It is somewhat unanimously agreed that sanctions are mostly bark with no bite. Generally speaking... more It is somewhat unanimously agreed that sanctions are mostly bark with no bite. Generally speaking they are not seen as something worth using. However, if this is the case why have we seen such an increase in their use over the last 20 years? Drezner (2003) says the best sanction is a threat of a sanction. Using the Threat and imposition of economic sanction data base 4.0 I explain how a probit regression can be used to back up the hypothesis that the best type of sanctions are in fact intelligent sanctions that take into consideration the political structure of a state and applies a sanction that is most likely to injure a states 'winning coalition' (W). This paper extends the work of Marinov (2005) to shed new light on this much queried topic.
This papers primary aim is to find out why the former Yugoslavia experienced armed conflict post ... more This papers primary aim is to find out why the former Yugoslavia experienced armed conflict post communism. I will be pitting two opposing theories against each other in this analysis. Firstly being Anthony. D Smith's paper 'The Ethnic Origins of Nations' and secondly, James D. Fearon's 'Ethnic War As A Commitment Problem' to examine which one provides the most robust and most academically dexteric argument. Described as the worst European conflict since WW2, the Yugoslav War has become the classic political science poster child to encapsulate what can happen when 'ethnicity' becomes the reason for a call to arms. But was this really the case? Can the Wars of Yugoslavia really be explained away by calling it a war that originated due to ancient hatreds? Or do we need a more sophisticated explanation for the decade long bloodshed from 1991-2001? In this paper, I will attempt to argue why the 'ancient hatreds' theory does not hold water, instead, using Fearon's 'Ethnic War As A Commitment Problem' paper I present what seems a more valid explanation for the conflict in the Balkans.
This paper looks at the relationship between corruption and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Al... more This paper looks at the relationship between corruption and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Albania's energy sector. Looking at the years between 2001-2011. I propose that corruption is a major determinate of FDI and must be remedied in order for Albanian to attract maximum investment into their energy infrastructure. Using data from the World Bank and the WIIW database we graph this relationship and find the relationship worth exploring. Using the standards of causality set forth by Kellstedt & Whitten (2013) we endeavour to overcome the four hurdles of causality they set forth thus illustrating causality. We finish with a short discussion of the policy implications this finding inevitably highlights and suggest policy measures Albania should implement to increase FDI.
When a civil war ignites, it is usually due to a stifling status quo that has made the lives of t... more When a civil war ignites, it is usually due to a stifling status quo that has made the lives of the people very difficult. When citizens arm it is typically the non-combatants who feel the full force of such destruction. But why? This paper attempts to examine the relationship between rebel groups and non-combatants in intrastate conflicts. What determines the kind of relationship rebels have with non-combatants and why is it even important? This paper argues citizen support is vital for not only the success of intrastate conflicts but also essential in the longevity of the new status quo. Building on the COW dataset we test this hypothesis. Focusing the academic lens on this topic will not only aide in our academic understanding but may also be instrumental for policy makers to make more informed steps to combat civil strife.
A sense of morbid paranoia has engulfed the Western establishment following the acts of 9/11 and ... more A sense of morbid paranoia has engulfed the Western establishment following the acts of 9/11 and consecutive terror acts in Europe, and although it may be easy to conceptualise them in all the same way there are very distinct differences that separate them. This paper explores an innovation in terrorist strategy titled home-grown terrorism, a reincarnation of guerrilla warfare for the modern day freedom fighter. We tackle the established academic paradigm that HGT is synonymous with Islamic radicalization and provide an innovative approach to understanding this new phenomenon that takes Islam out of the heart of this debate and replaces it with credible alternatives that strike at the core of terrorist motivations. Building on the research design of Bakker (2006) we design a global replica that tests our new hypothesis and provides a platform for further original research.
There is general consensus to the claim that we are living in what is probably the most uncerta... more There is general consensus to the claim that we are living in what is probably the most uncertain and geo-politically turbulent times since at least the cold war. With issues ranging from global terrorism, social anxiety in Europe due to the migrant crisis, oil price depreciations, climate change repercussions, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, economic stagnation and virus pandemics in South America etc. All under the umbrella of a global financial crisis and on edge regional powers. One would not be far off therefore in confusing world affairs for a Jackson Pollock painting. The similarities are uncanny; both are chaotic, colorful, inventive, and strategic. If we add to this milieu of international affairs the dynamics of space based technologies, which I will be talking about in this paper, we would truly be in a state of awe and trepidation when coming to terms with the capabilities and visions we as humans have come to master and conceptualize today.
When one thinks of sovereignty images of independence declarations, ethnic group strife's, flags,... more When one thinks of sovereignty images of independence declarations, ethnic group strife's, flags, territory, lines on maps and passionate speeches may be the first things that come to mind. You would not be wrong in thinking this. Perhaps the last thing you think of is space, outer space to be specific, however, as this thesis will explore the proliferation of a phenomenon of 'space sovereignty' or This piece of work would not have been possible without the support and love from the following people. Firstly, I'd like to give my warmest thank-you to my dissertation supervisor Dr Cathy Elliott for her time and whole hearted support throughout this exciting process, as daunting as it was at times I trusted in her guidance and supervision. Secondly, my family for just being exactly what I want and need their endless encouragement and love throughout my life and seeing me through this landmark accomplishment is a blessing. Thirdly, my close friends growing and learning together were times I will never forget.
It is somewhat unanimously agreed that sanctions are mostly bark with no bite. Generally speaking... more It is somewhat unanimously agreed that sanctions are mostly bark with no bite. Generally speaking they are not seen as something worth using. However, if this is the case why have we seen such an increase in their use over the last 20 years? Drezner (2003) says the best sanction is a threat of a sanction. Using the Threat and imposition of economic sanction data base 4.0 I explain how a probit regression can be used to back up the hypothesis that the best type of sanctions are in fact intelligent sanctions that take into consideration the political structure of a state and applies a sanction that is most likely to injure a states 'winning coalition' (W). This paper extends the work of Marinov (2005) to shed new light on this much queried topic.
This papers primary aim is to find out why the former Yugoslavia experienced armed conflict post ... more This papers primary aim is to find out why the former Yugoslavia experienced armed conflict post communism. I will be pitting two opposing theories against each other in this analysis. Firstly being Anthony. D Smith's paper 'The Ethnic Origins of Nations' and secondly, James D. Fearon's 'Ethnic War As A Commitment Problem' to examine which one provides the most robust and most academically dexteric argument. Described as the worst European conflict since WW2, the Yugoslav War has become the classic political science poster child to encapsulate what can happen when 'ethnicity' becomes the reason for a call to arms. But was this really the case? Can the Wars of Yugoslavia really be explained away by calling it a war that originated due to ancient hatreds? Or do we need a more sophisticated explanation for the decade long bloodshed from 1991-2001? In this paper, I will attempt to argue why the 'ancient hatreds' theory does not hold water, instead, using Fearon's 'Ethnic War As A Commitment Problem' paper I present what seems a more valid explanation for the conflict in the Balkans.
This paper looks at the relationship between corruption and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Al... more This paper looks at the relationship between corruption and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Albania's energy sector. Looking at the years between 2001-2011. I propose that corruption is a major determinate of FDI and must be remedied in order for Albanian to attract maximum investment into their energy infrastructure. Using data from the World Bank and the WIIW database we graph this relationship and find the relationship worth exploring. Using the standards of causality set forth by Kellstedt & Whitten (2013) we endeavour to overcome the four hurdles of causality they set forth thus illustrating causality. We finish with a short discussion of the policy implications this finding inevitably highlights and suggest policy measures Albania should implement to increase FDI.
When a civil war ignites, it is usually due to a stifling status quo that has made the lives of t... more When a civil war ignites, it is usually due to a stifling status quo that has made the lives of the people very difficult. When citizens arm it is typically the non-combatants who feel the full force of such destruction. But why? This paper attempts to examine the relationship between rebel groups and non-combatants in intrastate conflicts. What determines the kind of relationship rebels have with non-combatants and why is it even important? This paper argues citizen support is vital for not only the success of intrastate conflicts but also essential in the longevity of the new status quo. Building on the COW dataset we test this hypothesis. Focusing the academic lens on this topic will not only aide in our academic understanding but may also be instrumental for policy makers to make more informed steps to combat civil strife.
A sense of morbid paranoia has engulfed the Western establishment following the acts of 9/11 and ... more A sense of morbid paranoia has engulfed the Western establishment following the acts of 9/11 and consecutive terror acts in Europe, and although it may be easy to conceptualise them in all the same way there are very distinct differences that separate them. This paper explores an innovation in terrorist strategy titled home-grown terrorism, a reincarnation of guerrilla warfare for the modern day freedom fighter. We tackle the established academic paradigm that HGT is synonymous with Islamic radicalization and provide an innovative approach to understanding this new phenomenon that takes Islam out of the heart of this debate and replaces it with credible alternatives that strike at the core of terrorist motivations. Building on the research design of Bakker (2006) we design a global replica that tests our new hypothesis and provides a platform for further original research.
There is general consensus to the claim that we are living in what is probably the most uncerta... more There is general consensus to the claim that we are living in what is probably the most uncertain and geo-politically turbulent times since at least the cold war. With issues ranging from global terrorism, social anxiety in Europe due to the migrant crisis, oil price depreciations, climate change repercussions, territorial disputes in the South China Sea, economic stagnation and virus pandemics in South America etc. All under the umbrella of a global financial crisis and on edge regional powers. One would not be far off therefore in confusing world affairs for a Jackson Pollock painting. The similarities are uncanny; both are chaotic, colorful, inventive, and strategic. If we add to this milieu of international affairs the dynamics of space based technologies, which I will be talking about in this paper, we would truly be in a state of awe and trepidation when coming to terms with the capabilities and visions we as humans have come to master and conceptualize today.
When one thinks of sovereignty images of independence declarations, ethnic group strife's, flags,... more When one thinks of sovereignty images of independence declarations, ethnic group strife's, flags, territory, lines on maps and passionate speeches may be the first things that come to mind. You would not be wrong in thinking this. Perhaps the last thing you think of is space, outer space to be specific, however, as this thesis will explore the proliferation of a phenomenon of 'space sovereignty' or This piece of work would not have been possible without the support and love from the following people. Firstly, I'd like to give my warmest thank-you to my dissertation supervisor Dr Cathy Elliott for her time and whole hearted support throughout this exciting process, as daunting as it was at times I trusted in her guidance and supervision. Secondly, my family for just being exactly what I want and need their endless encouragement and love throughout my life and seeing me through this landmark accomplishment is a blessing. Thirdly, my close friends growing and learning together were times I will never forget.
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Papers by Klisman Murati