Although the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is described as a universal norm, it has long been contested by postcolonial and decolonial scholarship. Considering the Russian invasion and occupation...Show moreAlthough the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is described as a universal norm, it has long been contested by postcolonial and decolonial scholarship. Considering the Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine, the conflict provides a rare possibility to compare the use of R2P between states in the Global North and the Global South. This Master thesis consequently conducts a comparative critical discourse analysis between discourse of the UNGA and UNSC on R2P in the cases of the Syrian Civil War and the Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine. The analysis finds that the UN discourse reflects both colonial and decolonial dynamics. It has institutionalized various narratives to decolonize its approach, whilst still engaging in Eurocentric discourse. Moreover, the results indicate that the geopolitical positioning of both Ukraine and Syria have played a role in the UN’s R2P approach to each case.Show less
How does international donor aid or “civil society assistance” impact political change in authoritarian states? Applying existing theories of civil society, democratization and authoritarianism,...Show moreHow does international donor aid or “civil society assistance” impact political change in authoritarian states? Applying existing theories of civil society, democratization and authoritarianism, this study draws attention to a particular branch of international donor aid that extensively implements political programs for youth in Jordan’s civil society. The main finding of this study is that international donors provide some opportunities for political change but overall reinforce the political status quo. The findings emphasize the theoretical argument that international aid can strengthen authoritarian rule. By conducting semi-structured interviews with Jordanian experts and youth who have observed the impact of international donors on the ground, this research increases understanding of the impact of international donor aid on political change in authoritarian contexts.Show less
