In light of the recent revival of the Franco-German Axis (Macron-Merkel) and advances in EU Security & Defence policy through PESCO, this thesis provides both a historical and political...Show moreIn light of the recent revival of the Franco-German Axis (Macron-Merkel) and advances in EU Security & Defence policy through PESCO, this thesis provides both a historical and political analysis of the special Franco-German relationship within the EU and its impact on integration by focussing on the policy area of Security & Defence in particular. It uses the theory of rational neo institutionalism to explain the process of EU integration in Security & Defence and the institutionalisation of bilateral relations between France & Germany. It moreover provides a case study in which the actual impact of the Franco-German order will be studied through process tracing of the integration process in security & defence after the Maastricht Treaty. In this case study the dysfunctionalities of the Franco-German engine and the lack of leadership in the area of security & defence is demonstrated in detail. However, the level of influence that both countries can exercise when they act together has been highly significant in the process of European Integration. The qualitative research that upholds this thesis consists of a vast number of academic sources including books, articles, and empirical studies. Next to that a number, of official EU documents and transcripts is used as part of the cases study.. However, this thesis does not fully analyse the vast number of other factors playing a role in the integration process concerning its scope.Show less
The increase of ASEAN tasks and functions has risen to a point where human rights have become enshrined in a regional commission. How can this be explained considering the history of straight up...Show moreThe increase of ASEAN tasks and functions has risen to a point where human rights have become enshrined in a regional commission. How can this be explained considering the history of straight up human right abstinence and abuses throughout the history of the member states. I hypothesise in this thesis that the recent democratisation of regimes of ASEAN member states caused supranationalism in the form of the creation of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission for Human Rights. In order to consolidate the new democracy, regimes may pursuit locking them in into supranational institutions. This will prevent the democratic regime from falling back to authoritarian rule, since it’s citizens rights are protected by a higher authority, out of reach of the direct power of the regime. Results suggest this theory may hold validity in the ASEAN region where recently democratised states are more likely to support supranational institutions than the long term democracies or authoritarian states. This means change in direction and norms in ASEAN is the result of democratisation of member states that are using ASEAN as vehicle for domestic political goals.Show less
