This thesis explores what the process of making a theatre performance, as a method of research, could add to our understanding of complex issues in the field of International Relations....Show moreThis thesis explores what the process of making a theatre performance, as a method of research, could add to our understanding of complex issues in the field of International Relations. Specifically, it engages with the question of how our theories about what world politics is, give shape to our world and our understanding of it. Through the making of an absurdist theatre performance it makes us aware that our theoretical positions are precarious. It does so by exploring the philosophical underpinnings of three divergent theories in International Relations Theory: Liberalism, Poststructuralism and Relational Cosmology and how they shape our possibilities for thinking and being in the world.Show less
Thomas Pogge claims to close the gap between proponents of large-scale humanitarian aid to the third world, and those opposing such policy. Pogge turns this last group into his target audience by...Show moreThomas Pogge claims to close the gap between proponents of large-scale humanitarian aid to the third world, and those opposing such policy. Pogge turns this last group into his target audience by adopting an alleged core-principle of libertarianism, a premise that is often held among those who oppose large governmental programs, roughly the political ‘right’. According to Pogge’s argument, those holding onto the libertarian tenet must completely turn their stance on foreign aid around, as their principle actually prescribes moral duties of first world citizens to aid the third world in order to salvage inflicted damages. In this essay, I examine the actual persuasiveness of Pogge’s argument by assessing the similarity between premises used by Pogge and those held by his target audience. I do so by distinguishing two variants of Pogge’s argument, which both consist of three sub-arguments. Despite the occasional agreement, Pogge’s argument fails to concord with many key-premises generally associated with libertarians, liberals and conservatives. Due to the clash in between the two sides of the debate, Pogge’s tactic to reconcile them into one proposal fails to truly convince. I conclude that Pogge is more likely to sway his target audience by using their similarities to open a dialogue.Show less
Carl Schmitt has long been considered as one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century, with his influential analysis of the paradoxes of liberal democracy. The thesis aims to...Show moreCarl Schmitt has long been considered as one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century, with his influential analysis of the paradoxes of liberal democracy. The thesis aims to structure Schmitt's theories of such paradoxes and analysis some criticism against them. In the end, the thesis argues that the crisis of liberal democracy lies in its ignorance of egalitarian principles that are central to democracy. Therefore, if democracy is still valued as the best form of governance, it should be protected from liberalism.Show less
For a long time, Europe has played a significant part on the global development of ideology owing to its strong economy. This is no longer the case as the Chinese economy has grown rapidly since...Show moreFor a long time, Europe has played a significant part on the global development of ideology owing to its strong economy. This is no longer the case as the Chinese economy has grown rapidly since undergoing major economic reforms, to now becoming an influential actor in global economy. This thesis aims to investigate the extent in which the booming Chinese economy has impacted the ability of the EU to continue and pursue its liberal agenda. By looking at the complexity of the current global economic system, I will expose the vulnerability of EU in the face of an increasingly assertive China, particularly through the German-Sino and French-Sino relations in regards to their rhetoric on human right.Show less
The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is one of the largest global corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and seeks to mainstream its universal CSR standards (the UNGC ten principles)...Show moreThe United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is one of the largest global corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and seeks to mainstream its universal CSR standards (the UNGC ten principles) to promote responsible business worldwide. Following upon research on other global CSR initiatives, the author points out that these supposedly ‘universal’ standards are not necessarily shared by corporations in non-western countries. Relying on a qualitative case study of three corporations in South Africa, the results show that the conception of CSR amongst South African UNGC participants differs from the ten principles. The author argues that to facilitate responsible business on a global scale, the UNGC should not seek to impose its ‘universal’ standards but rather utilize its broad network to come to multiple CSR standards which are attentive to local contexts. The study contributes to the empirical evidence on UNGC participants as well as the theoretical discussion on local and global conceptions of CSR. Show less
Nineteenth-century British politics cultivated the idea that it was Britain’s responsibility to enforce its virtues upon the rest of the world. Domestic and foreign issues became linked by...Show moreNineteenth-century British politics cultivated the idea that it was Britain’s responsibility to enforce its virtues upon the rest of the world. Domestic and foreign issues became linked by fundamental themes as new forces of liberalism, political reform and religious pluralism challenged the old English regime. The Belgian Revolt, and its diplomatic and political aftermath, had a tremendous impact on the ideological struggle in Parliament. The opinion and interest for the Belgian case and the appropriate British response to it led to many intense parliamentary debates in the years 1830-1834. Furthermore, the Belgian question influenced discussions on other significant issues in British politics, such as parliamentary reform, repeal of the union with Ireland, collaboration with the Concert of Europe, France and the Holy Alliance. As foreign policy and domestic affairs became integrated through fundamental themes, an ideological struggle erupted and political parties presented themselves as more patriotic than their rivals. Consequently, the Belgian question became the battleground on which English intellectual, cultural and moral ideas were projected.Show less
