https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64118 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:02:54 GMT 2026-04-07T19:02:54Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87474 Title: Are there any potential security challenges in relation to Chinese foreign direct investment in Malta? Abstract: Malta and China are characterized by significant differences, particularly in relation to their style of government, manpower, resources, their asymmetry in size and economic might, yet their bi-lateral and economic relations are often presented as mutually positive and beneficial. Whilst previous studies around foreign direct investment in Malta have been primarily carried out through a financial perspective, recent developments in the International political economy have raised the need to look at foreign direct investment from other points of view, which take into account security, within the broader International context, in which power, relations and interests are anarchically interwoven. As a result, this research is primarily concerned with addressing the question whether ‘’Are There Any Potential Security Challenges In Relation To Chinese Foreign Direct Investment In Malta? '’. In this study, the author utilized a number of theories, frameworks, and the European Union's foreign direct investment screening mechanism as tools to analyse the gathered data on Chinese foreign direct investment in Malta, in order to find out whether there are the conditions in place for a potential security challenge to be identified; and if so, what would it look like ? The data gathered was systematically processed and presented; Firstly, the researcher explored EU – Malta – China relations, presenting a well rounded picture of the diplomatic and economic activity occurring within this dynamic. The researcher utilized regulation 2019/452’s criteria, as a tool to identify which Chinese investments in Malta would be flagged by the EU’s FDI screening mechanism. The qualified investments were thoroughly analysed; the infrastructure involved, the sector, ownership structure, as well as other relevant data, were all included in the analysis, on an ad hoc basis. Finally, the research reveals a number of noteworthy observations, both on Chinese FDI in Malta, as well as other less discussed security concerns. Description: Dual Masters; M.SC.CONFLICT ANALYSIS&RES.; M.A.CONFLICT RES.&MED.STUD. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87474 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64675 Title: Designing a conflict map analysis to inform the policy reform on sex work in Malta Abstract: In September 2019, the Government of Malta announced a public consultation to inform the reform of sex work related policies in Malta (MEAE, 2019). A number of stakeholders proposed policy recommendations to the reform, through submissions of policy papers and discussions at meetings of the Social Affairs Committee of the Parliament in March 2020. This dissertation looks to answer how a conflict mapping process can help to inform this policy reform on sex work in Malta. The methodology of critical reflection contributed to the design of a Conflict Map Analysis​ ​ proposal to inform the reform. This proposal is situated in a human rights and harm reduction based framework, and aims to aid the advancement of active governance. Additionally, this dissertation offers an example of the benefits of conflict mapping to the policy reform process by applying a tailor-made Narrative Map Analysis to analyse the audio recording of the Social Affairs Committee meeting which was held on the 4th of March 2020. A key finding of this research is that a conflict mapping process, rooted in human rights values and harm reduction principles, can enhance active governance, and aid the Government of Malta to address the needs of sex workers in this policy reform. Description: Dual Masters; M.SC.CONFLICT ANALYSIS&RES.; M.A.CONFLICT RES.&MED.STUD. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64675 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64674 Title: Pandemic nation : an examination of how executive orders impact public health outcomes in America Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to examine how states within the United States of America utilize executive orders to promote the strengthening of public health and its systems during times of crisis. This is explored by documenting SARS-CoV-2’s, also known as COVID-19, impact on the American public health systems through comparing three governors’ executive orders that were signed in response to the virus’ spread and its mitigation. By comparing the executive orders signed by the governors of New York, Florida, and Texas, a case is made that executive action by state level governors was a powerful tool to advance public health for the citizens under their jurisdiction during the COVID-19 2020 pandemic. Description: Dual Masters; M.SC.CONFLICT ANALYSIS&RES.; M.A.CONFLICT RES.&MED.STUD. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64674 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64673 Title: Struggling for liberation : a comparison of American Blacks and Palestinians Abstract: As the world is constantly being reshaped by various and numerous factors, the resurfacing and/or development of arising core issues has been inevitable; concepts of slavery and colonialism remain to find new shapes, forms, and trends into existing in today’s modern world. Notably, in a world where individualism is being promoted on a wide range, and is in fact a dominant concept, liberation movements have failed to accomplish their goals and aspirations towards a better future, specifically with the lack of a unified forum that provides genuine and substantial support, further intruding on the possibility of facilitating functional and practical dialogues for purposes of discussing and achieving the goals and demands of these liberation movements. Today, Black Americans are still suffering the oppression and injustices resultantly related to racism and institutionalized discrimination, while black underclass remains a distinct feature of Black Americans lives. Further, Palestinian people remain under the rule of the Israeli occupation, constantly, suffering Israel’s systematic and widespread oppression, discrimination, dehumanization, and ethnic cleansing, with complete and evident disregard to their fundamental and inherent human rights. Evidently, in both case studies and other similar cases of oppression and discrimination, Human Rights Defenders, politicians’, vocal opponents’ of aforementioned policies, and liberation movements, have all been labelled as terrorists’ and demonized by their oppressors’ and third parties within the international community who failed to provide any accountability for the real perpetrators due to political pressure, or mutual interests, underpinning the tragedy of millions of human being spread across the today’s modern world. Liberation movements’ found refugee and inspiration from previous, current and similar movements, advocating for solidarity for various causes in different and available forums. Notably, the clear Palestinian Black Solidarity, which was most obvious in which Kristian Davis Bailey, and Naber referred to as the “Gaza-Ferguson Era”, allowed for the first distinct steps in introducing organized solidarity with movements advocating for the right of Black people; however, the shared solidarity was lacking in some aspects and was not perceived strongly. This research aims at exploring and analyzing the commonalities between Black and Palestinian Liberation movements, furthermore, it will seek shaping a framework that allows for more organized solidarity between liberation movements’ that could be made with other movements [Zionism for instance]. Additionally, this research will highlight the importance of creating a comprehensive global liberation movement, or alternatively a unified forum for all liberation movements, and will study the initial steps towards either, in order to create a systematic and sustainable change within a global context. Description: Dual Masters; M.SC.CONFLICT ANALYSIS&RES.; M.A.CONFLICT RES.&MED.STUD. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/64673 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z