This research evaluates the framing of Nazi Germany in Turkish newspapers, Cumhuriyet and Tan, from 1939 to 1945. The articles from the historical newspaper archives were collected from a database...Show moreThis research evaluates the framing of Nazi Germany in Turkish newspapers, Cumhuriyet and Tan, from 1939 to 1945. The articles from the historical newspaper archives were collected from a database and a website which was then analyzed with Pan and Kosicki’s four categories for determining frames. There were two main reasons for choosing Cumhuriyet and Tan: because they were the two of the most published newspapers during the Second World War and second was that a clear distinction was identified between the two. By using a qualitative analysis method, the study investigates how these media outlets view Nazi Germany within the broader themes of Turkish neutrality, German propaganda, and the Rise and Fall of the Second World War-era Germany. It was found that Cumhuriyet maintained a generally positive attitude towards Nazi Germany while occasionally expressing criticism which is characterized by a measured and balanced approach. In contrast, Tan's framing was marked by a consistent and unyielding critique of the Nazi nation approaching it with a negative approach. The findings aim to contribute to the broader discussion on the role of media framing in shaping perceptions, particularly the Turks.Show less
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was...Show moreThe collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 marked a turning point for Eastern European nations, triggering a wave of democratic revolutions. This shift from communist governance to democracy was marked by numerous obstacles, notably the influence wielded by former communist elites, commonly referred to as the nomenklatura. This thesis examines the impact of the nomenklatura on the post-communist political environments and privatization processes of Bulgaria and Poland between 1989 and 2001. Both countries, influenced to varying extents by Soviet ideology, embarked on divergent paths toward democracy and economic liberalization. The thesis investigates how the nomenklatura, entrenched in positions of power, sought to maintain their political relevance and exploit state resources. Through a multidisciplinary analysis drawing from academic literature and primary sources, the study evaluates the strategies employed by the nomenklatura to adapt to democratic structures, their influence on post-communist political systems, and their role in the privatization of public resources. The results provide a deeper understanding of the lasting impact of the nomenklatura on Bulgaria and Poland's political and economic trajectories during the pivotal transitional period. This analysis offers valuable perspectives on the challenges encountered during democratization and economic reform in post-communist societies.Show less
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the London music scene, causing unprecedented challenges for artists. This thesis explores how creative processes, collaboration, and the mental health...Show moreThe COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the London music scene, causing unprecedented challenges for artists. This thesis explores how creative processes, collaboration, and the mental health of musicians intersect due to the pandemic. London faced extensive COVID-19 restrictions since March 2020, disrupting musicians' ability to collaborate, access recording studios, and perform live. The absence of live audiences and reduced social connections hindered the essential feedback loop for artists. However, many adapted by leveraging technology for remote collaboration and online performances. The research focuses on creative processes, collaboration, and mental health, providing a comprehensive analysis of the pandemic's impact. By drawing on existing literature and conducting a specific study on London artists, the research aims to contribute valuable insights for future strategies to support the resilience and recovery of the London music scene.Show less
Dutch media coverage of female politicians within national government has been subject to a pattern of misogynistic representation and sexist language use. Discourse used in relation to female...Show moreDutch media coverage of female politicians within national government has been subject to a pattern of misogynistic representation and sexist language use. Discourse used in relation to female politicians is built upon stereotypes including women as witch-like individuals, as intellectually inferior, and as aggressive instead of assertive. This thesis strives to examine the representation of Dutch female politicians in the Dutch media through a lens of gender performativity, which refers to the theory that gender is not an inherent truth but a performed social construct that can be deconstructed and analysed. Through literary review of oft-weaponised stereotypes regarding women in a professional environment, followed by discourse analysis of Dutch media coverage of women in national politics, I aim to portray an increased level of negative and stereotypical language use in Dutch news and media outlets when reporting on Dutch female politicians as opposed to their male colleagues.Show less
This thesis engages in the debate surrounding the EU's NextGenerationEU recovery fund: more than €800 billion to member states to help them through the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. These...Show moreThis thesis engages in the debate surrounding the EU's NextGenerationEU recovery fund: more than €800 billion to member states to help them through the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. These funds are raised through common EU debt and some of them are provided in the form of grants. This combination led to discussions about the significance of the programme for European integration and the EU's possible evolution from an international organisation towards a federal state, specifically whether it bears similarity to the 'Hamiltonian moment,' a set of 18th-century fiscal reforms in the United States. The thesis compares NGEU and the Hamiltonian moment in terms of their respective context, content and consequences. It finds that the NGEU programme did not constitute Europe's very own Hamiltonian moment due to its very different and much less significant impact on the functioning of fiscal policy in its polity.Show less
Narratives of dystopia and the alienation of the 'other' have long existed in human culture, mirroring the anxieties of the societies that give rise to them. Emerging in the 18th century, Gothic...Show moreNarratives of dystopia and the alienation of the 'other' have long existed in human culture, mirroring the anxieties of the societies that give rise to them. Emerging in the 18th century, Gothic fiction, sometimes referred to as Gothic horror, explores themes of the uncanny, emotional extremes, and the supernatural. These enigmatic tales persistently raise questions of political, cultural, and religious motivations. Historically, political propaganda tends to employ tactics of political slander and misinformation to appeal to a wider audience. As Gothic narratives often involve hidden meanings and threats from unseen forces, modern right-wing political parties are exploiting existing anxieties by promoting conspiracy theories and blaming marginalized groups for economic problems.Show less
The thesis deals with the political discourse surrounding the 2016 EU-Turkey Agreement on Migration in the European Parliament (EP). By analysing parliamentary debates, it examines how different...Show moreThe thesis deals with the political discourse surrounding the 2016 EU-Turkey Agreement on Migration in the European Parliament (EP). By analysing parliamentary debates, it examines how different political groups in the EP discuss this topic. Through directed content analysis, the analysis looks into five different factors encompassing security, normative, economic, cultural and diplomatic aspects. The thesis highlights that parties’ discourses on the EU-Turkey deal are shaped along different cleavages, including left-and right, GAL and TAN, pro and against European integration, as well as the geographical dimension.Show less
This paper will outline the events of the Farmers’ Protest Movement of 2019 and the variables that contributed to the differing outcomes between the Netherlands and Germany in political party...Show moreThis paper will outline the events of the Farmers’ Protest Movement of 2019 and the variables that contributed to the differing outcomes between the Netherlands and Germany in political party formation. By using Political Opportunity Theory, action repertoire and narratively presenting the events that transpired, some core arguments will be outlined to answer the research question. The affects of political and structural differences outlined through the theoretical framework establish these differing outcomes. The effects of a weaker government in the Netherlands, as well as a greater organised movement resulted in the outcome of a political party formation of the BBB. In contrast a much more structured government and an unstable social movement affected the movement outcome of party formation in Germany.Show less
This bachelor’s thesis examines the divergent nuclear energy policies of Germany and France, the two most powerful economies in the European Union. By exploring the factors that have influenced...Show moreThis bachelor’s thesis examines the divergent nuclear energy policies of Germany and France, the two most powerful economies in the European Union. By exploring the factors that have influenced their policy development, such as public opinion, social movements, electoral shifts, major nuclear incidents, and energy security, the thesis seeks to answer the research question: “How did the differences in nuclear energy policy between France and Germany come to be and develop?”. The historical background and path dependencies in both countries are analysed to understand their distinct approaches to nuclear energy. The thesis finds that Germany’s strong anti-nuclear sentiment, influenced by the aftermath of nuclear accidents and its historical legacy, contrasts with France’s lack of politicization and a strong dependence on the nuclear industry. The thesis further highlights the role of public opinion and social movements in shaping policy decisions, as seen in Germany’s policy reversal following the Fukushima disaster. The research concludes that factors such as energy security, public opinion, social movements, electoral shifts, and major nuclear events significantly impact the development of nuclear energy policy. This study provides a basis for future research and offers an addition to the literature in this field which can be used to analyse nuclear energy policies in other countries.Show less
