In April 2007, the streets of Tallinn bore witness to the worst civil unrest seen in Estonia since the Soviet Red Army arrived in the city in 1944. The riots, in which one ethnic Russian protester...Show moreIn April 2007, the streets of Tallinn bore witness to the worst civil unrest seen in Estonia since the Soviet Red Army arrived in the city in 1944. The riots, in which one ethnic Russian protester was killed and over 1,000 were arrested, came to be known as ‘Bronze Night’ and were sparked by the removal and relocation of a Soviet-era monument, the ‘Bronze Soldier’, which had stood in the centre of the city since 1947. This study argues that the removal of the ‘Bronze Soldier' can be viewed as the culmination of a ‘memory war’ which has played out since independence and which highlights and contributes to a rift in Estonian society. Drawing on insights garnered from memory studies and elements of securitization theory, this study argues that the construction of a singular focused ‘memory regime’ by the Estonian state has led to increased marginalisation of the ethnic Russian population in the state. Such marginalisation led to the creation of a counter-memory regime, embodied by the ‘Bronze Soldier’, which was easily exploited by the Russian state. The ensuing ‘memory war’ between both interpretations of history ensured ongoing hostility and antagonism between both ethnic groups which culminated in the events witnessed in 2007. This study argues that the construction of a more critical and pluralistic historical narrative on the part of the Estonian state, as opposed to an incessant fixation on Russia, would ensure increased integration in Estonia and subsequently, foster a greater feeling of security on the part of the Estonian state.Show less
The thesis investigates the dynamics surrounding the recent rise in popularity around the Angolan dance Kizomba. It argues that through old and new power structures in the field of culture, it has...Show moreThe thesis investigates the dynamics surrounding the recent rise in popularity around the Angolan dance Kizomba. It argues that through old and new power structures in the field of culture, it has become a commodity that is exploited by Westerners, rather than staying a means of expression and identity formation.Show less
Interstate territorial conflict has seen a sharp downward trend since the end of the Cold War. This same trend has continued for claim militarization in general. However, the overall number of...Show moreInterstate territorial conflict has seen a sharp downward trend since the end of the Cold War. This same trend has continued for claim militarization in general. However, the overall number of states since the end of the World War Two has grown. More territorial disputes have come with the increasing number of states but not increasing military conflict over those disputes. This phenomenon is seen as a consequence of a lack of acceptance in the idea of conquest between states and the creation of the Territorial Integrity Norm. The overall trend has continued into the 21st Century but some fatal interstate territorial conflicts do still occur. This thesis asks, what leads to fatal interstate territorial conflict in the 21st Century (2002-2016) despite a strong trend away from fatal conflict over territory between states and how effective is fatal force? A comparative case study examining four fatal territorial conflicts that occurred within the timeline attempts to address this by analyzing the interaction of factors that lead up to a fatal event. It also explores the outcome of such action. This thesis finds that fatal action is the result of a complex interplay of domestic motives and a lack of external costs. When force is used, its effectiveness to assert control over disputed territory is limited but force can be effective in reigniting stalled diplomatic negotiations.Show less
The UK Conservative Party transitioned from a party that sought closer relations with the European continent, to a party that sought to leave the EU. This change in policy was caused by a change...Show moreThe UK Conservative Party transitioned from a party that sought closer relations with the European continent, to a party that sought to leave the EU. This change in policy was caused by a change within the dominant faction of the UK Conservative Party. The neoliberal faction of the party was replaced by the nationalist faction within the party over time. This process was sped up by the increasingly nationalist rhetoric of Thatcher, a lack of decisive neoliberal leadership following her premiership, and external electoral pressures such as the rise of UKIP. When Cameron was elected leader of the Conservative Party and sought to return to neoliberalism, the party had already reached a tipping point, and he was forced to grant concessions to rebellious backbench EMPs, further emboldening the nationalist faction. Eventually, the party resorted to holding the 'in-or-out' Brexit referendum that started the departure of the UK from the EU.Show less
This dissertation examines the role youth participation in South Korean politics had on the eventual impeachment of Park Geun-hee. In order to conduct this research properly, the literature on...Show moreThis dissertation examines the role youth participation in South Korean politics had on the eventual impeachment of Park Geun-hee. In order to conduct this research properly, the literature on political participation, political apathy and relative deprivation were studied. Furthermore, this study provides an in-depth analysis on the history of student activism in South Korea since the Korean War which showed the long-lasting history of political participation under younger generations in South Korea. This tradition was further highlighted during the impeachment vigils against president Park Geun-hee, as student protests ignited the investigation into her and her allies. Moreover, this study researched he approval rates of Park Geun-hee during her time as president of South Korea, and looked into the connection between its fluctuation and student movements during her regime. This study shows the strength and long history of student movements in South Korea, as well as emphasizes how the nature of student movements has changed over the last few decades. Finally this study highlights the importance students had in the beginning of Park’s investigation and the start of country wide protests against the former president.Show less
Microfinance is considered one of the most important financial tools for the inclusion of the informal sector of developing countries in global finance. However, its empirical implications on the...Show moreMicrofinance is considered one of the most important financial tools for the inclusion of the informal sector of developing countries in global finance. However, its empirical implications on the financial, economic and social level of society are often under-researched, especially in Cameroon, a developing country in West-Central Africa. Therefore, this thesis will show that the financialization of the informal economy, especially in Cameroon, undergoes three steps: firstly the financial one, in which communities living in informal economies are approached by financial institutions offering microcredit, secondly through the economic one, in which microcredit is invested in informal business activities to regulate and formalize them, and finally through the social one, in which the economic power gained through the enhanced businesses is reflected on an empowerment of under-promoted categories, and on an improvement in education and healthcare, given the increased accessibility of funds to afford them.Show less
The relationship between Thailand and China is very vast topic. It is very extensive and has played a big part in influencing the Thai culture. Migration of Chinese to Thailand is a part of the...Show moreThe relationship between Thailand and China is very vast topic. It is very extensive and has played a big part in influencing the Thai culture. Migration of Chinese to Thailand is a part of the Thai Chinese relationship that this thesis will be examining. Evidence of Chinese settlers has been dated back to the 12th century. History has shown that through circumstantial reason and cultural similarity Chinese migrants has adapted to the Thai society to the point of becoming a part of it. Despite this, in the modern time, newer Chinese migrants and the host country are facing challenges within a world that has becomes more complicated than the ones in the past. This leads to the question of viability of Chinese assimilation in modern times. This thesis seeks to draw a comparative analysis of two different waves of Chinese migration to Thailand from the year 1918-1955 and the year 1979- present. This will be done through examining the governmental policy and international relation that surrounds the migration from both Thailand and China.Show less
The topic of challenging gender stereotypes within the music genre of Reggaeton is a timely and relevant one in the European Union, the research question that this thesis is aiming to answer is: To...Show moreThe topic of challenging gender stereotypes within the music genre of Reggaeton is a timely and relevant one in the European Union, the research question that this thesis is aiming to answer is: To what extent are female gender stereotypes challenged in the lyrics of Spanish female Reggaeton performers? In order to do so, two well-known Reggaeton songs were analysed. The analysis was made through the close reading of the denotative and connotative meaning expressed in the lyrics and critical discourse analysis with musical discourse analysis. By using two songs sung by women this thesis explores, through a feminist lens, the appropriation of the musical genre of reggaeton as a subversive tool for commentary on gender stereotypes. This research concluded that Reggaeton is transformed by the relevant artist into a feminist instrument for the dissemination of feminist messages since the female characters have a history of constantly defending themselves from prejudices for instance, whereas males do not.Show less
Recent feminist movements, such as Ni Una Menos, have been protesting Argentina’s gendered social structure since 2015, which has been challenged and evolved over the past 40 years through the...Show moreRecent feminist movements, such as Ni Una Menos, have been protesting Argentina’s gendered social structure since 2015, which has been challenged and evolved over the past 40 years through the actions of other social movements. As Argentina entered a new period of economic uncertainty in 2018, Ni Una Menos emerged as a key actor in opposing the government’s economic policies, seemingly drifting away from its original goal to advance women’s rights in the country. This thesis therefore analyses the movement’s motivations behind its involvement in protesting the current debt crisis in Argentina. It finds that economic crises undoubtedly impact women to a higher extent than men, explaining Ni Una Menos’ involvement. Furthermore, an analysis of the declaration of strike of March 8th, 2020, suggests that the movement might be motivated by a desire to increase its mobilisation base. By using the consequences of the economic crisis and the implications of the debt to foster critical consciousness in the Argentine population, it can increase protests and advocate for deeper structural change.Show less
This thesis focuses on sanctuary cities as a form of protest against federal immigration measures. The research question is: Why was there a new wave of sanctuary cities after the election of Trump...Show moreThis thesis focuses on sanctuary cities as a form of protest against federal immigration measures. The research question is: Why was there a new wave of sanctuary cities after the election of Trump and how can these cities be seen as a form of protest? This thesis argues that sanctuary cities are a form of bottom up social protest, a result of increasing radicalization of the immigration debate. Sanctuary cities as a form of protest are executed locally to express discontent with the federal government and in an effort to influence immigration policy on a federal level.Show less
The main aim of this thesis is to investigate how framing through prominent Nigerian newspapers has an effect on Boko Haram’s narrative. More specifically, it utilizes existing content and...Show moreThe main aim of this thesis is to investigate how framing through prominent Nigerian newspapers has an effect on Boko Haram’s narrative. More specifically, it utilizes existing content and discourse analyses to discover in which ways the two Nigerian newspapers ‘the Punch’ and the ‘Daily Trust’ use framing techniques to shape particular narratives surrounding Boko Haram. In addition, the purpose of this thesis is to offer alternative perspectives on dominant components within the ‘newspaper-narrative’ to allow for a more nuanced and diverse consideration of Boko Haram. Lastly, the results are contextualized by situating them in the broader debate regarding the framing of terrorism. This thesis concludes that the negative consequences of terrorism-framing in relation to Boko Haram are similar to the ones exposed by the global debate. Although the range of these issues is broad, this study concluded two particular consequences to be dominant. Firstly, it limits and negatively influences counter-terrorism options by presenting Boko Haram as a force that can only be dealt with in a violent matter. Secondly, unnuanced and disproportionate representations of Islam in relation to Boko Haram and other Islamic terrorist organizations has led to a significant rise of negative Muslim prejudice.Show less
"The enforcement of Sharia law in Aceh, the northern-most province of Indonesia, has influenced debates on the preservation of women’s rights under Islamic rulings. Practices pursued by the local...Show more"The enforcement of Sharia law in Aceh, the northern-most province of Indonesia, has influenced debates on the preservation of women’s rights under Islamic rulings. Practices pursued by the local government have gained significant international attention. Certain rituals are considered infringements of fundamental human rights by international institutions; however, they could be sought by women and considered important steps in their personal growth. Through a case-study analysis on two main practices under Sharia law, namely caning as corporal punishment and female genital mutilation, this thesis will contribute to the global understanding of women’s rights and their relation to Islamic law and its cultural traditions. It will do so by generating insights into the potential violation of their rights in Aceh. Particularly, it will define how the separation of powers in the region and the incompetence of the law enforcement lead to discrimination against women. Finally, the thesis will suggest future research to focus more on a culturally dependent notion of human rights and analyse its impact on women’s rights."Show less
This thesis investigated the differences between the legitimacy claims of the Janjaweed militia and the JEM rebel movement during the Darfur conflict until the Darfur Peace Agreement in 2006. A...Show moreThis thesis investigated the differences between the legitimacy claims of the Janjaweed militia and the JEM rebel movement during the Darfur conflict until the Darfur Peace Agreement in 2006. A framework containing three elements of legitimacy: norms, ideas, and actions was operationalized to explore the concept of legitimacy and the differences between the legitimacy claims of the Janjaweed and the JEM. The resulting analysis has shown that the traditional norms of legitimacy of both groups did not differ substantially. However, their ideas of legitimacy have shown many distinctions. These distinctions within the context of Darfur can be explained through several regional, national, and international processes which effected ethnic tensions in Darfur and influenced the ideas of legitimacy of both the JEM and the Janjaweed. The Janjaweed adopted a militarized Arab supremacist ideology and exhibited brutal violence along ethnic lines. The JEM on the other hand, rebelled against the marginalisation of the Darfur region by the ‘illegitimate’ GoS.Show less
This thesis explores the phenomena of cronyism in the Russian Federation. The structure of the thesis is the following: Introduction which defines the goals and objectives of the paper; Literature...Show moreThis thesis explores the phenomena of cronyism in the Russian Federation. The structure of the thesis is the following: Introduction which defines the goals and objectives of the paper; Literature Review which reviews existent scholarly articles on cronyism and cronyism in Russia; Three chapters that examine one of the prominent Russian billionaires, his connections to high ranked government officials and his alleged involvement in cronyistic exchanges; Conclusion with outlined findings and connection to the wider challenges that the world is facing. With the use of the existent theoretical framework on cronyism and triangulation of the available journalistic material, this thesis concludes that it is highly likely that cronyistic exchanges take place in Russia at the highest levels of the executive and legislative branches of the government. Coming to this conclusion is important because it reveals that the actions of the Russian government might not always be motivated by national interests but rather by the interests of certain individuals.Show less
When looking at the relationship between the U.S. and Russia one can see that since the fall of the Soviet Union it has been a tense one. It seems as though both countries have never understood...Show moreWhen looking at the relationship between the U.S. and Russia one can see that since the fall of the Soviet Union it has been a tense one. It seems as though both countries have never understood each other, culturally, politically and economically. With the alleged 2016 meddling of Russia in U.S. elections the mistrust towards Russia has risen to an all-time high. This thesis aims to provide an analysis of the Clinton Administration which can be used as lessons for future administrations. First a small overview of the development of the relationship between the U.S. and Russia will be provided. It will then proceed to look at the role of NATO expansion within the development of the relationship between both countries, during the critical time-period after the fall of the Soviet Union. Furthermore, the personal relation between President Clinton and Russia, as well as President Yeltsin, will be examined to indicate how Clinton tackled the opportunity of starting to build a solid relationship between the U.S. and Russia. By concluding with a case study on Bosnia this thesis aims to show how different interests can lead to a conflicting relationship, leading to the fact that there are still lessons that can be learned from history.Show less
In response to the financial crisis on Wall Street in 2008, the financial world in which the patriarchy still ruled was held accountable by the media. As a result, new outlets such as Time Magazine...Show moreIn response to the financial crisis on Wall Street in 2008, the financial world in which the patriarchy still ruled was held accountable by the media. As a result, new outlets such as Time Magazine and The New York Times began portraying women as the perfect fit for the role of regulator. This paper analyzes to what extent the gendered narrative has been constructed by the media and how. Based on critical discourse analysis theory, this research proves that through the use of metaphors, the media actively helps to shape a dichotomized climate in which women are always depicted as ‘the other’. Analyzing the narrative describing two women (Sheila Bair and Elizabeth Warren), this study reveals that they were projected to gender rhetoric, hereby focussing on four metaphorical themes. This study has implications for the theory of Critical Discourse Analysis and studies on gender framing.Show less
This thesis situates the concept of humanitarian accountability within “a historical and concrete reality” (Brauman and Neuman 2014, 1). A preliminary investigation of the academic literature...Show moreThis thesis situates the concept of humanitarian accountability within “a historical and concrete reality” (Brauman and Neuman 2014, 1). A preliminary investigation of the academic literature establishes humanitarian accountability as a matter of moral as well as practical concern for humanitarian organisations. Despite this it is also found that the concept of humanitarian accountability has been poorly defined, and research as to its practice is severely lacking. Through the investigation of two distinct humanitarian organisations this research therefore explores the degree to which theoretical standards for humanitarian accountability translate into practice under the multiple constraints faced within the humanitarian sector. The evidence drawn from a qualitative examination of the practice of humanitarian accountability at the World Food Programme and at Médecins Sans Frontières is discussed in a comparative analysis, which reveals that lacunae in the understanding of basic concepts engenders deficiencies in the practice of humanitarian accountability at both organisations. This demonstrates the need for continued academic research in the field of humanitarian aid in order for organisations to pursue an informed course of action and maintain the ability to place the vulnerable individuals in need of assistance at the heart of their endeavours.Show less
