This thesis argues that there is a hegemonic and inflexible discourse on Tibetan identity, though there are examples of dissent. This identity discourse constructs a narrative on ‘Tibet’ which...Show moreThis thesis argues that there is a hegemonic and inflexible discourse on Tibetan identity, though there are examples of dissent. This identity discourse constructs a narrative on ‘Tibet’ which Tibetans claim. In turn, by claiming ‘Tibet’, Tibetans are claiming their own identity. ‘Tibet’ is represented by the government in exile. This constitutive relationship between ‘Tibet’ and ‘Tibetanness’ results in a narrativising of history and an Othering of Shugden practitioners and Chinese, in order to define a coherent national identity.Show less
This thesis contains comparative analyses between deflation in Japan in the 1990s and the current disinflation/deflation in the European Union in the period 2008-2014. This thesis will especially...Show moreThis thesis contains comparative analyses between deflation in Japan in the 1990s and the current disinflation/deflation in the European Union in the period 2008-2014. This thesis will especially focus on the role of financial authorities in both Japan and the EU, and the measures they have taken to attack the issue of deflation. A light will be shed on the definition of deflation and on the debate on the causes, consequences and approaches on deflation in both Japan as well as the EU. Also a closer look will be taken on why several measures, taken by the financial authorities worked or did not work, especially on the areas of internal price-stability to raise public demand, and on the area of currency-appreciation to boost external demand.Show less
Democracy is under pressure in Europe. On national levels trust in politicians and the political system is decreasing, satisfaction is low and protests are increasing. People feel not heard by...Show moreDemocracy is under pressure in Europe. On national levels trust in politicians and the political system is decreasing, satisfaction is low and protests are increasing. People feel not heard by their chosen representatives and some start to experiment with other forms of democracy. This discontent is especially visible in relation to the European Union that is accused to have severe democratic deficits. This started a debate on the current electoral representative system. This thesis investigates if the democratic deficit of the EU can be solved by introducing citizens’ bodies based on sortition, the random selection of citizens instead of electing representatives.Show less
The European Union’s representation to multilateral organisations is a vital element in its external action framework. The Union promotes an efficient multilateral system to advocate universal...Show moreThe European Union’s representation to multilateral organisations is a vital element in its external action framework. The Union promotes an efficient multilateral system to advocate universal rights and to respond to worldwide crises, with support of the international community. Global dynamics and power relations are changing. New threats to security and peace are altering and financial pressures confine the future development of peace and security capabilities. In the contemporary global order, the EU is called upon to assume greater international responsibilities. To achieve a more unified and continued representation in the multilateral system, EU coordination and representation are essential. To analyse the way in which EU representation operates in the multilateral system and whether the Treaty of Lisbon provides the appropriate improvements, two research questions are formulated: 1) how does the EU function in the multilateral system of the UN, and 2) does the Lisbon Treaty provide the EU with the means necessary to project a more coherent and effective multilateral representative framework? Using case studies on the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, the analysis examines the notion of European foreign policies versus European foreign policy. It will argue that though rhetorical support is strong, effective implementation is yet to be realised. The declared intention of unified external representation is not always persuasive, especially when the EU-28 fails to consolidate interests within the Union itself. However, throughout the development of the EU-UN partnership, multilateral representation of the Union has been greatly enhanced. In general, EU-UNSC representation is less coherent, mostly due to ‘high’ politics. Moreover, the seats of France and UK do not reflect the contemporary global order, nor do they specifically benefit the EU’s multilateral representation. In the UNGA, EU representation is more coherent. This is caused primarily by greater coordination, a weaker political agenda, and the Union’s enhanced observer status. The thesis will address why EU representation in the two most important UN bodies is dissimilar, and will provide an analysis of how the Lisbon Treaty has aided the Union’s ambitions in the multilateral system.Show less
This thesis concentrates on parliamentary control in EU matters by focussing on the adoption of the new roles for national parliaments stipulated in the Lisbon Treaty. To seek an explanation for...Show moreThis thesis concentrates on parliamentary control in EU matters by focussing on the adoption of the new roles for national parliaments stipulated in the Lisbon Treaty. To seek an explanation for the differences in scrutiny strength across member states, this master thesis investigates whether parliamentary control is in relation with the eurosceptic nature of national parliaments and its public. It is important to examine the eurosceptic nature of national parliaments, as it can be argued that national parliaments with an eurosceptic public wish to have European matters handled in their national institutions, whereas national parliaments with a pro-European tendency are more willing to delegate authority to EU institutions. In addition, it is also important to examine this subject as many national parliaments are facing the problem of agency loss and are searching for ways to become stronger represented in the EU. In this master thesis, it is examined whether national parliaments with a strong eurosceptic character are stronger represented in the EU. In other words, is parliamentary control on EU affairs strengthened by public opinion?Show less
The trade in humans for forced labor is the fastest growing criminal industry, with estimated annual profits of $150 billion, whereby trafficking for commercial sexual services (henceforth sex...Show moreThe trade in humans for forced labor is the fastest growing criminal industry, with estimated annual profits of $150 billion, whereby trafficking for commercial sexual services (henceforth sex trafficking)generates $100 billion alone and hereby is responsible for the largest proportion of the profit (Luscombe, 2014). Advanced communication and widespread Internet access, often considered positive outcomes of globalization, in fact help the trafficking industry to function efficiently. Popular tourist destinations in Panama and Mexico with high demand for sex tourism are researched to assess their role as sex hubs in the trafficking debate.Show less
Shale gas offers both big opportunities and big risks. This has resulted in a fierce debate in the EU over the past years which placed research in a central role. This thesis investigates whether...Show moreShale gas offers both big opportunities and big risks. This has resulted in a fierce debate in the EU over the past years which placed research in a central role. This thesis investigates whether oil and gas producers (OGPs) use research to manipulate the debate. Between June 2013 to March 2014 all public available research has been collected in a database for the use of this thesis. The reports are ranked in tiers, distinguishing between primary, secondary, quantitative and qualitative research. Consequently the current level of knowledge on shale gas is assessed and linked to the research coverage of the different topics. This analysis shows the nascent state of research and the general lack of consensus on virtually all issues. Furthermore, it is establishes that economic research offers the biggest potential for manipulation. This economic research will be analyzed based on the organizational features and the content of three primary reports in order to establish whether OGPs manipulated the outcome of the research. Using the theory of Value Sensitive Design it will be established how this manipulation could influence the decision making process on shale gas.Show less
