The thesis analyses the extent to which the 2013 Crisis in Ukraine affected Kazakhstan and Belarus's economic and political relations with Russia within the integrational framework of the Eurasian...Show moreThe thesis analyses the extent to which the 2013 Crisis in Ukraine affected Kazakhstan and Belarus's economic and political relations with Russia within the integrational framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.Show less
This thesis examines the state of regional integration in Latin America, by looking at the customs union Mercosur. The Mercosur has been widely studied in terms of regionalism, but this thesis...Show moreThis thesis examines the state of regional integration in Latin America, by looking at the customs union Mercosur. The Mercosur has been widely studied in terms of regionalism, but this thesis offers new insights by looking at the effect of the strategic partnership between the EU and Brazil. Furthermore, this thesis produces a scholarly argument by systematically connecting analytical concepts to the regional integration of Mercosur. At last, this research on the consequences of the strategic partnership EU-Brazil on the regional integration of Mercosur certainly adds new insights regarding the functioning of Mercosur.Show less
To answer the question of what explains the success of recent Eurasian integrational projects (Eurasian Economic Community; Eurasian Customs Union; Eurasian Common Economic Space; and Eurasian...Show moreTo answer the question of what explains the success of recent Eurasian integrational projects (Eurasian Economic Community; Eurasian Customs Union; Eurasian Common Economic Space; and Eurasian Economic Union) vis-à-vis their predecessor (Commonwealth of Independent States), this research firstly establishes two measures of success of regional integration projects and applies these to the two aforementioned groupings in Eurasia. Then, several explanations of the varying success between these two groupings are analysed, after which the theory of postfunctionalism will be proposed as a possible explanation. To test this theory’s suitability in explaining this variation, its hypothesis about the success (and lack thereof) of regional integration projects will be tested using a longitudinal case-study research design involving mixed research methods.Show less
The present work aims at providing more insight into the complex nature of regionalism in Latin America. By determining three variables, presidential diplomacy, ideological convergence and the...Show moreThe present work aims at providing more insight into the complex nature of regionalism in Latin America. By determining three variables, presidential diplomacy, ideological convergence and the absence of regional hegemons, Latin American regional organizations will be assessed. The first chapter will provide an overview of the analytical tools deployed for this analysis. Subsequently, in the second chapter, historical trends will be established by considering the Latin American Free Trade Association (LAFTA) and the Andean Pact. Finally, the influence of the three variables on two contemporary regional organizations, the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur, will be analysed in the third chapter. The hypothesis directing this analysis is as follows: “Presidential diplomacy, ideological convergence and the absence of a regional hegemon have the potential of, or already have had, a negative influence on the Pacific Alliance and Mercosur’s stability and the achievement of their long-term objectives.”Show less
This dissertation provides a new light on the role of the Russian Federation in the Eurasian Economic Union’s (EEU) formation and its economic integration. It looks and assesses the level of...Show moreThis dissertation provides a new light on the role of the Russian Federation in the Eurasian Economic Union’s (EEU) formation and its economic integration. It looks and assesses the level of current integration of the EEU as well as its prospects, epitomized by Russia’s willingness to push for a monetary union. To do so, the Data Analysis section investigates both current and prospects of Russia’s economic integration with the EEU. In sum, the analysis results reveal Russia’s economic motivation towards increasing its further integration with the Eurasian Economic Union. Further remarks point to data limitation and potential future research on the matter.Show less
The European Union (EU) has actively sought to reinforce existing processes of political, economic and social integration beyond its borders, to other regional groups around the world. In...Show moreThe European Union (EU) has actively sought to reinforce existing processes of political, economic and social integration beyond its borders, to other regional groups around the world. In particular, the EU has pursued Latin America to establish institutionalized region-to-region partnerships, through which they have actively promoted the integration of their sub-regional counterparts. The receptivity of Latin American regional projects to the EUs support has resulted in the emulation of European institutional design and processes of integration. Nevertheless, although they emulate European structures, none have been able to replicate the transfer of political authority that endows Europe with its distinctive supra-nationality. The following paper seeks to address these results and answer the question of why, given the EU support towards regional integration, supra-nationality is not present in the South American (Mercosur) or Central American (SICA) regional projects.Show less
“A República Federativa do Brasil buscará a integração económica, política, social e cultural dos povos da América Latina, visando à formação de uma comunidade latino-americana de nações” - 1988...Show more“A República Federativa do Brasil buscará a integração económica, política, social e cultural dos povos da América Latina, visando à formação de uma comunidade latino-americana de nações” - 1988 Brazilian Constitution In the Brazilian constitution of 1988 it was already determined that regional integration of Latin America on various levels would be of great relevance to Brazil’s future foreign policy strategies (Gratius and Saraiva 3). Throughout history, Brazil has used its geographical size, population, and large economy as motives for Brazil to expand its influence in the international order. Economically, Brazil has the 7th highest GDP in the world (World Bank). Much has been written about Brazilian foreign policy during various periods and under different leaders (Burges “Brazilian” 6). This thesis examines Brazil’s foreign policy during Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s and Dilma Rousseff’s presidencies. Through a theoretical framework of the concepts of pragmatism, autonomy, and regionalism, Brazil’s role in the international arena is examined. Although pragmatism and autonomy are relatively continuous elements of Brazilian foreign policy which have been discussed in academic literature extensively, their relation to the regional integration and increasing international influence of Brazil has not been researched as much. The theoretical framework thus aims to create a foundation on which further analysis of Brazil since 2003 can be based. Through a contextual analysis of post-Cold War Brazil in relation to the theoretical framework, insight is given in order to further understand Brazil’s foreign policy strategy since 2003. Thus by combining the theoretical framework with the historical background of Brazilian foreign policy, a case study of Brazilian foreign policy can be executed. Within the case study Brazil’s ambition to exert itself as a regional leader, and consequently gain influence in the international arena is discussed through Brazil’s position in Mercosur and other (regional) bodies. An analysis of Brazil’s foreign policy decisions under Lula and Rousseff regarding these aforementioned concepts give insight into the rising influence of Brazil. Furthermore, through this comparative analysis the policy implications for Brazil’s (near) future can be outlined. Thus this thesis answers the question in what ways has Brazil further established its regional and international presence through foreign policy decisions regarding regional bodies, such as Mercosur, since Lula became president in 2003? in order to gain greater insight into Brazil’s future position in the international order.Show less
