https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/12809 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:01:34 GMT 2026-04-07T10:01:34Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143460 Title: Malta’s cultural diplomacy Abstract: Cultural diplomacy deals with the promotion of one’s culture and the understanding of that of others. This dissertation will address what constitutes Malta’s Cultural Diplomacy by looking at the work done by the Maltese government to engage in cultural diplomacy. This includes analysing cultural agreements, policies and measures that help sustain directly or indirectly this kind of diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy is more than just agreements and documents: it is about their implementation and cultural activities are in fact a living proof of cultural diplomacy. Thus, this dissertation will work to address the number of activities Malta organised abroad. Since in cultural diplomacy, every citizen can be an actor or recipient, this research will show how anyone, from artists to local band clubs, can help sustain Malta’s cultural relations with other countries. Another essential part of cultural diplomacy is the mutual understanding of other cultures. Thus, this research will attempt to portray Malta’s ability to act as a cultural hub for other cultures while offering a platform to foreign artists. It will illustrate how foreign embassies and cultural centres work to promote their culture within the Maltese islands. This research will then analyse the positive measures taken by Malta to help sustain and develop its cultural diplomacy and it will also suggest other possible measures and methods to be taken in order to help develop further Malta’s cultural diplomacy. Cultural diplomacy allows countries to communicate through culture. It is a method that helps not only a country strengthen its relations and presence in the international field but it iv also encourages its people to appreciate more other cultures and be more open to cultural diversity. Description: M.A. (Dip. St.)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143460 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123338 Title: The diplomatic role of Malta in Euro-Maghreb relations Abstract: This study will concentrate in the diplomatic role of Malta in the Euro Maghreb relations. In one of Profs. Stephen Calleya book, Evaluating Euro Mediterranean Relations, he talks about two international regions that emerge around the Mediterranean a quasi-comprehensive European region and an intergovernmental dominant Middle East region with limited transnational ties. This Middle East region is further divided into two sub regions, the Mashreq and the Maghreb. These different sub regions are characterized by different levels of development. The success of any partnership would have to be based on the stability in this geostrategic region I will look at Malta and its relations with the Maghreb countries and how its geographical position and its integration in the EU have helped shape its foreign policy and improve Euro Maghreb relations. I will also try to examine if the Maghreb countries are of any importance to Europe and its union. The thesis will first look at a geopolitical overview as its introduction. The first chapter will examine a historical overview of the Arab Maghreb Countries, while the second will focus on developments . in Euro Maghreb Relations. It will tackle all the major relations and dialogue that occurred between Europe and the Maghreb. The third chapter will than look at Malta's Foreign Policy both prior its European union membership and integration and as well after. The fourth chapter will analyse Malta 's bilateral relations with two specific Maghreb countries, which are Libya and Tunisia. Unfortunately, only two countries can be analyzed due to limited time. The final chapter will be the conclusion. Description: M.A.DIPLOMATIC STUD. Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123338 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123261 Title: Recognition of genocide : the Armenian struggle after the 1st genocide of the 20th century Abstract: The Armenian Genocide of 1915 was the tremendously vicious historical moment that eliminated a people from its lands and wiped away the majority of the substantial proof of its three thousand years of material and spiritual culture. The catastrophe, which was unprecedented, may be seen as the peak of the constant persecutions, and massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire, especially since the 1890s. This dissertation begins with a brief introduction regarding what is genocide, according the UN Convention on Genocide in December 1948, which came into effect in January 1951. A small summary regarding the happenings of 1915 follows, after which a small description of what the "battle" of the Armenians for recognition of this genocide is. Chapter 1 focuses on the reign of Sultan Hamid, and the insurgence of the movement known as the Young Turks. A detailed account of what happened in the region of Adana follows, including , in the last section of this chapter, the road to 1915, mostly the events regarding the Turks, the Balkan Wars, and the involvement of the Ottomans in World War 1. These events are all a prelude to the tragedy that happened in 1915, described in Chapter 2 with a concise explanation of what can be called a government planned genocide portrayed in the events of Van, in spring 1915, and the horrible day of April 24. Chapter 3 points towards the conflicting perspectives of the Turkish and Armenians in regards of these dreadful events, while Chapter 4 examines the perspective of other various actors involved, such as Britain, Germany, and the USA In conclusion, a portrait of what is being done today in order to move towards recognition is given, including a brief summary of the relationship between Turks and Armenians of these days. Description: M.A.DIPLOMATIC STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/123261 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121566 Title: Russian aggression against Ukraine and world football : an analysis of the impact of the war in Ukraine on Russia’s foreign policy strategies regarding world football Abstract: This thesis delves into the interplay between Russia's foreign policy strategies, namely soft power and public diplomacy, and world football. It aims to unravel the links between Russia's foreign policy since the Soviet Union's dissolution and its engagement in world football. The central hypothesis posits that Russia's strategies relying on football encountered significant disruptions following its aggressive actions against Ukraine. Drawing on Joseph Nye's concept of soft power and Edmund Gullion's public diplomacy, the research traces Russia's ascendancy as a wielder of soft power globally, particularly before the escalation of the Ukrainian conflict. However, Russia's credibility and trust, crucial for soft power, eroded as military interventions in its neighbouring countries unfolded. Analyzing football's role in Russia's strategy, the study elucidates how the sport provided a platform for political engagement, economic ties, and diplomatic relations, contributing to Russia's soft power. Yet, the invasion of Ukraine disrupted this alignment, given that Russian soft power is an extension of the Russian State, and will be surpassed by hard power strategies. This led to irremediable repercussions to Russian football diplomacy, such as club selloffs, contract cancellations, and suspension of Russian teams by FIFA and UEFA. Employing qualitative analysis, the research examines texts, speeches, official documents, press releases, and scholarly works, to shed a light on Russia's sports diplomacy endeavours and foreign policy strategies. This research holds significance in bridging the gap between political science and sports studies, offering insights into the dynamics of how sports can both fuel and hinder foreign policy efforts. It aims at increase the understanding of the complexity of using sports as a diplomatic tool and reveals the need for integration between sports studies, political science, and international relations in academia. Description: M.A. (Dip. St.)(Melit.) Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121566 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z