This dissertation investigates regime-based efforts by states to cooperate in providing assistance and protection to refugees since 1648. It argues from a constructivist perspective that state interests and identities are shaped both by other actors in the international system - including norm entrepreneurs, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations - and by the broader normative environment. Refugees are a by-product of this environment. Fundamental institutions - including territoriality, popular sovereignty, and international law - formed a system in which exit was one of the few mechanisms of survival for those who were religiously and politically persecuted. This led states to recognize that people who were so persecuted were different from ordinary migrants and had a right to flee their own state and seek accommodation elsewhere. States recognized this right to leave, but did not recognize a requirement that any given state had a responsibility to accept these refugees. This contradiction creates a dilemma in international relations, one which states have sought to solve through international cooperation. The dissertation explores policy change within the United States and Great Britain at the international and domestic levels in order to understand the tensions within current refugee protection efforts. Three regimes, based in different normative understandings, have framed state cooperation. In the first, during the 19th century, refugees were granted protections under domestic and then bilateral law through extradition treaties. The second, in the interwar period, saw states taught by norm entrepreneurs that multilateral organizations could successfully assist refugees, though states remained unwilling to provide blanket assistance and be bound by international law. These issues led to the failure of states to accommodate Jewish refugees fleeing from Germany in the 1930s. The third, since the Second World War, had a greater consistency among its norms, especially recognition by states of the need for international law. Once again, this process was shaped by other actors, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This regime has been challenged by increased refugee numbers and restrictions on the part of states, but its central purpose remains robust due to the actions of actors such as the UNHCR. / Arts, Faculty of / Political Science, Department of / Graduate

This thesis is concerned with the relation between bank regulation and the risk-taking behaviour of banks. Two major instruments of regulatory intervention are considered: bank levy and bank bailouts. The major objective of this thesis is to provide an answer to the following questions: Do bank levies increase the risk-taking of banks in a competitive environment? When do bank bailouts decrease banks` risk-taking? Does the international coordination of bank bailouts affect the relation between bailouts and the risk-taking behaviour of banks? Who should rescue subsidiaries of multinational banks? How could an efficient bailout policy be designed and implemented? The bank levy and cooperation between national regulators play an important role in the recently adopted Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD). This directive is a cornerstone of bank regulation in Europe. Although the conversion of debt into equity (bail-in) in emergencies is the key component of the current regulation, bailouts, or at least the assistance to struggling banks, should not be excluded. As the ordinary resolution tools, for instance, bail-in, have not yet been tested in a real crisis, and due to the fact that it will take time to prepare global institutions for such a tool, it may be useful to have an adequately designed tool of last resort available, such as an adequate bailout policy, in order to avoid the disruption of critical economic functions. We show that a bank levy may decrease banks`risk-taking behaviour. Bank bailouts can also decrease the risk-taking of banks. This depends on the regulator`s ability to condition his bailout policy in accordance with the macroeconomic environment, which has an impact on the banks` probability of success, or on his ability to condition the bailout policy on the banks` systemic relevance. Coordination of bailouts through a multinational regulator can improve welfare. The desirability of internationally coordinated bailouts depends on the dimension of the crisis. If the crisis is severe, it may be more efficient to delegate bank bailouts to a multinational regulator. However, such a delegation is not always feasible. Therefore, a predefined burden sharing of bank bailouts is necessary in order to achieve an efficient resolution of banks in distress.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / For years traditional and digital media have played an essential role of disseminating news and information to keep their target audience always updated about what is happening nationally and internationally. News consumption has globally been experiencing enormous deviations due to advancements in technology. In this context, the study examined and analysed news consumption patterns among the rural youth living in Limpopo Province South Africa. The study employed a sequential mixed research method. A self-administered questionnaire and semi-structured personal interview were used to collect data from youth aged between 18-34 years. A sample of 320 youth participated in the study, with 300 in quantitative and 20 in qualitative methods of research used to gather data for the study. Youth participants were randomly selected using convenience non-probability sampling. The data collected through a questionnaire were analysed using the Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, inferential and descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were thematically analysed and interpreted considering diverse themes, sub-themes and common statements. The study results revealed that most youth highly preferred to access and consume news through online media more than television and newspapers because digital media are cheap, easily accessible and affordable. The findings further indicated that most youth highly preferred to consume news through television channels such as ETV because it is a credible and reliable source of news. It is highlighted in the results that most youth preferred to consume entertainment news more than business, political and sport news because they find the former interesting and relaxing. Also, most youth did prefer to discuss entertainment news with family members and friends and that there are positive relationships between media credibility and news consumption which tend to influence family and friends’ news discussions. In a nutshell, the findings of this study further suggest a philosophical change in news consumption patterns among South African youth and the operation of media industries. However, the study recommends that most media houses need to broadcast and publish business and political news that are more relevant, accurate and objective for most youth to consume proficiently. Keywords: News media consumption, news discourse, youth, media credibility, new and traditional media.

This thesis analyses the potential for international cooperation in the issue of corporate tax rates. Using newly created dataset we study the relationship between the foreign direct investments and corporate tax rates in order to confirm that countries benefit from competing in setting their tax rates. Lowering one's corporate tax rate pays off in increased FDI. Furthermore, under the assumption that competitive behavior is individually rational, we analyze through the use of coherent country clusters the extent of competition within selected clusters, as compared to the situation on the global level. We find that the degree of competitive behavior is lower within coherent block of countries than globally. Thus, there seems to be less mutually harmful competition within coherent clusters of countries, mainly in EU 15, OECD and ASEAN, than on the global level.

Thesis (M.A. (International Politics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Human security (HS) came about as a result of a number of international developments that triggered risks threatening the wellbeing, security and survival of human beings. In that regard, HS shifted away from exclusive concerns with the state towards individual citizens. This study examined HS challenges in Zimbabwe from 2008 to 2017. A qualitative research methodology and exploratory design was employed for that purpose. The study also employed realism as a theory to analyse the research problem. Data was derived exclusively from secondary sources. Various HS categories were used to exam Zimbabwe. These included food, health and political security. Furthermore, the study assessed the impact of HS threats on the welfare and day to day life of Zimbabweans. In doing so, it highlighted how a denial of basic human rights undermined the security of citizens. It concluded by suggesting a number of policy recommendations, which could stem the massive poverty that now characterises that country. Among others, these include consciously cultivating respect for human rights and democracy and good governance. This effort must be followed by programmes geared at improving the socio-economic circumstances of all Zimbabweans irrespective of their political affiliation. Regional, continental and broader global organisations must commit and help Zimbabwe rebuild itself economically and politically as well.

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Higher education institutions play a crucial role in fostering innovation, research, and knowledge transfer that directly impact the attainment of the SDGs. Postgraduate education, in particular, provides a unique opportunity to train and equip the next generation of leaders, researchers, and professionals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to address complex global challenges. The concept of the resource nexus emphasizes the interconnectedness of different resources (e.g., water, energy, food, materials) and the importance of adopting a holistic approach to sustainable development. By promoting collaborations and partnerships between the Global South and North, we can facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, mutual learning and technology transfer, thus creating a positive ripple effect across regions and addressing common sustainability challenges.:Background & Rationale Recommendadions Strengthening Postgraduate Education for Sustainable Development Scaling Up Resource Nexus Research for Sustainability Transformations Empowering Change Agents South-North Collaboration and People-to-People Exchanges International Cooperation for Sustainability in Education Promoting Multifaceted Approaches to Sustainability Youth Empowerment for the 2030 Agenda Leveraging Digital Platforms for Education Conclusion

[pt] O Brasil está no centro do debate sobre a importância da bioeconomia e seu papel no desenvolvimento sustentável. O país, com sua vasta diversidade biocultural, abriga 20 por cento das espécies do planeta, com mais da metade de seu território coberto por vegetação nativa. O agroextrativismo emerge como uma estratégia para integrar produtos da sociobiodiversidade aos mercados, estimulando o desenvolvimento econômico local, a conservação da biodiversidade e o consumo sustentável. Neste contexto, o fortalecimento de cadeias de valor da sociobiodiversidade representa uma alternativa ao modelo predatório atual e tem sido cada vez mais discutido no âmbito de projetos de cooperação internacional, a exemplo do Programa Redução das Emissões por Desmatamento e Degradação florestal (REDD) Early Movers de Mato Grosso (REM MT) que apoia organizações de base da agricultura familiar e de povos e comunidades tradicionais. O Programa REM MT, contratou 21 projetos com esta finalidade no primeiro semestre de 2023 e prevê a execução de cerca de R$ 40 M em 12 meses. Essas iniciativas representam um grande desafio em termos de monitoramento e avaliação, processos cruciais para o êxito dos projetos. Sendo assim, este trabalho identifica e avalia procedimentos e ferramentas de M(e)A do Programa REM MT e o contrapõe com outros programas socioambientais análogos em curso no país. Compreender quais os procedimentos e instrumentos utilizados em outros programas permite a elaboração de uma proposta de monitoramento adequada e possibilita a proposição de eventuais melhorias em processos já estabelecidos. / [en] Brazil is central to the discussion on the significance of bioeconomy and its role in sustainable development. With its extensive biocultural diversity, the nation hosts 20 percent of the world s species, over half of its territory is enveloped by native vegetation. Agroextractivism emerges as a strategic approach to integrate socio-biodiversity products into markets, fostering local economic growth, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable consumption. In this milieu, the reinforcement of socio-biodiversity value chains stands as an alternative to the prevailing predatory model and is increasingly deliberated within international cooperation projects, exemplified by the REDD Early Movers Program in Mato Grosso (REM MT), which bolsters grassroots organizations in family farming and traditional communities. The REM MT Program initiated 21 projects for this cause in the first half of 2023 and anticipates a budget execution of approximately R$ 40 million within 12 months. These endeavors pose considerable challenges in terms of monitoring and evaluation, pivotal for project success. Consequently, this study discerns and appraises the M(and)E methodologies and tools of the REM MT Program, juxtaposing them with analogous socio-environmental initiatives underway in Brazil. Grasping the methodologies and tools employed in other endeavors facilitates the formulation of an apt monitoring proposal and opens avenues for potential enhancements in established procedures.

Text in English / The study focuses on the interaction between two structures in development cooperation: the bottom-up approach of Informal Youth Groups (IYGs) and the topdown approach of International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs). These are considered in the theoretical context of the capability approach. In the empirical study, conducted in the cities of Amman and Zarqa in Jordan, the researcher interviewed eleven key members of IYGs to analyse their work mechanisms and criteria for co-operation. A Focus Group Discussion with members of INGOs about challenges and opportunities in co-operations with IYGs was conducted, to complement the literature review of INGO perspectives. The study provides insights into the work mechanism and co-operation criteria of IYGs. The interviewees mentioned trust between the parties and sharing vision and motivation as key requirements. Recommendations for INGOs in their work with local partners and practical steps for supporting IYGs are given. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

In Ethiopia people are highly dependent on natural resources which often lead to environmental degradation. The perception is that environmental degradation is partly due to lack of environmental awareness. The level of environmental awareness and the role of the media in creating awareness in Kembata Tembaro Administrative zone were investigated. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to identify sources of environmental knowledge, content, spatial extent, volume and priority of media coverage, impact of media, and expectation of audiences and producers. Experience, rather than outside sources, such as provided by the media, is the main source of environmental information, but awareness is key to reduce further environmental degradation. Environmental media programs should be transmitted at suitable times and the experiences of successful farmers in natural resources conservation and development should be shared. Attention should also be given to identification of awareness obstacles and training and sensitizing of journalists on environment issues