https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9635 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 11:04:15 GMT 2026-04-16T11:04:15Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9596 Title: War of the words : a study of pro-British propaganda during the First World War and its implementation in Maltese newspapers Abstract: The growth of industrialization and the enfranchisement of mass populations during the First World War led elites to become reliant on public consent to ensure support for the war effort. This dissertation discusses the historical legacy of the war, particularly in view of Malta's role as a British colony. A review of extant literature enables conceptualization of propaganda and provides insight into its wartime value, most notably with regards to the relationship between the colonizer and the colony. Extensive contextualization reveals the hegemonic impact of the colonizer through the embedding of calculated normative messages in the colony media channels. Thereafter international relations theory and communication theory are applied to war propaganda to shed light upon mass audience manipulation and the birth of crowd psychology. Three local Maltese newspapers, each of which caters to a niche audience, are then taken as case studies. Qualitative discourse analysis is applied to identify whether British propagandist techniques were prevalent in the published text and the intentions of the principal framing themes and tactics is discussed. There have been no previous studies on this particular subject and hence this dissertation is the first to query whether pro-British propaganda was implemented in Maltese newspapers during the Great War. Moreover, with Malta serving as a British fortress colony and subsequent full employment in the hospitals and Dockyard it is asked if it was even necessary for the British to implement said propaganda. The analysis reveals a disparity in the reporting of local and international affairs: a united front is presented abroad against the peer competitor Germany, whilst domestically internal criticism is targeted at the Government over scarcity of resources, deteriorating sanitation and the intrinsic desire for Maltese representation. The cause of the pejorative connotations of propaganda is ascertained, and the study concludes with suggestions for further study. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9596 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9543 Title: Malta's border control with regard to irregular migration from Africa to the EU : an evaluation Abstract: The last decade of the 20th century has been marked by periodic waves of irregular migrants traversing the Central Mediterranean Region, from North Africa to the European Union. The latter had to deal with undocumented migrants that could potentially threaten the security system of this supra-national state. Malta serves as a pivotal gateway at the Southern borders of Europe serving in most cases as a temporary hub for these 'boat people'. This entails irregular migrants who seek entry within any EU territory. Throughout the past years, particularly since 2002, Malta was highly sensitive to the flow of irregular migration. In view of its economic vulnerability, demographic pressures and geostrategic position, irregular migration posed acute border control and security challenges. Malta's efforts in tackling the issues of irregular migrants need to be directly backed up by the EU agency Frontex as well as securing the cooperation of states along the North African littoral, particularly of Libya. The scope of this thesis is to provide an overview of the assets and developments contributing to Malta's border control. An evaluation is carried out regarding the strength and weaknesses of Malta's border security strategy in ensuring security to the EU's southern borders. The Mediterranean Sea, which by tradition acted as both unifier as well as a barrier to its respective cultures, is still presenting novel challenges to regional security to be resolved. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9543 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9515 Title: State-NGO relations in development assistance in Ethiopia : case study : the fight against HIV/AIDS Abstract: Throughout the years, it has become crucial for states not just to engage with other states, but also to deal with non-state actors in the society. In development assistance, partnerships between the state and NGOs have been encouraged by many donors; because through cooperation, the goal of poverty reduction would be truly fulfilled. However, the extent of the relations between the two depends on a number of factors, such as the regime type, and the scale and objectives of NGOs. This was seen from the context of a specific country: Ethiopia, and a specific development sector: HIV/AIDS For many years, Ethiopia has strived to acquire the principles of democracy; however, its authoritarian character is still embedded within the system. This in turn, has impacted the relations between the state and NGOs in development assistance. From the birth of NGOs, up until the present day, relations have gradually shifted from hostility during the Derg regime towards better cooperation in recent years. Interaction between the two entities has greatly improved. Taking the case of HIV/AIDS, the state and NGOs are increasingly and variously cooperating with each other in different projects and programmes, ranging from direct assistance in project implementation to capacity building and technical assistance. The state is also involving a number of NGOs in policy making processes and discussions regarding the eradication of this disease, which is already a step towards better partnership. However, the state still holds absolute power in the relations between the two. This is seen from the rules and regulations imposed on NGOs, limiting the activities and creating divisions between NGOs themselves; the intense bureaucratic procedures in the registration process; and the selection of NGOs with which it can engage in policy making processes. In conclusion, state-NGO relations are moving towards better partnerships, however, the authoritarian trait is still a major cause for concern. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9515 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9504 Title: The regional dimension of protracted social conflicts : the chaos of the African Great Lakes Abstract: The current situation in the African Great Lakes can be described as chaotic. Ever since the states of the region realised their independence in the years after the Second World War, conflicts over ethnicity, natural resources and declining state systems have been the common theme. This dissertation set out to analyse the situation in the African Great Lakes through the lens of the theories of regional conflict complexes and protracted social conflicts, with the aim being to emphasise that it is possible for a protracted social conflict to take place on a regional level rather than just on the domestic level. This was done through the analysis of both the historical and contemporary dynamics of the conflicts in the African Great Lakes, focusing primarily on the Rwandan Genocide, the two Congo Wars and the situation in the DRC after peace had been brokered. It found that whilst the case of the African Great Lakes is in fact a very good example of a protracted social conflict, it has a predominant regional basis which defines the entire conflict in the area. This suggested that a protracted social conflict can very well take place on a regional dimension, thus resulting in a protracted regional conflict. This allowed for greater flexibility to the theory of protracted social conflicts through the use of regional conflict complexes. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9504 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z