https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46002 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:05:16 GMT 2026-04-22T12:05:16Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46420 Title: The rise of Alternative for Germany (AfD) and its impact on the German party system Abstract: This thesis mainly aims to bridge the gap in the literature and provide a unified explanation of the rise of AfD (generally considered as a far-right party), its effects on the German party system and the Bundestag. Research about this is important from a European point of view because AfD is threatening the stability and existence of the European Common Currency, the European Union, its principles of solidarity and unity and the benefits which these bring with them for their members. This thesis evaluates the necessary theories in order for AfD and the context in which it operates to be understood within the framework of far-right associated ideologies, voting models and electoral systems. Then this thesis goes on to explain the more practical side of AfD’s context. This is done through an evaluation of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German electoral system, the role of the parties as derived from the German Constitution, its self-defence mechanism, a historical insight into the German party system, the reasons behind the absence of earlier far-right party successes and today’s party positions over some of the most relevant issues in the context of the rise of AfD. Then this thesis goes on to identify the most fitting description of AfD’s ideology, the issues which triggered its creation, the scope behind its creation, the backgrounds of the founders and early leaders, its internal conflicts, the changes which occurred as a result of these rifts, the issues which led it to become the main opposition party, its effect in the Bundestag, its effect on the policies of other parties and other controversies which some of its exponents and members led it into. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46420 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46389 Title: Media framing in times of conflict : the case of the Syrian civil war : a comparative analysis between Russia and the United States Abstract: The Media has the complex role of transmitting information to individuals. It acts as a broker of information and as a non-state actor that ensures that policies and government action is made known to the population at large. Despite their vital role in society and politics, journalists are not immune to bias when writing, including culturally and politically. The aim of this dissertation is to identify the most common ways in which the airstrikes of the 14th of April 2018 were framed. The work also delves into an analysis of the prevalent themes and narratives that have presented themselves in the process of reporting. This research additionally seeks to answer whether the conflict is being portrayed through a structural neorealist lens. A qualitative study was conducted and news articles were selected from a Russian news source, The Kommersant, and an American News Source, The New York Times. To conduct the study, Linström’s and Marais’ 7 step framing analysis model was used in order to analyse and provide a clear methodology for the study. The frame of conflict was identified and the narratives that were used in the reporting were also analysed against the historical background of the conflict and the political ambitions of both states, allowing for a holistic analytical approach drawing from International Relations, Politics, History and Communications. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46389 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46387 Title: From mainstream to margins : the evolution or decline of euroscepticism in Malta's party system Abstract: In recent years we have witnessed a surge of Eurosceptic parties. From the Brexit campaign to the Front National, they have significantly impacted their national political system across the continent. However, in Malta the situation is completely different. Since its membership in 2004, Eurosceptic perceptions have constantly decreased, making the Maltese population one of the most Europhile in Europe. Therefore, when looking back at Malta’s 2003 EU membership referendum it is hard to believe that 46.4% voted against EU integration. However, when one takes into account the national context, thanks to the country’s polarised mainstream party positions, a clearer image of the elements which led to this result become more evident. In this regard, it is interesting to note how, over a 16-year period, Malta’s political parties have affected the evolution or decline of Euroscepticism amongst the electorate, hence shifting national Euroscepticism from the mainstream to the margins. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46387 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46385 Title: China’s soft power approach in Europe : Malta and Germany as case studies Abstract: The question that this dissertation will tackle is regarding whether the pillar of equality and equal treatment when dealing with other states, which was and is still prominent in Chinese government discourse, is seen in the actions the Chinese government takes in relation to soft power strategies. This will be done by comparing the cultural soft power strategies of China in Malta, which represents the small states since it’s among the smallest countries in Europe, and Germany, which represents the larger states because it is one of the largest countries in Europe. This research, has shown that when it comes to soft power strategy, China does to a certain extent, apply equality. When examining the activities held by this Chinese culture centre, which were given specific attention in this dissertation, in both Malta and in Germany, the layout of activities organised seemed to be similar. For example, in both cases, the activities that were held varied in their content and cooperation with other entities. Furthermore, there wasn’t any prominent indication that different approaches were being conducted in relation to the cultural centres. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46385 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z