Populist forces in Europe are on the rise with parties like the National Rally in France and the Polish Law and Justice enjoying significant support of the population. While these parties often...Show morePopulist forces in Europe are on the rise with parties like the National Rally in France and the Polish Law and Justice enjoying significant support of the population. While these parties often focus on issues of immigration or security, their stance on LGBT rights is often less clear. Mudde's ideational approach describes populism as a “thin-centred ideology” dividing society into “the elite” and “the people,” implying that populists believe that there is no need for minority protection as the people are seen as “homogenous.” Populist parties in Western Europe, however, sometimes use LGBT rights to argue against immigration. As this trend seems to be absent from Eastern Europe, a “rainbow curtain” that divides LGBT-friendly and unfriendly populist parties could be drawn. This thesis challenges the assumption that Eastern European populism automatically opposes LGBT rights, focusing on the Czech populist movement Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO). Using a discursive approach that does not assume that populists are against minority protection, the thesis examines ANO's attitudes towards LGBT rights on online news platforms and social media discourse from 2013 to 2024, with a focus on Prague Pride, same-sex adoption, and marriage, and ANO's relationship with Hungarian Fidesz. The analysis shows that ANO's attitudes are ambiguous, influenced by the politician asked (liberal vs. conservative members), timing (early enthusiastic support vs. later disregard or opposition), specific rights (same-sex unions vs. marriage and adoption), and platform (news vs. social media). Two main explanations follow from the primary source analysis. ANO's catch-all strategy to attract diverse voters and its use of LGBT rights to polarise and split the governing coalition.Show less
Since the People’s Republic of China was created in 1949, one of its main objectives has been the reunification of all its territory. In recent years, China has focussed increasingly on the...Show moreSince the People’s Republic of China was created in 1949, one of its main objectives has been the reunification of all its territory. In recent years, China has focussed increasingly on the securitisation of the Hong Kong independence movement and Taiwanese independence to achieve this unification. This thesis conducts a comparative case study, using securitisation theory, where China’s security strategy on Hong Kong and Taiwan is compared. It analyses the influence of colonial periods over Hong Kong and Taiwan’s current domestic politics, focusing on the years 1841 to 1997. Furthermore, it studies China’s security approach to Hong Kong and Taiwan in the 21st century and how this approach has influenced local responses in Hong Kong and Taiwan. This research is conducted through a critical discourse analysis, focussing on policy documents and speeches by Chinese officials. It argues that the colonial history of Hong Kong and Taiwan, the perceived and legitimate legal authority of China, the successfulness of securitisation of the local independence movements, and the response of both citizens and local politics all influence China’s security strategy towards Hong Kong and Taiwan all influence China’s security strategy.Show less
During the partition, more than twelve million people crossed the border to reach Pakistan or India, soon communal violence roared in which women, out of revenge and hatred, became the victim of...Show moreDuring the partition, more than twelve million people crossed the border to reach Pakistan or India, soon communal violence roared in which women, out of revenge and hatred, became the victim of sexual violence at the hands of the other ethnic community. One of the major issues plaguing women was the widespread abductions of women by men from the other ethnic community in which many women were stuck on the other side of the border. Soon after, an interdominion agreement was drafted to recover abducted women from Pakistan to India and vice versa. In 1949 this agreement was discussed again to be renewed and possibly amended. The Constituent Assembly transcript of this debate that lasted for four days has been used to investigate through critical discourse analysis which roles of women within ethnicity are reproduced and to what extent. This thesis has used the framework from Anthias and Yuval-Davis to define those roles. Women's roles as boundaries, signifiers of difference, and biological reproducers become highly visible in the debate and most of all point to one issue: the lack of autonomy and representation of the voices of abducted women. Moreover, while the distinct roles of Anthias and Yuval-Davis are helpful, they lack a relational approach to the prescribed roles of women and men.Show less
Predictions for the twenty-first century stipulate that an increasing amount of people will be forced to migrate as extreme weather events become more intense and frequent due to climate change....Show morePredictions for the twenty-first century stipulate that an increasing amount of people will be forced to migrate as extreme weather events become more intense and frequent due to climate change. Despite the migratory effects of climate change already being an issue on the international agenda for numerous years, a significant amount of uncertainty on (predictions of) climate-induced migration remains. To determine whether the international policy pressure on the issue is currently acted upon, this study examines how the Dutch government frames climate-induced migration in its policies. Additionally, with several Dutch newspapers covering the issue over the last few years, the type(s) of discourse on climate-induced migration used in newspaper articles and, thereby, the influence of the media in shaping how an issue is addressed in the political arena are analysed. In order to place the findings of the Dutch policy analysis in a broader perspective, the framing of climate-induced migration in EU policy areas is investigated as well. Lastly, to provide a meaningful overall comparison, stories outlining the experiences and needs of climate migrants are analysed. The findings that result from the conducted critical discourse analysis are surprising. First, they show a lack of political influence of the media. Second, they show that both the Dutch government and the EU only acknowledge or act upon climate-induced migration to prevent the need for migration. While the climate migrant stories partly demonstrate that using migration as an adaptation strategy may be far from desirable, prevention is only the first stage of climate-induced migration. Hence, policy recommendations (to the Dutch government) to meaningfully address all stages of the growing issue are presented.Show less
In December 2019, the first case of the SARS-Cov-2 virus was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China (Lavazza & Farina, 2021). In the next few months, the virus spread rapidly across Asia,...Show moreIn December 2019, the first case of the SARS-Cov-2 virus was identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China (Lavazza & Farina, 2021). In the next few months, the virus spread rapidly across Asia, Europe and North America, many countries responding with far reaching COVID-19 measures: closing shops, travel bans and lockdowns (Taylor, 2021). In order to avoid social unrest and to create trust among the people, many governments appealed to experts to advise and justify unpopular and strict COVID-19 measures such as quarantine and lockdowns (Lavazza & Farina, 2020). In The Netherlands, the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) took on this role, by advising the Dutch government, as part of the RIVM, in case of a cross-regional/national outbreak of an infectious disease, like the COVID-19 virus (RIVM, 2021). In this thesis, the author analyses twelve press conferences by Dutch government officials during the first COVID-19 wave in the Netherlands. The aim of this research is to demonstrate how the Dutch cabinet used the OMT to gain legitimacy for the build up and reduction of COVID-19 measures. A Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is used to analyse linguistic aspects and identify discourses and themes wherein the Dutch government gains public support and justifies different actions taken (Van Dijk, 1993). This research will specifically compare how the role of OMT is portrayed differently between the build up and reduction of COVID-19 measures. The author hypothesized that the OMT is more often and strongly referred to in the build up of measures compared to the reduction of measures. This study sheds light on the broader topic of experts in the COVID-19 crisis, crisis communication and the broader tension between the role of experts and creating legitimacy in decision making.Show less
With terrorist attacks still on the rise and several terrorist organizations marginalized, ‘lone wolf terrorism’ and ‘leaderless jihad’ are becoming one of the main strategies adopted by al-Qaeda....Show moreWith terrorist attacks still on the rise and several terrorist organizations marginalized, ‘lone wolf terrorism’ and ‘leaderless jihad’ are becoming one of the main strategies adopted by al-Qaeda. Instead of living and training physically with al-Qaeda, more and more individuals are radicalized in their own country. With an average age of 26, al-Qaeda related lone-wolf terrorists are increasingly recruited online. The accelerating use of the Internet to radicalize and mobilize youth has become crucial for al-Qaeda. Not only does al-Qaeda launch, use and engage with several Jihadist websites, forums and social media, the use of gamification to engage with aspiring jihadists and to encourage violence is one of their newest strategies. And a very savvy one as well (Brachman & Levine, 2011). Where gamification is primarily used online, al-Qaeda uses gamification language offline as well. However, little to no research has been conducted considering the use of gamification language in al-Qaeda’s magazine Inspire. Even though al-Qaeda’s power has been weakened ever since the death of Osama bin Laden, a recent UN report of 2019 still warns that “Al-Qaeda senior leaders are strengthening the network’s global command structure and continuing to encourage attacks against the West” (US Intelligence Community, 2019, p.12). This research examines this question using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and gamification theory. Through this multimodal approach, this thesis analyses how al-Qaeda uses power relations through gamification language in order to create social identities and radicalize and recruit lone wolf terrorists.Show less
The ways in which actors conceptualize and communicate about the environment-migration nexus is fundamental in world politics. The contemporary discourse on the relationship between migration and...Show moreThe ways in which actors conceptualize and communicate about the environment-migration nexus is fundamental in world politics. The contemporary discourse on the relationship between migration and the environment is predominantly manifested within an adaptation framework. The Netherlands is, because of its reputation in adaptation, a unique case to analyze the ‘politics of causal claims’ with regard to the environment-migration nexus. By conducting a critical discourse analysis on policy documents and websites, this paper contributes to the literature on political ecology by examining how and why the relationship between migration and the environment is conceptualized in the discourse of the Dutch government. This analysis reveals that in the discourse of the Dutch government, a discursive subject has been created that is deemed to migrate in the light of environmental change. Exporting Dutch expertise in adaptation is presented as the solution to the ‘future threat’ of climate-induced migration. A paradigm shift within the neoliberal framework of Dutch development policies allowed adaptation to become instrumentalized as a business case to tap into emerging economies abroad. Future research could therefore shed light on whether a ‘trade as adaptation’ narrative exist or whether the Netherlands is a sui generis entity.Show less
The events of the 9/11 and the beginning of the global war on terror increased the securitization of Islamist terrorism in political discourses in order to justify the enactment of exceptional...Show moreThe events of the 9/11 and the beginning of the global war on terror increased the securitization of Islamist terrorism in political discourses in order to justify the enactment of exceptional measures by governments. Although being situated on the two extreme ends of the political spectrum, both French and Chinese governments engage in the securitization of Islamist terrorism. This thesis analyses how political discourses securitize Islamist terrorism comparatively in China and France. It relies on critical discourse analysis to analyze political discursive securitizing practices while situating textual elements in historical backgrounds to further understand securitization. Finally, it compares securitizations in China and France by highlighting the similarities and the differences between processes in both countries.Show less
Stereotypes are powerful constructs embedded in humans’ minds that are difficult to be changed. Furthermore, in the region of Latin America, machismo and marianismo beliefs dictate the proper...Show moreStereotypes are powerful constructs embedded in humans’ minds that are difficult to be changed. Furthermore, in the region of Latin America, machismo and marianismo beliefs dictate the proper behaviour of men and women and establish norms of conduct. Hence, existing cultural expectations regarding the role of females in the society translate into concrete realities that limit females’ availability for professional development. This Bachelor Thesis studies the influence of gender stereotypes, machismo and marianismo beliefs in Guatemala on the outcome of the 2015 general elections in the country and the defeat of Sandra Torres. To this end, articles from both national and international newspapers are analysed through critical discourse analysis. Since media conveys knowledge and reinforces meaning regarding the position of males and females in the society, it is discovered to be a powerful influencer on the way the Guatemalan population votes. Therefore, this Bachelor Thesis provides an explanation about the relationship between media representation of Sandra Torres and her loss in the 2015 general elections. Additionally, the results of the analysis of the case study in Guatemala illustrate how media strengthens existing cultural norms and expectations regarding the role and the behaviour of females, which in turn impact people’s attitudes towards women in a certain manner; thus, obstruct females to engage with politics and to develop a professional career in the field.Show less
In the context of the Euromaidan and subsequent unrests leading to a war in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass, this thesis examines the speeches of the country´s president, Petro Poroshenko...Show moreIn the context of the Euromaidan and subsequent unrests leading to a war in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass, this thesis examines the speeches of the country´s president, Petro Poroshenko in the first 6 months of his presidency, the second half of 2014. This paper attempts to provide the answer to the following issues, employing critical discourse analysis as the methodology: it examines which form of nationalism, ethnic or civic, is more prevalent in the speeches. Moreover, it identifies the main themes and evaluates Poroshenko´s nation building mission while providing a chapter on the history of these contested forms of nationalism in Ukraine to offer a wider background of the examined issues. This study concluded that the prevalent form of nationalism is civic nationalism and identified anti-Russian rhetoric, the European path and using the war in Donbass as a means of uniting the people as the main topics. However, Poroshenko´s nation-building is defensive rather than proactive. It is largely based on anti-Russian narrative and the current war, but does not offer a viable and sustainable vision of nation-building in a long run, indicating that president Poroshenko is, like his predecessors, unable to resolve the internal division of Ukraine and create a strong national identity which would likely allow Ukraine to improve its economic and political situation.Show less
In this research I have investigated the application of request strategies and application of force-mitigating or -strengthening constructions in requests for any kind of action performed in...Show moreIn this research I have investigated the application of request strategies and application of force-mitigating or -strengthening constructions in requests for any kind of action performed in English by Dutch and Israeli institutions towards their clients. In this setting, these non-native English speakers need to pragmatically adapt their linguistic performances to the untrained hierarchical setting of polite requesting towards subordinate addressees. It challenges them to conceal threats to the addressee’s face (Watts, 2005) even though no actual warmth of bond (positive politeness) or freedom to reject (negative politeness) is given. Due to the lack of formal language-training in this hierarchical setting I expected the Dutch and Israeli performances of the speech act to be influenced pragmatically by their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The analytic approach was inspired from different fields of research: Second Language Acquisition, Linguistic Anthropology, Interlanguage and Intercultural Pragmatics. The analysed data is a collection of official letters sent out by different large institutions (universities, embassies and a hotel), of which I collected 32 letters (50 pages) in total, of which 14 letters were from Dutch sources (25 pages) and 18 letters were Israeli ones (25 pages). The letters were written solely for purposes in the work-environment and were sent in at a later moment in time, therefore the language was not affected by the speakers’ awareness of being linguistically analysed. I made use of Critical Discourse Analysis in order to investigate which linguistic features are variable in the pragmatic (illocutionary) force of requests, focussing on different request strategies (Blum-Kulka, 1987), mitigating efforts, coercives and types of reference to the interlocutors. The variations were validated by means of a statistical test for significance (z-test) and explained against the countries’ cultural backgrounds, making use of Hofstede’s method for cultural profiling with regard to power distance and uncertainty avoidance. The analysis showed that overall, the Dutch and Israeli use of request strategies and efforts in force-mitigation were surprisingly similar. The predominantly used strategy is characterised by the use of an imperative verb. Most other request utterances showed very explicit but variably less forceful strategies. Mitigators were used in relatively equal frequency, although less by the Dutch in the imperative construction. Remarkable differences were found in the overtness of speaker-reference among the Israelis, especially in more commercial settings (evoking higher politeness). In especially face-threatening situations, for instance in requesting the addressee for money without certainty the product/service being delivered, the Dutch showed a deviating strategy which converted the request into a construction of the addressee’s acceptation. The underlying processes which caused relative directness were primarily related to linguistic borrowings for the Dutch. The predominantly used strategy to request showed application of an imperative force with less mitigation efforts than the Israelis did. This suggests that the Dutch were not strongly aware of the force of their requests, which supports the idea that they adopted the imperative strategy as a direct translation (with strong syntactic similarity) of the Dutch standard question- formation, based on the verb’s stem in the clause-initial position. For the Israelis the larger variety in request strategies and lack of similarity between the predominantly encountered constructions and the Hebrew request constructions revealed no strong tendency for linguistic transfer in this untrained pragmatically-challenging setting. Although linguistic transfers are found rarely, the Israelis do demonstrate higher transfer of their cultural values, by which they strongly cherish unambiguity (by adopting relatively direct strategies) and prefer an approach of social connectedness over hierarchical deference in contexts of increased necessity for politeness.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
2017-11-01T00:00:00Z
Looting refers to the act of digging up artifacts without the recording of the excavation, context or other activities related to archaeological excavation, either the purpose of collecting or sale...Show moreLooting refers to the act of digging up artifacts without the recording of the excavation, context or other activities related to archaeological excavation, either the purpose of collecting or sale (Hart and Chilton 2015, 319). An illicit excavation refers to the undocumented, illicitly obtained artifacts that are excavated from the ground and sold for profit (Proulx 2013, 111). This activity is a widespread action that affects all the countries in the world, in one way or another. Looting is the third largest illegal market after drugs and weapons (Szopa 2004, 56); it funds armed conflicts, denies human rights to culture, history and identity and depletes an irreplaceable resource. In this thesis I aim to show the current situation of protecting of the archaeological heritage from looting in Romania, the current state of looting activities and what are the actions undertaken by the heritage experts and institutions in order to fulfill that purpose. Furthermore, I aim to study the extent to which the activities of metal detecting are hindering the protection of archaeological sites and if those activities are illegal in terms of national or international legislation framework.Show less
Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has introduced a manga-pamphlet to promote constitutional revision. The ruling coalition of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, has secured a two- thirds majority in...Show moreJapan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has introduced a manga-pamphlet to promote constitutional revision. The ruling coalition of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, has secured a two- thirds majority in both Houses of the Diet fulfilling one requirement for change. The public decides in a national referendum whether any revision materialises or not. On paper, the manga perfectly fits the LDP’s strategy to get the people on board of constitutional revision. However, Abe’s political manoeuvres as well as his long term plans for the constitution have been vague and not without controversy. He has also pushed a reinterpretation of the constitution through the Diet considered by many as undemocratic. This begs the question how the LDP wishes to convince the public of revision. With the help of critical discourse analysis as well as comics theory and social psychology perspectives, this paper will examine how and with what message the LDP’s manga-pamphlet attempts to convince the public of constitutional revision.Show less
