In this paper, I explore the relationship between realist theory and the phenomenon of revolution. Realism, being one of the key IR theories and considering the inherently conflictual nature of...Show moreIn this paper, I explore the relationship between realist theory and the phenomenon of revolution. Realism, being one of the key IR theories and considering the inherently conflictual nature of revolutions, has surprising little to say on this topic specifically. My aim thus is to elucidate how revolutions can be understood through existing realist theory. I do this through an analysis of the key texts and authors of Classical Realism and Structural Realism, highlighting the aspects of the thought which is applicable. I wish to demonstrate that realism is a strong theoretical tool for understanding these events, and I parse out four key attributes through which to do so. Revolutions’ Amplification of material power, Challenge to the Status Quo, their Amour-Propre and their Break in Communication with other states. In all, I provide a review of Revolution and Realism thus far, identify its key theoretical tools and suggest a framework for further research.Show less
Since 9/11, U.S. administrations have increasingly relied on Special Operations Forces (SOF) to counter irregular threats such as terrorism. Although the actual employment of SOF has increased, the...Show moreSince 9/11, U.S. administrations have increasingly relied on Special Operations Forces (SOF) to counter irregular threats such as terrorism. Although the actual employment of SOF has increased, the academic debate on the nature and value of SOF has lagged. Since the 1990s, multiple theories on SOF have been published, yet there remains much disagreement amongst scholars about which core characteristics SOF theory should have. This thesis provides an overview of this debate on SOF theory. Subsequently, it evaluates which theory - or type of theory - is best able to capture the nature of SOF.Show less
In this thesis, I discuss about the existence of an art theory in current Chinese policies to answer the main research question: what is Xi’s art theory and how does the Communist Chinese Party ...Show moreIn this thesis, I discuss about the existence of an art theory in current Chinese policies to answer the main research question: what is Xi’s art theory and how does the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) conceive of arts and literature (wenyi文艺)? Since arts and literature have been called upon to support and accelerate the achievement of the country’s goals, I will analyze the current Chinese situation from the perspective of art. Moreover, I will suggest that the formulation of an art theory by Xi, during the Beijing Forum on Literature and Art in 2014 , might be referring to the past to stress the element of continuity as legitimacy for the CCP’s rule and relevance.Show less
In international relations theory, nuclear weapons are frequently discussed as a form of deterrence in a world of realist predicaments. Throughout the Cold War this framework was used to explain...Show moreIn international relations theory, nuclear weapons are frequently discussed as a form of deterrence in a world of realist predicaments. Throughout the Cold War this framework was used to explain the behaviour of various states, mainly in the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. However, other states also sought to acquire nuclear weapons, with some even succeeding in such endeavour. South Africa and Iran employed nuclear programmes to elevate their domestic but especially their international legitimacy. This thesis combines aspects of international relations theory and thereby constructs a new framework to assess how the active pursuit of nuclear weapons was perceived in the West. It consequently highlights that, even though similarities between the two cases existed, the West's treatment of South Africa/Iran occurred through different lenses, serving the interests of the United States‘ government.Show less
Research into the perception of monumentality in the Roman Empire has so far only concentrated on the monuments itself. The aim of this thesis is to show the necessity to shift the focus from the...Show moreResearch into the perception of monumentality in the Roman Empire has so far only concentrated on the monuments itself. The aim of this thesis is to show the necessity to shift the focus from the actual monument to its surroundings. Phenomenological research methods have been introduced in archaeology over the last couple of decades to analyse experience, but due to their imbeddedness in the post-processual theoretical framework they concentrate on the personal experience rather than on the common perception. However, other spatial analyses like those introduced by Space Syntax provide the necessary methods to analyse the general perception of space, but these analyses require detailed knowledge of the ancient urban environment which are often not preserved in the archaeological record. Therefore, other techniques have to be used to complement these analyses, like the concept of ‘armature’. In this way it seems possible to analyse the general perception of a monument based on an analysis of its relation with the surroundings.Show less
