Using hitherto unexplored archival materials, this study explores the extended negotiations leading to the 1972 Dutch-Sino joint communique in which the exchange of embassies was settled. It...Show moreUsing hitherto unexplored archival materials, this study explores the extended negotiations leading to the 1972 Dutch-Sino joint communique in which the exchange of embassies was settled. It identifies two accelerators and hurdles in the process. Richard Nixon's 1971 visit announcement initiated talks between the Netherlands and the PRC, while the PRC’s admission to the UN removed an important difficulty in their bilateral ties. Hurdles arose during discussions on how to communicate the elevation of bilateral ties to the ambassadorial level and on the formal language regarding Taiwan in the joint communique. The addition of the 'anti-Brezhnev doctrine' showcased the Netherlands' departure from the Brezhnev Doctrine, emphasizing peaceful coexistence. Beyond the negotiation intricacies, the study highlights the agency of smaller states. The Netherlands intentionally deviated from U.S. foreign policy in the UN-vote on Chinese representation and included discussions with Romania on European security and limiting superpower actions in its negotiations with China.Show less
This thesis examines the UAE’s nation-building effort in the context of the Saudi-led coalition’s military intervention to Yemen (2015-2018). In order to do so, a structuralist approach to...Show moreThis thesis examines the UAE’s nation-building effort in the context of the Saudi-led coalition’s military intervention to Yemen (2015-2018). In order to do so, a structuralist approach to International Relations and nationalism have been combined with a domestic approach to foreign-policymaking. The case study of the Khaleej Times newspaper explores, through a qualitative content analysis, how nation-building and nationalism have been flagged (sign-posted) in news items in the context of the Yemen war. The results show that while the UAE is heavily invested in its military intervention abroad, the news-making is focused on ‘softer’ subjects such as humanitarian aid. On the other hand, the approach of accounting for structural elements proves to be insightful. In a globalised, multipolar world, small states with enough resources can project power ‘above their leagues.’ To sum up, nation-building is certainly a continued effort in the UAE. The UAE relies heavily on its image to fulfil her geopolitical aims. What is apparent from the results of this study is that the UAE relies rather on soft power than “pure” hard power to achieve its foreign policy goals.Show less
Small states occupy a minor, yet important, aspect of the study of international relations. While large states and great powers are still accorded the lion’s share of agency in international...Show moreSmall states occupy a minor, yet important, aspect of the study of international relations. While large states and great powers are still accorded the lion’s share of agency in international politics and negotiations, scholars have long recognised that small states are not passive actors and can influence developments on the international stage despite their limited resources. This is accomplished mainly through a variety of strategies that small states apply on the international stage. The effectiveness of these strategies are subject to conditions in the wider international or institutional context, but are still the major avenue through which small state governments exercise agency outside of their national borders. These strategies have been closely examined by scholars, particularly in the context of the European Union, where the highly formalised institutional environment offers both obstacles and opportunities for small states to pursue their agendas at the supranational level. The case study of Ireland, a small state on the periphery of the EU, will be examined in order to determine how peripheral small state governments attempt to affect the development of EU policy. Irish attempts to influence EU foreign and security policy will be investigated, policies that have traditionally been dominated by analyses of large state actors. However, an increasing amount of scholarship argues that small states have the ability to affect the EU in this field as well. This thesis seeks to place the interaction between Ireland and the EU in the wider global context by examining the role a third party international organisation, the UN, has on Ireland’s influence at the EU.Show less
In the field of International Relations, as well as the news or other social media outlets, the discussion of the U.N. often revolves around the five permanent members of the Security Council. This...Show moreIn the field of International Relations, as well as the news or other social media outlets, the discussion of the U.N. often revolves around the five permanent members of the Security Council. This thesis occupies itself by inspecting the agency, and means of influence, of the non-permanent smaller states. Predominantly focusing itself on the Nordic states, observing how these states have interacted with the framework of the U.N.Show less
The research question this thesis poses is: By what means do small states, as opposed to great powers, contribute to international mediation? The examination of two cases has suggested that a small...Show moreThe research question this thesis poses is: By what means do small states, as opposed to great powers, contribute to international mediation? The examination of two cases has suggested that a small state can contribute to international mediation by presenting itself as a neutral third party that lacks any strategic interests in the conflict and can provide a neutral physical location for peace talks, and by using established links with the conflicting parties, to become more easily accepted as mediator by conflicting parties than a great power mediator. The case studies also suggest that small states might be able to achieve significant progress during the mediation process by using a confidence-building strategy, although this does not necessarily lead to the effective addressing of the root causes of the conflict and successful resolution of the conflict. Although the theory on small states in international mediation suggests that the combination of mediation efforts by a small state and a great power might lead to a more successful mediation outcome, the Israeli-Palestinian case did not provide any evidence for the use of a ‘division of labour’-strategy, although indirect support for Norway’s mediation efforts from the US was important.Show less
