The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was...Show moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was marked by numerous obstacles, notably the influence wielded by former communist elites, commonly referred to as the nomenklatura. This thesis examines the impact of the nomenklatura on the post-communist political environments and privatization processes of Bulgaria and Poland between 1989 and 2001. Both countries, influenced to varying extents by Soviet ideology, embarked on divergent paths toward democracy and economic liberalization. The thesis investigates how the nomenklatura, entrenched in positions of power, sought to maintain their political relevance and exploit state resources. Through a multidisciplinary analysis drawing from academic literature and primary sources, the study evaluates the strategies employed by the nomenklatura to adapt to democratic structures, their influence on post-communist political systems, and their role in the privatization of public resources. The results provide a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of the nomenklatura on Bulgaria and Poland's political and economic trajectories during the pivotal transitional period. This analysis offers valuable perspectives on the challenges encountered during democratization and economic reform in post-communist societies.Show less
For a long time there has been this profound sense of uncertainty, questioning whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) actually fell in line with the national interests of the...Show moreFor a long time there has been this profound sense of uncertainty, questioning whether the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) actually fell in line with the national interests of the United States. Following the election of President Donald Trump in 2016, Trump strongly opposed the North American Free Trade Agreement, calling it “the worst trade deal in history,” promising to reevaluate the trade agreement and alter the existing economic model. This reevaluated trade agreement would later be known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The United States played a crucial role in the transition from NAFTA to the USMCA to advance its national interests. The national interests of the United States’ include addressing trade imbalances, protecting domestic objectives, and lastly by modernizing trade provisions. By renegotiating the agreement, the US aimed to correct unfavorable trade imbalances with Canada and Mexico, safeguard American industries and jobs through enhanced labor and environmental standards and, modernize trade provisions to reflect modern economic realities, including digital trade and intellectual property. Changing the terms of NAFTA in this way allowed US officials more latitude and control over the terms of trade, enhancing its position/power on a regional and global scale.Show less
Rising concerns of climate change and environmental degradation is an increasing issue globally. In order to counter global warming and climate change, renewable energy is regarded as the key...Show moreRising concerns of climate change and environmental degradation is an increasing issue globally. In order to counter global warming and climate change, renewable energy is regarded as the key driver. Despite an abundance of renewable energy resources in Indonesia, the country has only marginally seen growth in this sector. The purpose of this research is to examine why Indonesia has been reluctant to transition towards renewable energy by taking the nexus of economic growth and (renewable) energy into account, as well as the various stakeholders that are related to Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. Using qualitative research methods, this study analyses Indonesia as a case study in order to effectively comprehend this multidimensional issue. It closely aligns with the assemblage theory in order to create a better understanding of various interests, fractions, rivalries, synergies and contradictions between the stakeholders in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. Powerful stakeholders that have demote renewables, political ‘short-termism’ and social factors (that have negative effects on inflows of FDI) were found to play the greatest obstacles in facilitating the transition towards renewable energy development. Furthermore, this study adds to the debate regarding renewable energy development and economic growth.Show less
The remarkable economic growth at the beginning of the new millennium enables China to be an attractive destination for international immigrants. In order to administrate the increasing number of...Show moreThe remarkable economic growth at the beginning of the new millennium enables China to be an attractive destination for international immigrants. In order to administrate the increasing number of foreigners, the Chinese government promulgated a new immigration law in 2012, which was expected to be a more comprehensive, consistent, and effective entity compared to the former legislation. However, by studying the previous researches on migration control in other countries as well as Chinese immigration legislative transition, we found that this transition was trapped in a dilemma. Similar to the UK, the transition has strengthened the restrictiveness over foreigners’ entry, residence, and employment, while this method failed to effectively tackle the illegalities on this field but even deteriorate the situation. Through the case study of African immigrants in Guangzhou city, this thesis argues that the legislative transition has reinforced illegal stay and deteriorate the precarious immigration employment relationship. Besides, aiming to maintain a positive image of Sion-Africana friendship, the central government uses a non-recording strategy, leaving the problems to the local level, which created an oblivion for this group, further enforced their vulnerability.Show less
With Raúl Castro taking over as president in 2008, the country has seen economic reform. Raúl allowed for Cubans to buy cars and houses and Cubans were allowed to work for themselves as...Show moreWith Raúl Castro taking over as president in 2008, the country has seen economic reform. Raúl allowed for Cubans to buy cars and houses and Cubans were allowed to work for themselves as entrepreneurs. With these alterations in the economy the question has risen in the international community whether Cuba will transition to a free market economy. The thesis will analyse Poland and China and will compare this to Cuba in order to come to a conclusion.Show less
After the death of Franco in 1975, Spain undertook a process of democratization (The Transition). In many aspects, this process constituted a great example for many other democratic transitions....Show moreAfter the death of Franco in 1975, Spain undertook a process of democratization (The Transition). In many aspects, this process constituted a great example for many other democratic transitions. However, some shadows still overflies the political system emanated from that process. During the decade of the 2000's, many associations started a process for the recuperation of those forgotten through the 'Pact of Silence': a tacit agreement by the main political actors of The Transition, which left aside the memory of the victims of the dictatorship, in order to consolidate a weak emerging democracy. This social demands finally generated a Law of Historical Memory (2007). However, many political and social sectors in Spain considered it as insufficient. With the change of government, in 2012, this law was 'de facto' derogated. The spanish recent memory, then, constitutes an active weapon in the spanish political battlefield; still nowadays, and despite the law. This thesis, through oral interviews to testimonies of different generations, seeks for the differences in the discourse about the historical memory between those who lived The Transition, and those who did not. Does it exist a generational gap? And, in case of being affirmative this question, could it entail some political consequences?Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
To what extent are there democratic developments in Myanmar? My paper highlights the democratic transition in Myanmar by portraying an overview of the process and actions in its struggle for...Show moreTo what extent are there democratic developments in Myanmar? My paper highlights the democratic transition in Myanmar by portraying an overview of the process and actions in its struggle for democracy. The transitional process is triggered by the change in the regime's/government's perception concerning the adoption of general election. However, the fact that the military still practices suppression against the citizens continues to limit the democratization process, especially on the question of human rights. The paper also shows that the military suppression is challenged by resistance groups, both unorganized (such as villagers resisting their recruitment into forced labour), and organized, such as the freedom movement of Aung San Suu Kyi. The paper thus questions the kind of "democracy" which exists in tandem with undemocratic practices. Democracy should not only about implementing elections, but more substantially, it should include effective respect towards democratic freedoms in everyday practice. Although Myanmar currently adopted an electoral democratic system, stimulates tourism, modernization and economic growth, yet the failure to respect political, social and economic rights has placed Myanmar in a category of semi-democracy. The question is whether the reforms are only used to create an image of good governance in order to attract international support and investments, or to work towards a substantial democracy after all.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
open access
This thesis illustrates how political decisions can have a major impact on multiple aspects of social life in societies in transition. This thesis shows how political decision making on national...Show moreThis thesis illustrates how political decisions can have a major impact on multiple aspects of social life in societies in transition. This thesis shows how political decision making on national scale can influence everyday life, expected and unexpected; from the visibility of wealth in the streets of Hanoi to the sexual behavior of unmarried couples in their bedrooms.Show less
