouring countries. This thesis examines how PMCs affected state building efforts in Iraq to provide future policy planners with more extensive knowledge of the possible ramifications of the use of PMCs. This is achieved through an analysis of factors contributing to state building, and an in-depth analysis of trust and legitimacy, as well as the effect that PMCs had upon them in Iraq. Based on these findings, recommendations for a more sustainable use of PMCs are made.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Film- en literatuurwetenschap (BA)
closed access
In dit Bachelor Eindwerkstuk onderzoek ik de vraag: In welk opzicht is de representatie van de androids in de film Alien en de video game Alien Isolation te verklaren door middel van een...Show moreIn dit Bachelor Eindwerkstuk onderzoek ik de vraag: In welk opzicht is de representatie van de androids in de film Alien en de video game Alien Isolation te verklaren door middel van een posthumanistisch debat en de duale relatie tussen mens en “ander”? Ik gebruik voor dit onderzoek theorie van onder andere Donna Harraway over de cyborg, Christine Cornea over het dualisme tussen mens en niet-mens in science fiction en theorie van Linda Hutcheon over adaptatie. Door close reading van de film en game te combineren met de theorie onderzoek ik hoe de representatie van de android in het posthumanistisch debat geplaatst kan worden. Ash in de film en de Working Joes en Christopher Samuels in de videogame worden allemaal op verschillende manieren gerepresenteerd en laten zien dat de scheiding tussen mens en niet-mens niet altijd even duidelijk is, omdat androids ook menselijke trekjes kunnen hebben. Ik vergelijk de android ook met de cyborg, omdat beide ingaan tegen het dualistische ordeningssysteem in de Westerse samenleving. Ik trek vervolgens ook vergelijkingen tussen de speler, de cyborg en de android.Show less
Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
Desiderius Erasmus is known for his famous and influential works. In the 16th century he became one of the greatest humanists in Northern Europe. His publication of the revised version of the New...Show moreDesiderius Erasmus is known for his famous and influential works. In the 16th century he became one of the greatest humanists in Northern Europe. His publication of the revised version of the New Testament in Greek in 1516 meant a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of theology. During the age of Renaissance humanist intellectuals shared thoughts and influenced each other in many ways. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the general understanding of scholasticism and humanism as its successor and to demonstrate some of the most distinguished charges against Erasmus. The Dutch scholar was able to make friends and also enemies with his sometimes revolutionary thoughts. Four important figures form the points of discussion: Alberto Pio III, Diego López de Zúñiga, Noël Beda and Julius Caesar Scaliger. By looking at these reactions and relating them to each other, one gets a clear picture of the various accents within the controversies.Show less
Bachelor thesis | South and Southeast Asian Studies (BA)
open access
The TPP is one of the most well-known FTAs in the world, which accounts for 40% of the world total trade amount. According to some scholars, the TPP is an instrument to contain China led by the US,...Show moreThe TPP is one of the most well-known FTAs in the world, which accounts for 40% of the world total trade amount. According to some scholars, the TPP is an instrument to contain China led by the US, rather than a high-standard FTA. In addition, Japan, as the traditional alliance of the US and the vital trade partner of China, also participates in the TPP, following negotiations. This thesis focuses on Japan’s participation in the TPP and its impact on China. The problem that this paper will endeavor to solve is whether Japan’s participation in the TPP creates predicaments for China. The studies of the TPP differ from the aspect of various countries. By analyzing and comparing the studies inside and outside of China, I hold the view that China is facing an economic predicament and, because of China’s economic influence, a political predicament that is, by contrast, less severe. However, if China’s economic influence decreases due to the economic problems that it faces, the political predicament will be hard to avoid.Show less
This thesis will examine Abe’s push to constitutional reinterpretation and how the political left reacted to his argument by focusing on the following question: did the Japanese left-wing political...Show moreThis thesis will examine Abe’s push to constitutional reinterpretation and how the political left reacted to his argument by focusing on the following question: did the Japanese left-wing political actors reconsider their view on Article 9 and Japan’s current defense attitude? If the extreme political left of Japan has altered their stance on Abe and his push for reinterpretation, it means that the whole debate on Japanese defense policy is changing altogether. Therefore, Shinzō Abe might have had an impact on how Article 9 and Japan’s defense posture are perceived by the political left-wing. This will be analyzed through the model of securitization, as defined by the Copenhagen School of Security Studies. By applying this framework, this thesis will show how Abe attempts to securitize the issue of Japan’s national identity through addressing Japan’s defense capabilities and how the left-wing responds by counter-securitizing the issue of pacifism within national identity. The second goal of the thesis is to present the validity of the Copenhagen School’s framework by showing its applicability to the case of Japan’s constitutional reinterpretation. First, we shall analyze the literature on both Shinzō Abe’s reinterpretation attempt and the securitization model. Secondly, we will examine the nature of Abe’s push to constitutional reinterpretation by analyzing a book he wrote before he became prime minister and a book he wrote while he was prime minister. In this way, we can establish whether his stance has changed on reinterpreting the constitution. Then we will explore if and how Abe’s attempt for reinterpretation has reshaped the views of the political left in Japan. The effect of Abe’s push to reinterpret the constitution on popular opinion will be exposed by analyzing the phenomenon of counter-securitization by Japanese left-wing activists. We will look at in what manner the attempt has affected the left-wing in their rhetoric by examining scholarly articles on the subject. If this is the case, we might conclude that the Japanese extreme left is currently in the middle of a shift towards middle left.Show less
This thesis employs Robert Putnam’s concept of foreign pressure (“suasive reverberation”) to analyze the battle in the US Congress over the 2015 Iran nuclear accords. Drawing on the public...Show moreThis thesis employs Robert Putnam’s concept of foreign pressure (“suasive reverberation”) to analyze the battle in the US Congress over the 2015 Iran nuclear accords. Drawing on the public statements of key players, journalistic sources, and the congressional record, I contend that the most important factor in determining whether undecided lawmakers voted for or against the agreement was lobbying by other states. Specifically, the survival of the deal can be credited to appeals from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as to a lesser degree from Russia and China. Working in close conjunction with the Obama Administration, representatives of these states successfully pressured wavering members of Congress to support the agreement. I also argue that, counter-intuitively, the government of Israel’s suasive reverberation in opposition to the Iran accords probably contributed to the deal’s survival. The methods and rhetoric used in Israel’s lobbying were perceived as partisan and sparked a backlash among Democratic members of Congress, leading them to close ranks and vote to approve the deal. Through examination of these divergent outcomes, this paper provides empirical support for the importance of suasive reverberation and sheds light on the conditions underlying its use, success, and failure.Show less
This thesis relates to the linguistic situation in Asia, in particular to East-Timor. Untill today, at least a small part of the population speaks a variety of the Portuguese language, as well as a...Show moreThis thesis relates to the linguistic situation in Asia, in particular to East-Timor. Untill today, at least a small part of the population speaks a variety of the Portuguese language, as well as a Portuguese-based creole. The purpose of this work is to analyze this linguistic situation. I will take into account the Portuguese heritage, as well as the future of the languages influenced by the Portuguese language. The history of East Timor will be discussed, where I will take notice of the Portuguese-based creoles and the Portuguese variety spoken in that area. By means of a linguistic analysis I will justify traces of the Portuguese language and explain what measures are taken to maintain these traces. Of the many languages in Asia influenced by the Portuguese language, some have disappeared for different reasons. Therefore, I’m greatly interested in analyzing if the Portuguese language will have a future in East Timor.Show less
In Uruguay is sinds 10 december 2013 de drug Cannabis sativa, onder het bewind van president José Mujica, gelegaliseerd. Volgens de nieuwe wet mogen gebruikers van 18 jaar en ouder daar 40 gram...Show moreIn Uruguay is sinds 10 december 2013 de drug Cannabis sativa, onder het bewind van president José Mujica, gelegaliseerd. Volgens de nieuwe wet mogen gebruikers van 18 jaar en ouder daar 40 gram Cannabis sativa kopen in door de staat aangewezen winkels. Gebruikers mogen thuis tot zes planten telen en verenigingen mogen tot 90 planten per jaar telen en oogsten. Voorstanders van deze nieuwe wetgeving op het gebied van Cannabis Sativa zijn van mening dat de gereguleerde teelt en handel van deze drug zal helpen de georganiseerde misdaad te bestrijden. De Verenigde Naties kijken anders aan tegen de decriminalisering en regulering van Cannabis sativa in Uruguay; door het ondertekenen van de 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs door alle VN‐lidstaten moet deze drug als onomstotelijk illegaal worden beschouwt. De VN heeft niet alleen kritiek op de gezondheidsrisico’s van deze drug, zoals verslaving en geheugenproblemen, maar vooral op de illegaliteit als zodanig. De 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is door alle VN‐lidstaten getekend en het is daarbij niet toegestaan zomaar unilateraal een drug te legaliseren; dit wordt gezien als een overtreding. De VN dreigt daarbij ook met sancties tegen Uruguay, maar kan deze niet opleggen door legale restricties. UNASUR probeert de VN ook te nuanceren in de vijandelijke houding die de VN aanneemt. Het beeld dat wordt geschetst door UNASUR en de VN van het nationale imago van Uruguay is overwegend negatief. Echter, door het feit dat alle UNASUR landen overwegend positief zijn, vindt dit negatieve beeld vooral plaats buiten de Latijns‐Amerikaanse regio. Het beeld dat door de Argentijnse kranten Clarín, La Nación en Página 12 in de media wordt geschetst van het nationale imago van Uruguay is overwegend positief. Uit deze kranten komt veel positief en neutraal commentaar naar voren. Zo wordt er geschreven dat Argentijnse bedrijven erover denken om Cannabis sativa te gaan produceren voor Uruguay en wordt er gespeculeerd dat Argentinië mogelijk het tweede land kan zijn dat deze drug gaat decriminaliseren. In deze kranten komen veel positieve woorden naar voren, zoals ‘la otra cara de la guerra’, ‘la hora de empezar a escuchar’, ‘otros caminos posibles’. Deze titels suggereren dat Argentinië mogelijk ook aan het kijken is naar alternatieven zoals decriminalisering en dat zij de legalisering van de drug in Uruguay ook zien als een sociaal experiment, zoals UNASUR. De negatieve kritiek kwam uit een andere hoek; de Uruguayaanse krant El País geeft aan dat zowel Argentinië als Brazilië bang zijn voor een spillover van Cannabis sativa over de grenzen.Show less
