Linkages between nature and nationalism are re-emerging, gaining momentum on the political agenda of far-right actors. To examine this intersection, this research employs the theoretical framework...Show moreLinkages between nature and nationalism are re-emerging, gaining momentum on the political agenda of far-right actors. To examine this intersection, this research employs the theoretical framework of Forchtner and Kølvraa (2015), focused on the aesthetic, material and symbolic dimensions of nature in nationalism. Considering the aforementioned elements, this analysis offers insights into the field of right-wing rhetoric using Poland as a case study. This paper finds that although these categories can be analytically productive, the reality of far-right communication showcases the interplay of these dimensions. In essence, this research displays how the far-right actors find justification for the nationalist narratives within the concept of nature by referencing the nation’s resource sovereignty, national identity, history or beauty of unspoiled natural landscapes.Show less
Political knowledge is one of the most important determinants of the political behavior of citizens and their ability to participate in the democratic system. The amount of political knowledge that...Show morePolitical knowledge is one of the most important determinants of the political behavior of citizens and their ability to participate in the democratic system. The amount of political knowledge that citizens possess, and the process of political learning has been changed by the rise and use of Facebook. It has affected users’ Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability to learn about politics. Previous research on the effect of Facebook on political knowledge has yielded divergent results, suggesting there might be another aspect influencing the relationship between the two. This thesis argues that Facebook use affects users’ political knowledge through the influence it has on their partisan perceptual biases. Using data from the ANES 2020 Social Media Survey, this thesis shows that partisan bias is strongly present and affects the knowledge level of people. In general, increased Facebook use tends increase knowledge about party congruent information, while decreasing knowledge about party incongruent information. But more importantly, results show that this effect varies for different questions and issues, suggesting that further and more detailed research is needed to isolate the effects of Facebook use on partisan biases and political knowledge.Show less
As the ice thaws, the Arctic hosts a new political arena for geostrategic, economic, environmental, and military interests. Existing literature focuses on the disruptive nature of militarisation...Show moreAs the ice thaws, the Arctic hosts a new political arena for geostrategic, economic, environmental, and military interests. Existing literature focuses on the disruptive nature of militarisation and neglects it as a form of governance This study examines the effects of military presence and related tensions on cooperative intentions in the Arctic by testing Elinor Ostrom's design principles as indicators of successful cooperation. By examining the policy statements of the relevant actors, this research challenges the negative stigma associated with militarisation. This study finds that militarisation can enhance cooperative efforts and can contribute to local collaboration. Ultimately, this thesis concludes that militarisation does substitute a platform for cooperation.Show less
