This study investigates the effect of population density on the development of land rights in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 1923 to 2013. By comparing three former British colonies with...Show moreThis study investigates the effect of population density on the development of land rights in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 1923 to 2013. By comparing three former British colonies with remarkably different population densities, this thesis explores the hypothesis that a denser population leads to stronger individual property rights over land. Through an in-depth analysis of the history of land rights, the relationship between people and land before, during and after colonialism is uncovered, ultimately challenging a Eurocentric model of (economic) development and contributing to the debate on land reform and economic inequality and in Southern Africa.Show less
The thesis examines the attempt of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to establish a trading post on the mainland of China from 1660 to 1690. It tries to explain the reasons why the Dutch suspended...Show moreThe thesis examines the attempt of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to establish a trading post on the mainland of China from 1660 to 1690. It tries to explain the reasons why the Dutch suspended their direct trade in 1690 to rely on foreign shipping, mainly carried out by Chinese junks. It considers political, economical and cultural impacts as well as the Dutch and Chinese/Manchu mentalities.Show less
