Zusammenfassung eines musikwissenschaftlichen Symposiums in Kiew 2000

Reference SERGEEVA, Oxana. Enteral Predispositions of the Conflict in Donbass. Prague, 2021. Master's thesis. Charles University,Facultyof Social Sciences,Institute of SecurityStudies. Abstract The Revolution in Ukraine of 2014 has brought a lot of regional and international changes. Even though the crisis appears to be over, the new official authorities of Ukraine and the self- proclaimedDonetsk and Lugansk people's republics are still conflicting.It has commonly been assumed that the armed conflict in Donbas was the result of a latent Russian military aggression against Ukraine and that forces opposing the Ukrainian government do not represent the local populationrather being sponsored by the Russian authority.However, external incentives arguably could not lead to the emergence of a viable and widespread rebel movement unless there were internal predispositions to the emergence of armed separatism. It is vital to address problems within the country to identify domestic preconditions for invasion and conflict incitement. This researchwould argue that a key role in the emergence of the armed separatist movement in Donbas was played by at least two factors: historicallyformed polaritywithin the Ukrainian populationand the structure of the government. Thus, the armed conflict in Donbas was the result of a...

This thesis contributes to the digital and narrative turn in International Relations, supplying a response to the inquiry ‘Which strategic narratives have emerged in Ukraine’s digital diplomacy following the February 2022 Russian invasion?’ The paper observed how the field of politics is revitalised by the interplay between political communication during times of incertitude, digital diplomacy and the trend of personalisation. The thesis evaluated different approaches taken by prior theorists of these spheres and leveraged their knowledge in order to respond to the research question. The treatise employed a qualitative content analysis upon 12 presidential speeches, 4 parliament addresses and 10 social media posts. This content was published by Ukrainian elite political figures during the initial phase of the war, between February 24th and March 29th, 2022. This methodology generated three national identity archetypes (NIAs): the ‘hero’, the ‘partner’ and the ‘victim’. The treatise further conceived Ukrainian’s strategic narratives mechanism composed of distinct values, objectives, demands, target recipients, channels and ensuing initiatives, adjacent to these three NIAs, pillars of Kyiv’s political communication. The paper concludes with future directions for strategic narrative research deriving from the experiences of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.

Previously throughout history, the norm regarding the proper conduct of war began with aformal declaration of war, however since the end of the Second World War the usage of wardeclarations have decreased, and in its place the legitimacy of countries' actions have garneredmore attention. The study of legitimacy within the larger field of peace- and war studies haverecently evolved from the previous theory dominating the field, classical legitimacy theory,and today new perspectives regarding legitimacy are emerging. This study makes use of onesaid perspective, with its three areas of development in regards to classical legitimacy theory:audiences for legitimacy, legitimacy sources and legitimation. These areas of development areanalyzed in combination with political discourse analysis on one statement and two addressesby the President of the Russian Federation. The study’s findings concur in some respect withthe conclusions presented by von Billerbeck and Gippert; which stipulate that there are moreaudiences for legitimation than previously believed; the use of procedural legitimacy is morein use than out-put legitimacy; and the use of force with regards to the three empirical cases oflegitimation demonstrate the dual nature of force within the context of conflict. The findingsin this study does not constitute a complete understanding of legitimacy, but rather illustratesthe way countries use legitimacy in order to fortify their own actions.

The negative effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has been felt on a global scale.This makes it more relevant than it has been in a long time to understand how to achievesuccessful mediation and negotiation between Russia and post-soviet states. By examining theRusso-Georgian War of 2008 and the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2022, and thencomparing the two cases. This paper aims to investigate what factors contribute to successfulmediation in these two cases, and to hypothesise what obstacles exist for achieving successfulmediation in the war between Russia and Ukraine. The method used for this purpose isprocess-tracing, and the theoretical framework that has been used is Zartmans ripeness theoryand its formula for the concepts of mutually enticing opportunity, mutually hurting stalemate,ripe moment, and way out. The results of this study shows that a ripe moment existed in theconflict between Russia and Georgia despite the weak grounds for the existence of a mutuallyhurting stalemate. The study also concluded that the ceasefire agreement between the twocountries included a strong presence of one of the subcategories of the mutually enticingopportunity concept. Furthermore, the study also showed that a mutually hurting stalemate doesnot exist in the war between Russia and Ukraine, but simultaneously indicated strong grounds fora mutually hurting stalemate developing in the near future. Finally, the study identified fourdifferent obstacles for successful mediation between Russia and Ukraine. These related to theexistence of a mutually hurting stalemate, the motivations of the two conflict parties, and thechallenge of developing a mutually enticing opportunity.

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The integration of Ukrainian Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in host communities is as multi-dimensional as the political crisis of 2014 that led to the displacement. Having made a difficult choice to let go of their past lives to escape from the constant shelling and instability of the self-proclaimed republics, IDPs hoped to find shelter and be accepted by their fellow countrymen. While many surveys claim that Ukrainians generally seem to have tolerant attitudes towards IDPs, the findings of my study strongly indicate that quite often IDPs normalize stigmatization they face. This study employed qualitative research methods and relied on twenty-eight semi-structured in-depth interviews with internally displaced students – a group not often studied by researchers. Each interview explored issues relating to the identities of IDPs and their juxtaposition (Ukrainian, resettler and regional identity). Similar to other studies based on qualitative strategies, this research has its limitations, stemming from difficulties to extract opinions that would not be tainted by the desire to fit into a particular narrative or match perceived expectations. While researchers can attempt to remain unbiased and be aware of their subconscious beliefs, we cannot be certain that what interviewees share with us is what they sincerely believe. Nevertheless, taking into account these limitations, qualitative studies are essential for understanding the experiences of Ukrainian IDPs. While more research is needed to get to the roots of the issues surrounding the unique challenges of IDPs’ integration, this thesis makes a step to analyze what causes stigmatization of Ukrainian IDPs, how IDPs choose to respond to the stigma, what kind of strategies they use to manage it, how they interact with locals in the host communities and what are the consequences of such stigmatization. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

States have different ties to warring parties in armed conflict. Bias, as in being closer to one conflict side, is a known factor that shapes mediation processes. However, its particular role has been insufficiently studied. This study assesses bias as a significant influence on mediation in Ukraine. Armed conflict in Ukraine has been mediated by different actors, among which the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) launched a Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to support mediation through impartial fact-reporting. This thesis examines the OSCE’s declared impartiality. This is done through a content analysis of interpretative statements by OSCE states about the SMM’s mandate and extensions. These 45 statements cover the conflict years 2014 to 2021 and form the material for the analysis. The study’s findings show that states’ interpretative statements hold bias in favour and disfavour of warring parties. Particularly favour for Ukraine and disfavour of Russia is apparent. Therefore, the OSCE does not speak with one ‘impartial’ voice but rather harbours different perspectives that potentially influence the organisation’s mediation efforts. The findings have implications for scholars and practitioners of international mediation alike.

This thesis investigates the occurrence of a shift in the EU’s narration about the Self and Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022. Previous research points toward the EU as having a diminishing outlook on Eastern Europe and constantly keeping Ukraine at arm’s length. Furthermore, the EU has imagined Eastern Europe gazing longingly and admiringly toward the EU. However, this thesis contends there has been a shift in this view regarding Ukraine compared to 2014, after the Russian annexation of Crimea. Theoretically, Europe is conceptualized as a community of values, a signifier, and a lacking subject without a complete identity. This theorizing leaves the demarcation of the EU’s identity borders contingent. The analysis discerns that the EU in 2022 narrates the Self as a project and a dream, with Ukraine displaying European values and vitality to this dream. This narration leaves space for the signifier Europe to expand its scope to Ukraine. The gaze that reflects at the EU is not of naive admiration but of strength and endurance, compelling the EU to narrate Ukraine as part of the Self. Moreover, this changed Ukrainian gaze strengthens the European identity based on values because Ukraine shows that European values are worth dying for.

The need for reliable financial information has led to the establishment of audits as a vital component of corporate governance. Audits serve to enhance the credibility of financial statements, mitigate agency conflicts, and instill trust among stakeholders. In an evolving business landscape, external factors such as covid, war, and climate change have emerged, potentially impacting the determinants of audit fees. Purpose: The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the influence of external risk factors such as the covid pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change on audit fees. Theoretical perspectives: Theoretical concepts base on previous research and publications on determinants of audit fees, audit risk, the covid pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change. Literature was used to derive the research gap and research questions. Methodology: A qualitative method base exploratory approach. A literature review was conducted to uncover areas of interest that require more research. The influence of external risk on the audit fees was identified as a potential area for research; a focus on the covid pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with auditors from big four audit firms in Sweden. Empirical foundation: Six auditors from various professional levels participated in the interview process to obtain empirical data. Conclusions: The findings of the study show that covid, Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change have significant implications on audit fees. These external factors contribute to increased complexity and risk in the audit process, necessitating additional resources and effort leading to increase in audit fees. Recognizing the influence of COVID-19, war, and climate change on audit fees is crucial for auditors, audit clients, policymakers, and regulators. This awareness can inform decision-making processes, financial planning, risk assessments, and the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks, ultimately promoting transparency and strengthening the overall integrity of the audit process. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and serve as a foundation for further exploration and understanding of the complex relationship between these external factors and audit fees.