For years, academics have focused on colonial past of Caribbean islands, not looking into what became of these non-sovereign jurisdictions. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the post-colonial...Show moreFor years, academics have focused on colonial past of Caribbean islands, not looking into what became of these non-sovereign jurisdictions. For this reason, this thesis focuses on the post-colonial relationship between a colonizer and colony, looking at the influence of smallness and non-sovereignty on the quality of governance. The relationship at hand is that within the Dutch Kingdom, between Aruba and the Netherlands; one that is constantly fluctuating. As Aruba has just celebrated 30 years of being an autonomous country within the Kingdom, it is a good time to reflect on the relationship, its influences and the quality of governance. It is apparent that there are also many advantages and disadvantages in the relationship; where each other’s support internationally is an advantage, and the Aruban mal-governance in the finance department is arguably the biggest disadvantage. The thesis elaborates on the influences of smallness, non-sovereignty and good governance on countries in general as well as on Aruba. The thesis ends combining all influences and concluding that there is no good governance in the jurisdiction and that its sovereignty is a bigger influence than smallness, as the island’s size cannot be changed. By using scholarly works, as well as media articles, archives and personal interviews conducted by the author herself; the thesis opens way for new research on the topic, as well as highlights the need for more discourse on the matter.Show less
