The purpose of this thesis is two-fold – first of all, it aims to examine the extent to which the concepts of norm diffusion as conceptualized by NPE theory are capable of explaining the lackluster...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is two-fold – first of all, it aims to examine the extent to which the concepts of norm diffusion as conceptualized by NPE theory are capable of explaining the lackluster diffusion of abolitionist norms due to the comparatively “low political salience” within the relationship (Bacon, Mayer, & Nakamura, 2016, p. 108). Secondly, this thesis examines the normative roles of both the EU and Japan, analyzes the justifiability cultural relativism of ‘universalist’ norms propagated actors such as the EU and both the intended and unintended consequences of secrecy in effective norm diffusion.Show less
Literature on European identity construction and the delineations involved is extensive. This paper’s theoretical approach intends to add to the epistemological debate by looking at case study...Show moreLiterature on European identity construction and the delineations involved is extensive. This paper’s theoretical approach intends to add to the epistemological debate by looking at case study examples of the European Union’s ‘new’ member states, referring to member states that acceded the union in or after 2004, which this paper argues exemplify the rejection of European identity, and analyse them from the culturally anthropological perspective of the binary concepts of cosmopolitanism and cultural relativism. Whether or not a European-wide identity exists has long been a contested topic. Rather than attempt to add to this extensive debate, the purpose of this paper will be to locate points of tension between what is increasingly being constructed by the EU as a universal ‘European identity’ on the one hand, and the existing strong national identities of two case study member states, Hungary and Poland, on the other. By identifying the points at which these clashes occur, this paper will argue that identity construction cannot simply be politicised in the manner in which the EU’s institutions have attempted.Show less
