Discrimination has psychologically distressing effects in sexual minority individuals (SMI). Based on literature regarding minority stress, minority strengths and relational cultural theory (RCT),...Show moreDiscrimination has psychologically distressing effects in sexual minority individuals (SMI). Based on literature regarding minority stress, minority strengths and relational cultural theory (RCT), we suggest community identification processes and the ability to claim equal rights as protective factors against minority stressors. In this relationship, we suggest beliefs in deserving equal rights to play a central role. In this study, we investigated whether exploring the meaning of one’s identity as SMI, so-called sexual minority identity achievement (SMIA), predicts assertiveness, the readiness to claim equal rights. We further investigated whether self-respect, the belief in having equal rights, mediates this relationship. This secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey (N = 344) focused on a sample of SMI. Assertiveness was measured with the Negative Assertion subscale of the revised Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, SMIA was measured with the Identity Achievement subscale of the Multi-Ethnic Identity Measure adapted for sexual minority individuals, and self-respect was measured with a self-respect measure. Contrary to the hypothesis, multiple regression analysis found no significant relationship between SMIA and assertiveness. However, when including self-respect as a mediator, we found SMIA to positively predict assertiveness. Mediation analysis further found that self-respect partially mediates the effect of SMIA on assertiveness. Specifically, SMIA was found to negatively predict self-respect, contrary to the hypothesis, while self-respect positively predicted assertiveness, as hypothesized. From these findings, it follows that both SMIA and self-respect independently predict assertiveness. Furthermore, potential pathways of SMIA affecting self-respect are considered in the context of RCT and implications for future research are discussed.Show less
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) are on their way to becoming the next step in the evolution of warfare and power projection. As the increasing proliferation of armed drones in recent years...Show moreUnmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) are on their way to becoming the next step in the evolution of warfare and power projection. As the increasing proliferation of armed drones in recent years suggests, UCAVs are starting to replace the conventional military units and introduce new dimensions to armed conflicts. This study seeks to understand how these new capabilities shape the foreign policy behavior of states. By introducing three causal mechanisms, namely cost efficiency, operational and strategic superiority, and risk reduction, the study suggests that some unique characteristics of UCAVs have profound effects on state behavior. With a focus on the case of Turkey, the study concludes that the introduction of the armed drones to the Turkish national inventory played a major role in the reorientation and paradigm change of Turkish Foreign Policy (TFP) after 2016.Show less
Advanced master thesis | Political Science (Advanced Master)
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When people look back at the 21st century they will undoubtedly characterize China’s rise as one of the major events. As the country ascends to a great power status, its regional and international...Show moreWhen people look back at the 21st century they will undoubtedly characterize China’s rise as one of the major events. As the country ascends to a great power status, its regional and international counterparts observe how Beijing will project its power. The East Asian neighboring states have been tenser because of their ongoing maritime territorial disputes with China. Multiple diplomatic episodes from the mid-2000s until today in the East and South China Seas and demonstrations of Chinese assertiveness in pursuing its national claims have been at the heart of regional tension and instability. In this context, the present thesis poses the following research question: Which factors explain China’s assertive behavior in the East and South China Seas? My main argument is that China’s assertiveness is due primarily to three factors, which are: Beijing’s reactions to other states’ actions, Chinese popular nationalism demand for a stronger external presence and its growing necessity to acquire natural resources and safeguard national transportation corridors. In order to examine the effects of these three factors I have undertaken two case studies, namely the case of Japan and the East China Sea contention and the case of the Philippines and the South China Sea contention.Show less
