This thesis examinates the role of PMCs in international intervention and in what ways this can explain the differences in reconciliation efforts in instances of misconduct by PMCs and regular...Show moreThis thesis examinates the role of PMCs in international intervention and in what ways this can explain the differences in reconciliation efforts in instances of misconduct by PMCs and regular troops. In order to do this, this paper's analysis is focused on the reconciliation efforts made by the U.S. government in cases of misconduct that took place during the Iraq War between 2003-2011.Show less
This thesis researched the extent to which Bush and Obama used different conceptual metaphorical frames in their rhetoric concerning the Iraq War, and to what extent these frames helped them create...Show moreThis thesis researched the extent to which Bush and Obama used different conceptual metaphorical frames in their rhetoric concerning the Iraq War, and to what extent these frames helped them create a worldview that justified or opposed the Iraq War. The thesis argued that Bush and Obama both use the same metaphorical model, in which they create a hero, villain, and a victim, to justify or oppose the Iraq War. Whereas the existing literature mainly focused on the use of metaphorical framing in a political context, this thesis looks at the political context concerning war. The thesis specifically contributes to the existing literature on metaphorical framing in a war context, and the "Fairytale of a Just War theory" by George Lakoff, because it shows that telling a story in which there is a hero, villain, and a victim can be used to tell a different story than the story in which war is justifiedShow less
This thesis identifies three criteria to determine when democracy promotion succeeds. These criteria will then be applied to the case study of United States’ democracy promotion in Iraq after 9/11....Show moreThis thesis identifies three criteria to determine when democracy promotion succeeds. These criteria will then be applied to the case study of United States’ democracy promotion in Iraq after 9/11. In the following chapters, this thesis argues that democracy cannot just be planted somewhere and thrive, but that it is a long and complex process that requires a civil society which is supportive of democracy. The US approach to democracy promotion in Iraq was deeply flawed – not taking into account the local realities of a deeply divided society. American assumptions that civil society could be developed smoothly and without problems proved false in Iraq, a country which has virtually no experience with democracy. Furthermore, this thesis will argue that Iraq was not receptive to democracy because of historical experiences, low American credibility and general anti-Western sentiments (as a result of British colonial rule and prior American interventionism in the Middle East).Show less
This Thesis has analyzed whether and to what extend the US occupation of Iraq can be considered as just. A just occupation would satisfy all principles set forth by jus post bellum. The research...Show moreThis Thesis has analyzed whether and to what extend the US occupation of Iraq can be considered as just. A just occupation would satisfy all principles set forth by jus post bellum. The research question was answered using a qualitative analysis based on a collection of secondary sources, which were analysed using the jus post bellum framework proposed by Orend (2006). The thesis came to the conclusion that the US occupation of Iraq was highly unjust as America failed to satisfy and in some cases clearly violated key principles set forth by jus post bellum. Most importantly the principle of rehabilitation was violated both on the political as well as military level. However, also the jus post bellum principles of Rights Vindication; Discrimination; Punishment #1 and #2; and Compensation were not satisfied if not violated. The failure to follow a just post bellum in Iraq, may explain the prolonged conflict that ensued in Iraq following the US led invasion.Show less
Realists are said to paint a bleak, pessimistic view of the world. Their paradigm’s emphasis on power, national interest, and anarchy is said to inevitably result in conflict. As such, it seems...Show moreRealists are said to paint a bleak, pessimistic view of the world. Their paradigm’s emphasis on power, national interest, and anarchy is said to inevitably result in conflict. As such, it seems counterintuitive to think that the most vocal critics of the Vietnam War and Iraq War were realists. Certainly, in public discourse and in the field of political science, there exists a common perception that realists are synonymous with warmongers. However, preeminent realists such as Hans Morgenthau and John Mearsheimer were heavily opposed to the Vietnam War and Iraq War, respectively. The question arises why prominent realists are such vocal opponents of war, while the theory they prescribe to is often conflated with war. This thesis explores the central elements of the realist paradigm in the realist opposition. A qualitative analysis of both the works of Morgenthau and Mearsheimer is done to further contribute to our understanding of the realist lessons on the use of military force and how it can be used to ensure the vital interests and the security of the United States in the 21st century. It finds that that a rational approach is taken within the realist paradigm: The nation's interest lies always in power and all actions should only be taken if its power was to increase or maintained. The Vietnam War and Iraq War both did not pose a threat to the power of the United States. Rather, the United States upset the balance of power by its actions and considerably lost power as defined by realism. With the next decade looking to be under unprecedented strains, the American foreign policy elite would do well to use the valuable insights gained from the earlier wars to steer the country and the world to a just future.Show less
During the Iraq War the American government used Private Military Companies (PMCs) to a great extent, and in doing so they inserted a previously largely unknown force into a volatile post-conflict...Show moreDuring the Iraq War the American government used Private Military Companies (PMCs) to a great extent, and in doing so they inserted a previously largely unknown force into a volatile post-conflict situation without knowledge of the possible repercussions. This is especially of concern since PMCs have received a negative reputation for their involvement in Iraq, due to several scandals including prisoner abuse and war profiteering. When considering that the post-invasion mission of the United States was that of state building, it has to be examined if PMCs have affected state building. State building is thought to be one of the most important issues of our time-weak or failed states pose a threat to the international order and their neighbouring countries. This thesis examines how PMCs affected state building efforts in Iraq to provide future policy planners with more extensive knowledge of the possible ramifications of the use of PMCs. This is achieved through an analysis of factors contributing to state building, and an in-depth analysis of trust and legitimacy, as well as the effect that PMCs had upon them in Iraq. Based on these findings, recommendations for a more sustainable use of PMCs are made.Show less
