Master thesis | European Politics and Society: Vaclav Havel Joint Master Programme
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In 2006 Puar defined homonationalism as a form of nationalism that utilizes gay rights to exclude (Muslim minorities). This thesis analyzes the development of Dutch homonationalism from 1990-2002....Show moreIn 2006 Puar defined homonationalism as a form of nationalism that utilizes gay rights to exclude (Muslim minorities). This thesis analyzes the development of Dutch homonationalism from 1990-2002. It finds that the origins and development of homonationalism are rarely discussed. Only research by Bram Mellink focused on the origins of Dutch homonationalism between 1980 and 1990. By analyzing the selected period, this research tries to bridge the gap between the origins of Dutch homonationalism and the full fledged Dutch homonationalism that can be found in the 21st century. It applies a framework that is grounded in established theories and understandings of homonationalism, to reflect on the theoretical foundations of homonationalism and their historical applicability. This paper finds that utilizing homonationalism and its manifestations as they were defined by Puar is in fact ahistorical. Consequently, under the chosen theoretical framework homonationalism is rarely found. Therefore, this research identifies a developing form of homonationalism: proto-homonationalism. To support further research, it establishes a new framework to analyze this proto-homonationalism. The findings of this research thus establish the weaknesses of applying homonationalist theory to historical periods and provide an alternative that allows for a deeper theoretical as well as historical understanding of homonationalism throughout time.Show less
This thesis deals with the issue of cultural appropriation by the Greek far-right party Golden Dawn. Under which conditions does Golden Dawn (GD) manage to implement cultural personas and objects...Show moreThis thesis deals with the issue of cultural appropriation by the Greek far-right party Golden Dawn. Under which conditions does Golden Dawn (GD) manage to implement cultural personas and objects in its narrative, what enables it to do so, and what is the result of this practice? Can a cultural object mobilised for political purposes speak back and what does that entail for the object’s political force? Furthermore, how can culture and one’s way of looking at it function as a catalyst for the formation of bonds amongst men? Focusing on C.P. Cavafy’s mobilisation by GD, and using concepts and insights by Bal, van Alphen, Derrida, and Puar as its theoretical background, this thesis will probe into these questions. Approaching GD’s website as a museum where cultural objects are placed and viewers are invited to gaze upon them, as well as by examining performances of homophobia by GD, I argue that there is a strong aspect of theatricality in these practices. This theatricality shapes an audience, which, whether accepting or condemning what it sees, essentially serves to further foster male bonds within Golden Dawn.Show less
This thesis explores the increasing importance of LGBT+ rights in international relations. Through foreign policy analyses, this thesis successfully identified Dutch homonationalism within Dutch...Show moreThis thesis explores the increasing importance of LGBT+ rights in international relations. Through foreign policy analyses, this thesis successfully identified Dutch homonationalism within Dutch foreign policy, although the findings within the United Nations' Human Rights Council are inconclusive. Homonationalism thus plays a role in Dutch foreign policy choices and behaviour, however, its importance differs in different settings.Show less
This thesis analyzes pro-gay, anti-immigrant rhetoric (PGAIR) in Dutch political parties across the spectrum since 2000. The thesis compares and contrasts rhetorical trends across parties and...Show moreThis thesis analyzes pro-gay, anti-immigrant rhetoric (PGAIR) in Dutch political parties across the spectrum since 2000. The thesis compares and contrasts rhetorical trends across parties and election cycles. In doing so, it shows the influence of populist politics on mainstream politics. It concludes that all three mainstream parties VVD, CDA and PvdA have used PGAIR as a rhetorical tool since 2000. An increase in use could be linked to the rise in popularity of anti-immigrant populist rhetoric in the Netherlands.Show less
This thesis investigates ‘pinkwashing’ – the allegation that the Israeli state and its allies portray Israeli society as homogenously tolerant towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer ...Show moreThis thesis investigates ‘pinkwashing’ – the allegation that the Israeli state and its allies portray Israeli society as homogenously tolerant towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, and portray Palestinian society as homogenously intolerant towards LGBTQ people, in order to improve the Israeli state’s image abroad and justify its violations of Palestinian rights. Using evidence from interviews with LGBTQ Israelis and Palestinians, as well as other sources, this thesis argues that ‘pinkwashing’ is taking place, and that it harms both Israelis and Palestinians.Show less
