Very little has been written on the literature between small and middle power states. The assumption in academic IR literature is that the size of small states automatically makes them vulnerable...Show moreVery little has been written on the literature between small and middle power states. The assumption in academic IR literature is that the size of small states automatically makes them vulnerable and weak, without any power to shape decisions of middle power states. This thesis examines the relationship between small states, the Pacific Islands, and regional middle power Australia. In order to answer the question “How do the Pacific Island States, as small states, attempt to exert influence on climate change decisions over middle power state Australia in the international environment?” this study employs a qualitative research design of small and middle power states. By showing collective leadership through the United Nations, the PIS are able to influence debates and agenda-setting of middle power states on the norm climate change at the international level. However, the influence of small states on Australia’s climate policies is limited and depends on the receptiveness of the Australian government. Yet, the current geopolitical competition between Australia and China occasionally offers the PIS opportunities to pressure the Australian government.Show less
While Mayotte was suddenly thrust into the spotlight in late April 2023, following a large-scale police operation, the Indian Ocean Island remains overlooked and under-researched. Non-sovereign...Show moreWhile Mayotte was suddenly thrust into the spotlight in late April 2023, following a large-scale police operation, the Indian Ocean Island remains overlooked and under-researched. Non-sovereign territories in general are an oft-left aside topic within current nation-state-centred debates and discussions. Even as regionalisation efforts and cross-border cooperation have been gaining traction, these endeavours remain based on different nation-states working together. The study of non-sovereign territories is crucial and needs to be considered carefully within decolonisation studies. Mayotte offers an intriguing case among non-sovereign overseas territories, as it actively chose to remain a French possession and continually petitioned for decades to obtain the most binding legal status - right as several other French overseas territories campaign for independence from the Hexagon. However, as the youngest French départment, Mayotte continues to face many crises and struggles to fit in with the national narrative, compared to the other overseas territories. Following discourse and visual analysis aesthetic, I argue that while Mayotte is indeed subjected to hierarchical relationships within overarching international, national and regional systems, elements of discourse ultimately display a more nuanced position and unveil a richer and more complex reality. Engaging with different sources, the case of Mayotte also sheds light on the limitations of assimilation.Show less
This thesis investigates the use of religion in the speeches and appearances of Jair Bolsonaro during his tenure as president of Brazil in order to appeal to evangelical voters. This research has...Show moreThis thesis investigates the use of religion in the speeches and appearances of Jair Bolsonaro during his tenure as president of Brazil in order to appeal to evangelical voters. This research has found that, during his tenure, Bolsonaro used religion in order to establish an us-versus-them binary within Brazilian society. Additionally, this research found that Bolsonaro used this binary to defend and propagate Christian family values and to construct and perpetuate an image of himself being Brazil’s modern savior.Show less
The world’s biggest nickel producer and owner of the largest nickel reserve, Indonesia, has banned the export of its nickel ore two years ahead of schedule in 2020. This action prompted the...Show moreThe world’s biggest nickel producer and owner of the largest nickel reserve, Indonesia, has banned the export of its nickel ore two years ahead of schedule in 2020. This action prompted the European Union to file a complaint at the World Trade Organization in November 2019. Two years later, the Panel has ruled in favor of the European Union. Specifically, Indonesia’s export prohibition and domestic processing requirement on nickel ore were deemed inconsistent with the prohibition of export prohibitions and restrictions under the purview of Article XI:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Instead of backing down, Indonesia has now appealed the Panel Report to the Appellate Body. This thesis draws from International Compliance Theory and combines the management approach and enforcement approach. Through descriptive qualitative analysis utilizing primary and secondary resources, it aims to investigate the reasons behind Indonesia's non-compliance. Indonesia’s appeal and persistent downstreaming efforts are deeply rooted in its ambition to reach high-income status by 2045, thus shedding light on the political-economic significance of the nickel sector. Lack of clarity on exemptions regarding export restrictions and inactive Appellate Body further provides an opportunity to prolong non-compliance with WTO Ruling.Show less
This paper examines the construction of different realities concerning the social position of Afghan women after the US occupation of Afghanistan by looking at images published in Time magazine and...Show moreThis paper examines the construction of different realities concerning the social position of Afghan women after the US occupation of Afghanistan by looking at images published in Time magazine and Al Jazeera near the official withdrawal of the US Army. By implementing Roland Barthes’ theory of the linguistic, denoted, and connoted message in the examination of images and how they are framed it becomes clear that even though both news outlets worry about the future of Afghan women, Time magazine continues to justify the US occupation and blames the Taliban for the current situation whereas Al Jazeera takes a more critical stance. Therewith, framing how the current chaos in Afghanistan and the uncertain future of Afghan women is the direct result of the occupation. The frames that constrained the reading of the connoted message of the images are that of the protection scenario, Orientalism, the clash of civilizations, and the white man’s burden which exist within the overarching themes of the unveiling of Afghan women and their access to the public sphere.Show less
