Identity politics is a contested, contemporary and highly relevant term. It is used in both ends of the political spectrum and is often associated with liberal democracies. This thesis will explore...Show moreIdentity politics is a contested, contemporary and highly relevant term. It is used in both ends of the political spectrum and is often associated with liberal democracies. This thesis will explore identity polics by providing an in-depth literature analysis, arguments in favour and against the usage of it and its role with international relations (foreign policy) and democracies. Practical examples from India and the United States will be provided.Show less
After Putin’s re-election in 2012, a shift in foreign policy could be observed, which was characterised by renewed hostility towards the West and a rapprochement of global partners of the Russian...Show moreAfter Putin’s re-election in 2012, a shift in foreign policy could be observed, which was characterised by renewed hostility towards the West and a rapprochement of global partners of the Russian Federation. This thesis aims to explore the role of identity politics in this foreign policy shift by assuming that such notions are influenced by the ‘identity dilemma’ left after the fall of the Soviet Union. Through a constructivist lens, this paper finds material as well as identity interests to be mutually constructive and employs this framework throughout. Three empirical chapters explore the relationship of Russia with one of its important regional partners and examine the decisions and motivations in the regions after the foreign policy shift. Through the analysis of Russian bilateral relations with the Middle East, Europe and China the thesis identifies three main trends influenced by identity politics namely, (1) the importance of Central Asia, (2) the use of energy as a method of achieving Great Power status and (3) the undying competition of Russia with its Western counterparts. From the research, the thesis finds that identity politics cannot be ignored, and has a position of importance Russian decision-making processes during and after the 2012 foreign policy shift.Show less
This thesis will try to shed light upon the interactions of the state with the public in the landscape of a changing state-society relationship and the consolidation of a dominant hegemonic power,...Show moreThis thesis will try to shed light upon the interactions of the state with the public in the landscape of a changing state-society relationship and the consolidation of a dominant hegemonic power, in order to find answers to these contemporary questions and establish an understanding of the contemporary political and social landscape – and their interrelatedness – in the Turkish state. Therefore, this thesis will combine concepts from societal and political studies – namely Public Sphere, Identity Politics and Modes of Governance – to point out their interconnectedness and, perhaps, mutually enforcing nature. Through in-depth analyses of the context, the AKP’s campaign and of electoral behaviour during the 2002, 2007 and 2015 parliamentary and – in the case of 2007 – presidential elections, this essay will cover the question what strategies are being used by Erdogan and the AKP to alter the public sphere and utilize the changed societal sentiments for their own cause. Ultimately, this thesis serves to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework and case study analysis on the contemporary political situation in Turkey in times of elections and to add another facet to the research on the interconnectedness of social transformation and state policies.Show less
After the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the traditional practice known as Bacha Bazi has reemerged and has become one the most current issues in the country. Prior to the invasion,...Show moreAfter the United States invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, the traditional practice known as Bacha Bazi has reemerged and has become one the most current issues in the country. Prior to the invasion, under the Taliban regime, the practice was outlawed as they associated the practice with homosexuality. However, since the removal of the Taliban regime, the practice has not only resurged, but it has been flourishing and increasing. Therefore, this thesis will highlight the factors that have contributed to the resurgence of the practice Bacha Bazi since the occupation of Afghanistan. This thesis aims at providing an outlook on the socio-cultural and political factors that have contributed to the resurgence of the Bacha Bazi since the invasion of Afghanistan.Show less
Evo Morales, the first indigenous president of Bolivia, was elected in 2005 in the context of what has been labelled an ‘indigenous awakening’ throughout Latin America. Indigenous matters, the...Show moreEvo Morales, the first indigenous president of Bolivia, was elected in 2005 in the context of what has been labelled an ‘indigenous awakening’ throughout Latin America. Indigenous matters, the matters of the majority of the population, began to circulate at the core of national politics and identity, as according to Morales, all national affairs were from then onwards to be indigenous. Internationally, Morales has advocated for indigenous rights and environmental rights, actively pursuing the “language of political indigeneity” as “an explicit critique of neoliberal globalisation”. He has used the international discourse on indigeneity to arguably form a homogenised and unified national indigenous identity, emphasising the states’ commitment to protect nature, effectively enabling him to justify his resource extractivism. Similarly, indigenous communities themselves have claimed the discourse on indigeneity, as their narrative in association to land, territory and ecological conservation is being manifested in order to defend their rights.Show less
Through an extensive analysis of speeches and statements of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian federation, an ideological shift towards Eurasianism is assessed. By comparing Putin’s discourse...Show moreThrough an extensive analysis of speeches and statements of President Vladimir Putin of the Russian federation, an ideological shift towards Eurasianism is assessed. By comparing Putin’s discourse with regard to Crimea, religion and what it means to be Russian with public opinion polls published by the Levada-Center, the contemporary place of identity in Russia is reconfigured. I propose a new ‘pick-and-mix’ type of Eurasianism, in which Russia’s uniqueness is established in political speeches and statements, but in which the reason for this special nature remains fluid. Public opinion and Putin’s discourse do not always line up with regard to the nature of Russian identity, showing how multiple narratives are colliding in the public sphere.Show less
This paper seeks to answer the following question: “To what extent does language policies implemented by the People’s Republic of China government in the education system of Tibet affect the...Show moreThis paper seeks to answer the following question: “To what extent does language policies implemented by the People’s Republic of China government in the education system of Tibet affect the identities of ethnic Tibetans and their economic opportunities?”Show less
