Web 2.0 fundamentally transformed the nature of publicly available information, allowing civilians to conduct detailed investigations of security issues using only open sources. In recent years,...Show moreWeb 2.0 fundamentally transformed the nature of publicly available information, allowing civilians to conduct detailed investigations of security issues using only open sources. In recent years, these online open-source investigation (OOSI) groups have attracted more attention, particularly in the media. This thesis evaluates the concept of civilian OOSI using two competing theoretical perspectives. According to Pantumsinchai’s interpretation of actor-network theory, these groups have an inherent propensity to spread misinformation, but according to Nhan et al.’s interpretation of nodal governance theory, these groups can be powerful security actors if they properly manage their characteristics. This thesis uses a qualitative case study of Bellingcat’s (a civilian OOSI group) investigation of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014. Using this case study method, I conclude that Nhan et al.’s nodal governance theory is the superior theoretical lens for examining civilian OOSI and that the proliferation of misinformation is not an inherent issue with civilian OOSIShow less
The downing of Flight MH17 in July 2014 constitutes a major crisis and a critical juncture in Dutch foreign policy towards Russia. This critical juncture created the conditions under which a...Show moreThe downing of Flight MH17 in July 2014 constitutes a major crisis and a critical juncture in Dutch foreign policy towards Russia. This critical juncture created the conditions under which a significant change in Dutch foreign policy towards Russia became possible as institutional constraints were suddenly loosened. By using process tracing this thesis studies the changes in Dutch foreign policy and the causal mechanism behind them following the downing of the airplane. The Dutch government initially took on a cautious position as it was hoping Russia could be convinced to cooperate with the investigation. However as the Kremlin continually spreads disinformation about Flight MH17 and consistently seeks to discredit and undermine the investigations, the Dutch government started to use more confrontational and less accommodating diplomatic tools. This is evidenced by the way in which the Dutch government exposed the foiled OPCW hacking attempt by the GRU as well as how it criticised Russia’s behaviour surrounding the downing of Flight MH17.Show less
The research question of this thesis will focus on the MH17 trial, which started in March 2020. To achieve a better understanding of Russian and Dutch media coverage of this topic, this thesis will...Show moreThe research question of this thesis will focus on the MH17 trial, which started in March 2020. To achieve a better understanding of Russian and Dutch media coverage of this topic, this thesis will aim to answer the following research question: “Did Russian and Dutch online news media portray the Flight MH17 incident differently In March 2020, and if yes, to what extent?”. From this starting point, this thesis will aim to achieve insight in the spread of (dis)information by Russian and Dutch online news media on the topic of the MH17. In addition, it will explore any possible differences between aforementioned news media in reporting on the MH17 trial.Show less
Dit onderzoek schetst op basis van wetenschappelijke literatuur, populaire literatuur en een case study hoe RT en Spoetnik desinformatie gebruiken. Uit een analyse van de literatuur blijkt dat...Show moreDit onderzoek schetst op basis van wetenschappelijke literatuur, populaire literatuur en een case study hoe RT en Spoetnik desinformatie gebruiken. Uit een analyse van de literatuur blijkt dat Russische desinformatie een tamelijk recent verschijnsel is, dat verschilt van ouderwetse propaganda en het Sovjetfenomeen dezinformatsia. Waar ouderwetse propaganda tot doel had de ontvanger tot actie aan te zetten, lijkt desinformatie vooral bedoeld om de ontvanger te verwarren en in een passieve staat te brengen. Naast een grote hoeveelheid (tegenstrijdige) berichten komt uit de populaire literatuur nog een aantal elementen van desinformatie naar voren, namelijk samenzweringstheorieën, whataboutism, (geladen) taalgebruik, en journalistieke balans. Aan de hand van deze kenmerken is de case – de verslaggeving over MH17 door RT en Spoetnik – bestudeerd. De analyse laat zien dat er in de case sprake is van desinformatie, en dat de voornoemde elementen in meer of mindere mate gebruikt zijn in de verslaggeving.Show less
In deze Masterscriptie is onderzocht hoe de toespraken van de Algemene Politieke Beschouwingen van 2014 een ‘passende’ reactie vormen op de vliegramp met MH17 en in hoeverre deze casus onderzocht...Show moreIn deze Masterscriptie is onderzocht hoe de toespraken van de Algemene Politieke Beschouwingen van 2014 een ‘passende’ reactie vormen op de vliegramp met MH17 en in hoeverre deze casus onderzocht kan worden met behulp van de Retorische exigentie-analyse. Deze analyse is gebaseerd op de exigentietheorie van Bitzer en op de Retorische Kritiek van Braet.Show less
