The Japanese video game industry used to be a leading force in the world. During the 90’s and the early 2000’s, Japanese video games dominated the international market. Recently, however, during...Show moreThe Japanese video game industry used to be a leading force in the world. During the 90’s and the early 2000’s, Japanese video games dominated the international market. Recently, however, during the end of the last decade and the start of the current decade, Japanese video games experienced a huge dip in their sales. Japan has been attempting to use the ‘Soft Power’, the concept of influence generated by its popular culture overseas, to its advantage. The link between the Japanese video game industry and the concept of Soft Power have not been sufficiently examined as of now, hence why it was the focus of this study. The aim of this study was to come to an understanding of why these fluctuations in the market occurred, as well as look for the potential influence of Japanese video games and their popularity overseas on Japan’s Soft Power. By asking questions, in the form of a survey, to experts from the Dutch video game industry, the objective was to come to new insights on the matter and open up possibilities for further research. Results from the survey showed that previously underrepresented factors contributed to the fall in popularity of Japanese video games in the West. Elements like ease of use, lingual nuances, as well as intrinsic differences in preferences of the Japanese domestic audience and the Western audience, were identified. The link between the performance of Japanese video games overseas and Japan’s Soft Power was also confirmed. Respondents acknowledge the capability of Japanese video games to influence the consumer’s image of Japan, albeit not always in a purely positive way. Arguments were also raised that the Japan portrayed in video games is often not the real Japan. This holds true, but in order to make a target audience think more positively about Japan, the ‘real’ Japan does not need to be represented accurately. Thus, it can be argued that popularity of Japanese video games overseas does indeed correlate to an increase in Japan’s Soft Power.Show less
With the upcoming World Expo of 2025, the attention will be focused on Osaka once again. The first time Osaka held the World Expo was in 1970 and attracted a staggering number of visitors. Though...Show moreWith the upcoming World Expo of 2025, the attention will be focused on Osaka once again. The first time Osaka held the World Expo was in 1970 and attracted a staggering number of visitors. Though mega-events like the World Exposition are generally used as a tool for the host city to gain international exposure and boost the economy, whether the Expo of 1970 had the desired effect on the regional development of Osaka, has not yet been extensively studied. Therefore, this thesis will research and discuss to what extent the Osaka Expo of 1970 influenced Osaka’s economic and urban development. The research will be divided into four subsections (construction, tourism, economic restructuring and global status) and will primarily focus on relevant data provided by the Prefectural Government of Osaka.Show less
Since China’s Go Global Policy became operational in 2002, it started many new relations with resource-rich developing countries. This paper has as a goal to build on literature about Chinese...Show moreSince China’s Go Global Policy became operational in 2002, it started many new relations with resource-rich developing countries. This paper has as a goal to build on literature about Chinese foreign policy towards resource-rich developing countries, and whether it may be defined as economic imperialist. The bilateral relationship with Peru is taken as a case study, as the country is endowed with mainly copper. Economic figures and statistics reveal that Peru has economically benefited enormously from increased trade and FDI, in terms of GDP growth and poverty reduction. However, the benefits for Peru are stagnating because the basis for industrialization is not present, and does not get developed through the relationship with China. Increase of economic ties by developing countries with China can be beneficial, but do not improve the long-term prospects for reaching the core in the World-System.Show less
The Kura Araxes represents an important albeit understudied cultural horizon dated to the Early Bronze Age, often defined as a single cultural group that originated in Transcaucasia and spread into...Show moreThe Kura Araxes represents an important albeit understudied cultural horizon dated to the Early Bronze Age, often defined as a single cultural group that originated in Transcaucasia and spread into the greater Near East. Many details about Kura Araxes society still remain much debated as most of the theories discussing the identity of the culture are based on the distribution of characteristic ceramics, which can mask the various levels of complexity. This study focuses on the mortuary evidence found in designated Kura Araxes cemeteries, which has the potential to highlight more cultural heterogeneity. Patterns within burial practices including burial construction types, location of cemeteries, inhumation practices, gender, rituals, grave goods, geographic dispersals and chronological transitions are examined. The divisions in mortuary traditions are interpreted as corresponding to separations in economic and ethnic identities based on mobile and sedentary lifestyle interactions, which undergo transformations throughout the Kura Araxes chronological phases.Show less
This thesis explores COVID-19 induced economic uncertainty within South Korea, the consequences hereof for South Korea’s economic outlook, other modifiers that may be of relevance, and how consumer...Show moreThis thesis explores COVID-19 induced economic uncertainty within South Korea, the consequences hereof for South Korea’s economic outlook, other modifiers that may be of relevance, and how consumer uncertainty compares to established uncertainty indexes. It finds that economic uncertainty is present within the South Korean populace, that its effect on consumption may not be as clear cut as other literature suggests, that it impacts labour mobility and long-term economic outcomes and how risk aversion and acquaintances play a role in this. It furthermore finds that consumer uncertainty and uncertainty indexes do not always correlate, that vaccination sentiment may affect the economic outlook, how retail investors support capital markets and that consumer opinion may counterbalance trade-sector uncertainty.Show less
In this thesis an overview is given of the way the Drummond estate management adjusted to changes in the social economic situation in Perthshire, Scotland. Subjects discussed are the Perthshire...Show moreIn this thesis an overview is given of the way the Drummond estate management adjusted to changes in the social economic situation in Perthshire, Scotland. Subjects discussed are the Perthshire region and Drummond family, estate income, and the relationship between landowner and tenant.Show less
This research provides a comparison and analysis of the economic growth in China and Vietnam with a focus on the environmental aspect so that Vietnam can learn from China's experiences. The...Show moreThis research provides a comparison and analysis of the economic growth in China and Vietnam with a focus on the environmental aspect so that Vietnam can learn from China's experiences. The research found four key aspects important for environmental-friendly economic growth. The first aspect is environmental policies, which need the right implementation and enforcement to work properly. The second aspect is the energy mix, that needs to be diverse with enough forms of renewable energy. With the share of renewable energy growing in the mix, both the energy demand and the environment will benefit. The third aspect FDI raises the human capital level, which has a positive effect on innovation of production processes and a sustainable economy. Lastly, there is ASEAN which promotes regional cooperation in the field of environmental sustainability, to tackle regional cross-border problems. The right implementation of these four aspects is the key to environmentally friendly growth in Vietnam.Show less
In the spring of 2016, Azerbaijan undertook a military campaign to conquer Nagorno-Karabakh. Although the estimated number of casualties, as well as the land taken by Azerbaijan differs per source,...Show moreIn the spring of 2016, Azerbaijan undertook a military campaign to conquer Nagorno-Karabakh. Although the estimated number of casualties, as well as the land taken by Azerbaijan differs per source, it is agreed that it is the most violent clash between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the 1994 ceasefire agreement was reached. This thesis will argue what the worsening economy of Azerbaijan and the shifts within its domestic political situation have moved Azerbaijan towards this escalation of the conflict. Using a state level of analysis, as well as an individual level of analysis, this thesis will analyse how the resource curse of Azerbaijan which backfired after the Oil Boom ended, combined with the increase in protests from the civilians, has led to the regime deciding to move to escalate its conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.Show less
The topic of ancient trade in the Indian Ocean has been popular for a while already. But, most of the attention was directed toward the commercial connections that the Roman Empire established with...Show moreThe topic of ancient trade in the Indian Ocean has been popular for a while already. But, most of the attention was directed toward the commercial connections that the Roman Empire established with India and China under the framework of the Silk Roads. This resulted in the research of Roman ceramic containers, the amphorae. Consequently, other aspects of the Indian Ocean trade were often ignored. However, after the discovery of Sassanian ceramic containers known as Torpedo Jars, the role of this imperial player in the Indian Oceans started being questioned by many researchers such as R. Tomber. My thesis aims to evaluate Sasanian strategies in geopolitics, trade, and economy through the use of Torpedo Jars as an archaeological marker. Through the use of literature on the topics of Torpedo Jars, Sassanian imperialism, trade, and economy my thesis aims to compare information and expand possible conclusions. The thesis introduces a thematic chapter each contributing to the discussion on the relevance of Torpedo Jars in the Sassanian activity in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Based on the findings from the chapters, a wide network created by Sassanians was revealed. The primary objective of the Sassanian Empire was to secure the Persian Gulf for security and economic reasons. This allowed them to possess an influential stake in the Indian Ocean trade causing a wide distribution of Torpedo Jars in the region, especially in the main trading region of India. Moreover, Sassanians in contrast to the Parthians made an effort to centralize their economy of transport container production, also supporting the further distribution of Torpedo Jars. This was exemplified by a study on the chaff-tempered ovoid jars (predecessor of Torpedo Jars in the Persian Gulf) and a comparative analysis of the production of transport containers in the Roman Mediterranean and the Sassanian Persian Gulf. Nevertheless, the topic of Torpedo Jars is still not studied enough. More excavations and archaeological surveys need to be conducted to find further evidence of the production and function of Torpedo Jars. Based on my thesis I would also encourage conducting a quantitative research method on the distribution of Torpedo Jars in the Indian Ocean producing a wide dataset with proportions.Show less
Research master thesis | African Studies (research) (MA)
open access
This research focuses on people’s perception of, and attitudes towards, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). It is the result of four months of fieldwork in Ruhija,...Show moreThis research focuses on people’s perception of, and attitudes towards, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). It is the result of four months of fieldwork in Ruhija, Rubanda County, one of the four appointed areas in Uganda where gorilla tourism is established. This qualitative study aims at understanding how different stakeholders perceive the gorilla as an animal, whether that be a conservation goal or an economic income, or an anthropomorphized species. The analysis will develop by focusing on these three conceptual domains, namely, political, economic and anthropomorphised. Further, in order to understand how different stakeholders have different perceptions and attitudes, the research participants are divided into four groups. The stakeholders groups involve the local community, the entrepreneurs, the conservationists and the tourists. By doing so, the research will present the point of view of local, national and international actors. The main argument of the thesis revolves around the discourses about mountain gorillas. More specifically, how international actors have imposed western-centred discourses about wildlife conservation in order to ensure gorilla conservation. Along with national actors, who have later adopted the same discourses, to guarantee the development of the tourism industry.Show less
This thesis undertakes a comparative analysis of the Roman Empire during the third-century 'crisis' (AD 249-284) on the one hand and the tetrarchic era (AD 284-324) on the other hand. As an...Show moreThis thesis undertakes a comparative analysis of the Roman Empire during the third-century 'crisis' (AD 249-284) on the one hand and the tetrarchic era (AD 284-324) on the other hand. As an analysis of the Roman Empire in all its aspects is obviously not feasible, the thesis limits itself to the three most important ones: first, Rome's wars against its external enemies; second, the internal instability that plagued the empire throughout this period; third, the empire's economic difficulties. After a short narrative chapter which serves to give a general chronological outline and introduce the key players, each of the three aspects is thouroughly discussed in its own thematic chapter. An important theme of the thesis is comparative historiography, which shows how there remains general agreement among historians that the tetrarchic era represents a significant improvement in the fortunes of the empire compared to the 'crisis' that preceded it. The thesis argues that, contrary to the general consensus, the tetrarchy only improved on the 'crisis' in some regards, while it did no better, and arguably even worse, on other points.Show less
After over ninety years of British domination and a bloody partition a new Indian nation emerged. Largely agricultural, with a rural and highly diverse population it was the task of the architects...Show moreAfter over ninety years of British domination and a bloody partition a new Indian nation emerged. Largely agricultural, with a rural and highly diverse population it was the task of the architects of what would become a united India to draft a constitution which would allow these different peoples to live together. Perhaps afraid of further separation but also aware of the need for unity in diversity the Constitution of India was attributed a federal, but also a centrist character. Due to the economic backwardness and political fragmentation it was a commonly held belief at the time that rule by the centre was the best way to improve the whole country’s welfare. Yet less than fifty years later this view has fundamentally changed. The balance of payments crisis showed that India’s development and future economic prosperity lay not in the distribution of investment from the centre to the states but in the active role of states on the global market. As a consequence of this the states have been given or have taken on a larger role in economic development. The question that this thesis will answer is: in what aspects has the liberalisation of the Indian economy changed the relationship between the centre and the state?Show less
