This study analyses official Russian foreign policy discourses to contribute to our understanding of how Russia portrays its role in world politics and vis-à-vis neighbouring states. Building on... Show moreThis study analyses official Russian foreign policy discourses to contribute to our understanding of how Russia portrays its role in world politics and vis-à-vis neighbouring states. Building on previous studies, we offer a new, comprehensive analysis of Foreign Policy Concepts and the annual Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly during President Vladimir Putin’s third term (2012–2018). By systematically coding these documents, counting references to particular discourses and undertaking a careful interpretation of the texts, we provide insights about three broader discourses related to foreign policy: the world order and sovereignty; civilisation, identity and values; and economics and modernisation. Show less
In this thesis the subject of our investigation is the use of the first legal copy of the notarised reporting deed (“de notariële proces-verbaalakte”) as enforceable verdict in the civil... Show moreIn this thesis the subject of our investigation is the use of the first legal copy of the notarised reporting deed (“de notariële proces-verbaalakte”) as enforceable verdict in the civil proceedings before a private court (arbitration or a binding third-party ruling) under Dutch law. Show less
This research study on ‘The new pastoralism: Absentee owners, new technologies, economic change and natural resource management in the Sahelian Region of Far North Cameroon’ has as its principal... Show moreThis research study on ‘The new pastoralism: Absentee owners, new technologies, economic change and natural resource management in the Sahelian Region of Far North Cameroon’ has as its principal objective to call into question the purported endless mobility and flexibility of pastoralists in a non-equilibrium landscape by investigating the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural causes of the decline in traditional pastoralism and how these induce technology change that enhance pastoral modernization. The process of pastoral modernization was observed in this study to be a form of sustainable indigenous pastoral intensification, in which feed supplements, farm residues, cattle stabling, water provision through boreholes and water pump machines, and healthcare facilities, etc. are used in livestock raising. The lessons learned from failed State-sponsored pastoral modernization projects in the form of ranches d esigned for commercial production in a non-equilibrium landscape paved the way for indigenous pastoral modernization. Pastoralism attained ecological sustainability and economic viability through modernisation; a way out of the dilemma for traditional pastoralism. In addition, there are two entry points to pastoral modernization: from poverty and from wealth. Impoverished herders that have suffered from pastoral decline modernize their activities to ensure survival and livelihood perpetuation. For the rich, pastoral modernization is a form of investment and diversification of income source. Show less
Since the early 1960s, Chilean history has been characterised by the implementation of widely different political projects. Despite the ideological differences between them, these projects have... Show moreSince the early 1960s, Chilean history has been characterised by the implementation of widely different political projects. Despite the ideological differences between them, these projects have shared a strong orientation towards modernity and odernisation. All of them have been focused on making Chile a ‘modern country’ in a relatively short period of time, based on different interpretations of what modernity is. These projects have been labelled the ‘Revolution in Liberty’ (1964-1970), he ‘Chilean Road to Socialism’ (1970-1973), he ‘Silent Revolution’ (1973-1990), and more recently ‘Growth with Equity’ (1990-2006). This study shows that these projects share key characteristics in their conception and implementation. They have all been based on modernising doctrines and economic development theories, and have focused on the state, technocracy, and state planning as the main motors for modernisation. As a result of their competition and interaction, these projects have left lasting legacies, which have crystallised into particularly stable patterns of modernity. Show less
