https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9726 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:00:13 GMT 2026-04-19T13:00:13Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9226 Title: Small states and democratization : a comparative study between Switzerland and Monaco Abstract: This thesis is exploring the relationship between states' small size and democracy. It will discuss the intervening variables that impact the development and maintenance of democracy in small states by also reviewing the limited literature that exist on the topic and approaching the research with relevant theories. Finally, comparison between two small states would illustrate and try to elaborate on the relevance of hypotheses on smallness and democracy. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9226 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9199 Title: Russia-NATO relations : a study in realism and pragmatism in contemporary international affairs Abstract: This dissertation deals with the Realist character of the relationship between NATO and Russia. As an International Relations theory, Realism has a pessimistic view of human nature. It supports the view that human beings want to grab as much power for themselves and in turn apply such thinking to the behavior of states. Realists believe that states compete with one another to defend their interests in an anarchic international system. They disagree with the Liberals that states want peaceful cooperation with each other. Realists are also pragmatic and not necessarily aggressive. The dissertation aims to highlight this element in the Russia-NATO relationship whilst providing a historical background for the reader to understand Realism and Pragmatism in Russia-NATO relations. Why is the relationship between Russia and NATO important in contemporary international relations? Russia is the world's largest country, a nuclear power with the largest arsenal of nuclear weapons, energy supplier, a military power, boasts a highly sophisticated weapons industry, and a sophisticated nuclear technology. Russia has worked with NATO against international terrorism, drugs trade and piracy, making Russia an important player in the international society of states. NATO is a multilateral military organisation of European and North American democratic states. These factors highlight the importance these two players have in international relations and an indispensable need for an understanding of the relationship that they share. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9199 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9198 Title: The implications of natural disasters for security : case study hurricane Katrina Abstract: There are quite a number of texts that one can find on natural disasters and on security, however, only few mention their linkages in detail. This dissertation attempts to address this issue and explain why states and, even more so, the international community, should prioritise natural phenomena and environmental issues above all else. The shift in security issues as well as how states are responding to soft security issues such as natural disasters will be discussed. The case study of Hurricane Katrina will be used to explain in more detail the implications of natural disasters for security and why states must work together towards finding the best solution to reduce the impacts and threats of such issues. The events of August 2005 occurred in a developed country and that is why this case study is so interesting, especially since it will show how a developed state or region views a soft security issues such as hurricanes and natural disasters and how they respond to them. Natural disasters are not just national security threats but, rather, they are affecting every state and every citizen both directly and indirectly. The dissertation will list a number of consequences and the fact that these phenomena are such dangerous and severe security issues will be repeatedly stressed. It is imperative that the international community works together to overcome such security issues. The final chapter therefore seeks to discuss future prospects and put forward policy and strategy recommendations. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9198 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9168 Title: Multinational corporations, apartheid and poverty in South Africa : a case of continuous dependency? Abstract: The degree of poverty and segregation in South Africa (SA) is inconceivable. One may say that the country represents vividly a microcosm of the North - South divide. The major objective of this exposition is to assess the hypothesis that MNCs are contributing to the aggravation of poverty of the 'Black' Population. Moreover, the impact of MNCs in enhancing segregational policies and thus facilitating the consolidation of Apartheid will be explored. These divisive measurements were pivotal in augmenting the exploitation and subjugation of the 'Black' population. This is in line with the Dependency theory. This dissertation also seeks to analyse the impact of the North on the South. This study first looks at the theoretical foundations of this aspect, and then explores the impact of the North - South divide by questioning the effects of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) on SA. This research was conducted using books and journals related to this subject mater. However, there is a gap in the literature when it comes to the effects of MNCs on SA. While there is an assemblage of theoretical discourse on the subject, there is barely any literature written on MNCs in SA. In order to help me get at least the general feeling of how MNCs are viewed in SA, interviews were conducted and referred to throughout this research. The analysis and results of this thesis show that, although MNCs may be beneficial to SA's economy - in terms of providing new technology and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - this does not generate the development needed for SA. Elements of continuity are seen in the development of MNCs in SA; where the country is seen in terms of profit and exploitation by the rising firms. SA relies heavily on FDI and this investment is mainly used by MNCs to This disparity occurs as a few people ('Whites' and 'Blacks') benefit while, the majority are left in misery. SA needs to depart from its ideology of segregation to a unifying spirit in order to get the domestic market going and thus ensure its own true development. Description: B.A.(HONS)INT.REL. Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/9168 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z