There is a strong upward trend in the amounts spent on development aid. In 2022, the total amount of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) was five times higher than in 1960. The European Union is...Show moreThere is a strong upward trend in the amounts spent on development aid. In 2022, the total amount of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) was five times higher than in 1960. The European Union is responsible for about two-thirds of humanitarian aid worldwide. However, it is questionable whether development aid is actually effective. A ‘least-likely case’ is Nigeria, it received 9 billion euros from the EU in the period of 2007-2024. Yet it has one of the worst development factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. This Thesis aims to find an answer to the question of whether European development aid was really effective in Nigeria, and whether the targets the European Union set itself were actually achieved. This is done by using the National Indicative Programme (NIP) that ran from 2014-2020. The analysis shows that despite achieving some of the objectives examined in the health care sector, the NIP has mostly failed to achieve the desired impact. Primarily, the high level of corruption ensured that few development objectives have been realized. Therefore, it can be concluded that European Development aid has not really been effective. For further research, it would be valuable to look at the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) that runs from 2021-2027. Here, slightly different targets have been set that may give different results. In addition, it may be of added value to conduct a study of how Nigerian agencies report, since there are sometimes substantial differences between the observations of NGOs and these agencies, which can lead to different interpretations. This could possibly engender a different observation of aid effectiveness as well.Show less
The EU is a leader on the international stage in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and strengthening international security. An important tool used by the EU for this purpose are the Common...Show moreThe EU is a leader on the international stage in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and strengthening international security. An important tool used by the EU for this purpose are the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions. However, it is not clear whether these missions are effective since there is no consensus in the academic literature on this. The trend among most scholars is negative, but others argue that there are signs for optimism. These differences arise, among other things, from the different perspectives that can be held, namely that of the implementer or the receiver. In the academic literature there is more harmony when it comes to which factors influence the effectiveness of missions. Of these, The level of local ownership, sensitivity to unique local dynamics, the amount of budget, the unity of actors, and the level of human capacity stand out. The European Union Advisory Mission in Ukraine and the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia are two CSDP missions with a very different approach but with a comparable international context for the European Union. The former is focused on reforming the security sector, where the latter has been implemented with the aim of not allowing hostilities to recur. Both Ukraine and Georgia are active in the Eastern Partnership of the European Union and have a so-called Association Agreement with the EU. According to the literature, the latter can contribute as leverage to the success of a mission. In addition, both countries have a similar geostrategic position and have to deal with the same external threat, namely Russia. Based on the analysis of these two missions, it is not possible to give a generalised answer to the question of how effective CSDP missions are. However, it has emerged that the EUMM in Georgia was a considerable success and has proven to be more effective than the EUAM in Ukraine, which has not had major successes. These contradictory results show that CSDP missions should not be levelled out in advance when it comes to Effectiveness. The results of the analysis also show that the level of local ownership, sensitivity to unique local dynamics, and the unity of actors in particular influenced the degree of effectiveness of the missions. In addition, this analysis indicates that mission effectiveness and local perception of effectiveness are not related to the attitude of the local population towards the European Union. This may have implications for the academic literature that claims this is the case, but more research is needed to confirm this. In addition, this research has shown that both missions are unable to improve the level of democracy in the host states, which decreased significantly in both cases. This creates a practical implication for the European Union when implementing CSDP missions in the future.Show less
The focus of this thesis lies on the European Union’s (EU) strategy toward counterterrorism, specifically from 2005 until 2022. How and why the EUs counterterrorism strategy has changed, and its...Show moreThe focus of this thesis lies on the European Union’s (EU) strategy toward counterterrorism, specifically from 2005 until 2022. How and why the EUs counterterrorism strategy has changed, and its effectiveness will be investigated. This is done through qualitative research where three policy documents: EU Counterterrorism Strategy (2005), EU Counterterrorism Agenda (2020) and the Security Compass (2022) are analyzed and compared. Throughout the thesis, it becomes clear that crisis significantly impacts the development of and change in EU counterterrorism policy.Show less
This paper examines the challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of RIECs. Document analysis and a semi-structured interview were conducted using developed indicators for effectiveness and...Show moreThis paper examines the challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of RIECs. Document analysis and a semi-structured interview were conducted using developed indicators for effectiveness and legitimacy. The findings reveal the complex and multifaceted nature of the challenges that the RIECs face. For effectiveness, structural challenges include the lack of clarity and indifference to RIECs’responsibilities, involving municipalities, insufficient capacity, and short-term employment. Policy challenges involve objective coordination issues, the absence of a uniform approach in creating undermining images, deficient information sharing and merging procedures, lengthy lead times, and ill-structured financial support. Cultural challenges include a lack and divergence of administrative awareness and understanding of the risk related to undermining crime and a divergence and hesitance of participating in the integrated approach. Technical challenges involve an outdated and non-user-friendly RIEC-IS system and insufficient automation for connecting relevant information. Relational challenges arise from hierarchical relationships and low trust among partners. For legitimacy, only social legitimacy is examined. The challenge here revolves around aligning the joint and individual efforts in RIECs’ accountability approach. Other challenges include determining the focus of accountability during stressful periods and the need for dynamic accountability in RIECs’ operations. In conclusion, by categorizing the challenges to effectiveness into multiple layers, this study contributes to a better understanding of the areas that need future improvements, which is fruitful for policymakers. Furthermore, addressing social legitimacy contributes to a better understanding of accountability within networked governance, which is beneficial for future improvement of the accountability approach within networks, including the RIECs.Show less
Master thesis | Crisis and Security Management (MSc)
open access
Every year people are reported missing in the Netherlands. In the situation that a missing person is not found quickly, it creates unbearable situations for their close ones. Therefore, it is...Show moreEvery year people are reported missing in the Netherlands. In the situation that a missing person is not found quickly, it creates unbearable situations for their close ones. Therefore, it is important to continue to improve the effectiveness of the search for missing persons. With the recognition that citizens need and want to contribute to a safe society, it is important to learn more about the ways in which citizens can be effectively involved. This is especially relevant for the police. One of the ways to involve citizens is the form of coproduction. This research focuses on coproduction between the police and citizens during the time of missing persons cases. A comparative case study is applied. The cases that are compared are those of Ruben and Julian and Anne Faber. Qualitative content analysis is applied to analyse a triangulation of sources with the use of operationalization tables established on coproduction and effectiveness in missing persons cases. The findings of this study shed light on the impact of coproduction during the search for missing persons as it reveals similarities and differences between the two cases.Show less
The emergence of Covid-19 has drawn attention to female leadership. Existing literature suggests that, in times of crisis and uncertainty, a transformational leadership style is expected to be more...Show moreThe emergence of Covid-19 has drawn attention to female leadership. Existing literature suggests that, in times of crisis and uncertainty, a transformational leadership style is expected to be more effective than a transactional leadership style. Transformational leadership style is generally considered to be more feminine, while transactional leadership style is generally considered more masculine. The aim of this research is to explore whether the use of a certain leadership style can explain the difference in success achieved by male and female country leaders. To assay my expectations, I analysed 41 speeches held by three male and three femalecountry’s leaders who achieved varying levels of success during the initial period of Covid-19. I coded these speeches in order to find out to what extend transactional, transformational and charismatic leadership style were used and whether they showed communal and/or agentic behaviour. The results suggest that using intellectual stimulation, which is a dimension of a transformational leadership style, to a certain degree explains the success of a leader’s Covid-19 approach. However, there appears to be no difference between male and female leaders with regards to the leadership style employed. My findings call existing literature into question. I conclude this thesis with the limitations of my design and suggestions for future research.Show less
The hierarchical vertical structures of security networks are increasingly making way for horizontal networked structures. One of these security networks is the Neighbourhood Watch group of...Show moreThe hierarchical vertical structures of security networks are increasingly making way for horizontal networked structures. One of these security networks is the Neighbourhood Watch group of Schipluiden, which strives for less crime and a better quality of life within their municipality. It is aimed at reducing crimes such as robberies, burglaries, violence, vandalism and destruction of property. Even though these initiatives gained quite some popularity in the Netherlands, they remain prone to several challenges. Therefore, this thesis examines what challenges are affecting the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Dutch Neighbourhood Watch group of Schipluiden. Through qualitative research methods, this thesis combined several criteria in order to evaluate the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Neighbourhood Watch group of Schipluiden at different levels of analysis. After using a combination of content analysis and expert interviews, this thesis concludes that the NHWS is a legitimate security network that is currently effective, yet prone to several challenges that could affect the effectiveness in the future.Show less
This research explains and specifies the factors that determine effective evaluation in digital social policies. While most research focuses on how to evaluate, a common understanding on what makes...Show moreThis research explains and specifies the factors that determine effective evaluation in digital social policies. While most research focuses on how to evaluate, a common understanding on what makes this evaluation effective is missing. Since the decentralization measures of the Dutch government in 2015, municipalities are mainly responsible for social policy. To carry this out as effectively as possible, municipalities started working with Big Data. This is still a new phenomenon for many local governments and the approach to evaluation and monitoring seems difficult. By carrying out an ex-post and ex-ante meta-evaluation on the evaluation plans of social policies in Rotterdam and Kerkrade, this research uncovers the mechanisms of effective evaluation in digitalized social policy. The analysis indicates that it is important to include both internal and external partners in the evaluation, a mix of qualitative and quantitative evaluation is needed, stakeholders and beneficiaries should be consulted, and frequent monitoring should take place to ensure effective evaluation.Show less
In 1960 Eugene Wigner wrote the famous article: “The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in The Natural Sciences”. Here Wigner claims mathematics is the star of the show in natural science,...Show moreIn 1960 Eugene Wigner wrote the famous article: “The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics in The Natural Sciences”. Here Wigner claims mathematics is the star of the show in natural science, as mathematical formulations lead to amazing and accurate descriptions of a large class of phenomena. Mathematical concepts, although invented in isolation from the natural sciences, are effective ‘beyond all reasonable explanation’. This effectiveness has puzzled commentators ever since. But Wigner seems to presuppose a fairly simplistic relation between mathematics and the natural world: the effectiveness of the application of mathematics to the world can be immediately interpreted as effectiveness of mathematics itself. But is it indeed that simple? Should we not pay more attention to the process of application itself?Show less
The EU is not only pressured to review its CSDP as a result of threats it perceives coming from the South and the East, but also by the USA. In addition, the CSDP has been criticized by scholars...Show moreThe EU is not only pressured to review its CSDP as a result of threats it perceives coming from the South and the East, but also by the USA. In addition, the CSDP has been criticized by scholars for its ineffectiveness for various reasons. This thesis prioritizes the argument that the CSDP lacks effectiveness due to institutional defects. Furthermore, initiatives have been implemented as a result of the EUGS and the IPSD. These institutional constructs may influence the CSDP’s ineffectiveness. Within academic literature, however, research is lacking concerning the impact of the initiatives of the IPSD on the CSDP. Therefore, this thesis aims to answer the question of how the EU has addressed the criticisms concerning the CSDP. The theoretical foundation of this thesis is rational-choice institutionalism, and is conducted on the basis of a triangulated study. First of all, the correspondence between the EUGS and the IPSD has been examined. Thereafter, it has been researched how the IPSD addresses the scholarly criticisms concerning its institutional defects. It is concluded that with the implementation of the IPSD, the EU has not been able to address all the scholarly criticisms. The plan has addressed the criticisms concerning the lack of capacities, and also the ability to ensure compliance in generating resources. Furthermore, the issue concerning the absence of military headquarters has been addressed as well. Finally, it is argued that the initiatives may have created the opportunity to increase the CSDP’s effectiveness indirectly.Show less
The Syrian civil war has evolved from local to a conflict with global repercussions. Russia’s decision to intervene militarily has arguably been of great influence on the Syrian conflict. The main...Show moreThe Syrian civil war has evolved from local to a conflict with global repercussions. Russia’s decision to intervene militarily has arguably been of great influence on the Syrian conflict. The main focus of this thesis is to assess the effectiveness of Russia’s foreign policy regarding Syria, specifically the ongoing Syrian conflict. This is measured by analysing the translation of foreign policy goals into implementation and by determining whether the goals have been met. The groundwork in terms of literature consists of scholarly work on the making and implementation of foreign policy both in general and in relation to Russia. The main chapters are devoted to the goals, implementation and achievements of Russia’s foreign policy with respect to Syria. First, light is shed on the goals of Russia’s foreign policy regarding Syria and their mode of implementation. Then it is determined if and to what extent the foreign policy goals have been met. This then allows for analysis of the factors that have either fostered or constrained the implementation of Russia’s foreign policy goals. Finally, a cautious effort is made to discern future prospects regarding Russia’s foreign policy in Syria.Show less
Research master thesis | Political Science and Public Administration (research) (MSc)
open access
This study investigates the relationship between actorness and effectiveness and questions the direct influence of coherent behavior united positions of EU member states on the degree of activeness...Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between actorness and effectiveness and questions the direct influence of coherent behavior united positions of EU member states on the degree of activeness the EU exerts during an international crisis. It looks at the interplay between actorness, the institutional setup of the EU and the role it took up during different crises. In addition to that, it questions the direct relation between a high degree of actorness translating into more influence on the international stage. It does so by answering the question if a more coherent foreign policy – as it is generally argued – would better enable the EU to exploit its capability as an international actor in global affairs. Two cases were studied to find answers on these questions: the Mali and the Syrian crises. In fact, the Mali crisis was characterized by a high degree of cohesive behavior, whereas in the Syrian crisis frictions were predominant even though a comprehensive sanctions regime could be installed. Institutional aspects, namely the changes with regards to EU foreign policy introduced by the Lisbon Treaty as well as characteristics of the member states, including size and length of membership, were vital as well. Further, the activeness of the EU in both crisis was different in the way that the EU took up a more active and decisive role in the Mali crisis as compared to Syria. Therefore, the expected effect could be found in both cases.Show less
