Cyber attribution is seen as the cornerstone of effective deterrence in cyberspace. Yet, since the state does not have a monopoly on cyber capabilities, it relies heavily on the collaboration with...Show moreCyber attribution is seen as the cornerstone of effective deterrence in cyberspace. Yet, since the state does not have a monopoly on cyber capabilities, it relies heavily on the collaboration with the private sector for effective attribution. Despite this, the private sector has been largely excluded from discussions on shaping national cyberdeterrence strategies. As such, this thesis aims to bridge this gap by incorporating perspectives from the private sector, exploring the dynamics of public- private collaboration on cyber attribution and its impact on deterrence in cyberspace. Through interviews with private sector experts and analysis of existing literature, the research indicates that robust attribution capabilities and credible cross-domain retaliation are crucial for effective deterrence. Moreover, while the technical challenges of attribution can be mitigated with expertise and resources, legal complexities remain significant obstacles. The study also finds that the collaboration between public and private sectors improves attribution efforts, which, in turn, supports deterrence. However, divergent institutional frames present challenges to seamless cooperation. Overall, the findings suggest that, although there are inherent challenges, strategic improvements in attribution capabilities and collaborative efforts can significantly improve the success of cyberdeterrence. This calls for continuous refinement of deterrence strategies in response to legal and technical complexities, as well as the evolving cyber threat landscape.Show less
This thesis investigates how Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro employs the populist strategy of external othering to consolidate his power. By analysing transcriptions of Maduro's speeches, the...Show moreThis thesis investigates how Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro employs the populist strategy of external othering to consolidate his power. By analysing transcriptions of Maduro's speeches, the research identifies patterns in his rhetoric, focusing on how he portrays external threats, particularly from the United States, as key adversaries to Venezuelan interests. The strategy of external othering unites the population against a common enemy, justifying Maduro’s consolidation of power. The study employs qualitative content analysis, categorising threats and proposed solutions to demonstrate how Maduro's discourse shifts blame for internal issues to external actors. The findings reveal that Maduro's rhetoric consistently frames the U.S. as an imperialist threat, using this narrative to legitimise his autocratic governance and rally domestic support. The thesis highlights the strategic use of populism in maintaining Maduro's regime despite internal challenges and declining popularity.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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The thesis explores notions of whiteness among three different countries, the United States, Brazil and the Netherlands through the discussion of the notion of race and post-racism. Through the...Show moreThe thesis explores notions of whiteness among three different countries, the United States, Brazil and the Netherlands through the discussion of the notion of race and post-racism. Through the notion of colourblindness in the United States, mixture in Brazil and white innocence in the Netherlands, post-racial states enhance whiteness as the superior norm to justify racial discrimination.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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This thesis investigates how the concept of fengshui shapes attitudes towards and responses to climate change in rural communities in contemporary southern China. It highlights the historical and...Show moreThis thesis investigates how the concept of fengshui shapes attitudes towards and responses to climate change in rural communities in contemporary southern China. It highlights the historical and cultural development of fengshui through a detailed literature study, discussing the impact of the Cultural Revolution and China's huge economic expansion on environmental perspectives, as well as how fengshui is still visible today. Fengshui emphasises harmony between people and the environment, which supports ecological sustainability along with cultural importance. It goes on to explain how rural residents cope with climatic shifts, as well as how their awareness of and adherence to traditions and knowledge improve environmental management. Fengshui can be very helpful in fostering a harmonious and long-lasting interaction between people and the environment during periods of climatic change.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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In a world where the actions of corporations literally (and figuratively) shape our environments, this thesis focuses on the subject of environmental privilege and challenges the conventional...Show moreIn a world where the actions of corporations literally (and figuratively) shape our environments, this thesis focuses on the subject of environmental privilege and challenges the conventional boundaries of corporate social responsibility (CSR). This work focuses on corporate practices through the lens of equity and sustainability and attempts to explain the trend in which environmental benefits are unevenly distributed to people who are less influential in causing ecological degradation. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates anthropology, environmental studies, sociology, and business ethics this research provides a multidimensional analysis of these behaviours and how they reinforce environmental injustice. Full of anthropological case studies, this research not only emphasises the gap between social pressures and reality but also calls for a transformative shift. It requires a mode of environmental sustainability that does not only consider complying with regulatory requirements but also the adoption of new fair practices. The responsible corporate sectors should witness a shift in their operations, by aligning their actions with the combat against the deterioration of the natural environment. That hopefully, would create a new future wherein the profitability of corporations no longer depends on only the financial power but also on the environmental impact.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
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Since David Levy's notorious predictions about sex robots in 2007, debate and controversy has arisen over the potential roles and harms of sex robots in society. Some stand in support of their...Show moreSince David Levy's notorious predictions about sex robots in 2007, debate and controversy has arisen over the potential roles and harms of sex robots in society. Some stand in support of their existence and purport that they can be used for therapeutic reasons, whereas others stand staunchly against their usage and creation. This thesis aims to explore this debate through the method of 'controversy mapping', which has its roots in Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and digital methods. Through a series of maps, this thesis analyses the relationships of the actors and ideas within this controversy. It proves controversy mapping's use as a method within cases where technological development leaves space for fear mongering, and it uses the maps to show the ways in which fear has been spread about sex robots.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)
closed access
The nature-culture dichotomy in Western cities, has negative effects on the acceptance of nonhumans in those spaces, because it perpetuates the boundary between humans and animals. This is further...Show moreThe nature-culture dichotomy in Western cities, has negative effects on the acceptance of nonhumans in those spaces, because it perpetuates the boundary between humans and animals. This is further reinforced by notions of human mastery and superiority, stemming from the Anthropocene. Those concepts, instead of acknowledging multispecies entanglements, influence the categorisation and hierarchisation of nonhumans between pets and pests, based on how they serve and profit humans. This thesis explores these dynamics and answers the research question: ‘How do ideas of human mastery influence notions of nonhuman animal usefulness in Western modernist urban centres?Show less
This thesis examines the influence the BRICS and the EU have on South African foreign policy, specifically between 2010 and 2023. South Africa and the world have witnessed much change during those...Show moreThis thesis examines the influence the BRICS and the EU have on South African foreign policy, specifically between 2010 and 2023. South Africa and the world have witnessed much change during those 13 years, between the several conflicts that erupted involving some BRICS member-states, revolutions in Africa, and the work that led up to the expansion of the BRICS into the BRICS+ format in 2024. Including a discussion on formal and informal IGOs, this study uses a constructivist theoretical framework and discourse analysis to examine South African foreign policy annual reports, BRICS joint statements, EU-AU joint declarations, and EU-South Africa joint declarations. It finds that South Africa’s foreign policy is influenced by the BRICS and the EU through two main pillars of its foreign policy, but in different manners, yet relating to the central theme of the multilateral system, particularly the UN.Show less
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been criticized for being ‘too ambitious’ and ‘ambiguous’ (Lim, Jørgensen, Wyborn, 2018 ; Hák, Janoušková, Moldan, 2016). The failing of the SDGs is...Show moreThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been criticized for being ‘too ambitious’ and ‘ambiguous’ (Lim, Jørgensen, Wyborn, 2018 ; Hák, Janoušková, Moldan, 2016). The failing of the SDGs is globally visible. This study will focus on the ineffective SDG implementation in western Europe. Specifically, western European countries are ‘political entrepreneurs’ being regarded as capable of adequately addressing global challenges (Silander 2019 ; Silander 2020 ; Mintrom 2020). However, the failing of the SDGs causes reputational damage to their title as policy entrepreneur. Rhetorical legitimation theory has argued that legitimacy conveys in texts produced by organizations (Halliday, Block-Lieb, Carruthers 2010). This study therefore aims to answer the following research question: What has been the role of Western-European states as policy entrepreneurs in the legitimation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A total of 12 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) will be examined through discourse analysis to interpret the rhetoric applied in the VNRs given the social context in which they originated. This thesis will argue that western European countries have played an active role in legitimizing the SDGs. Nevertheless, the position western European states took in the process has shifted, simultaneously with the social context, over time.Show less
