The Tibet – China Question Under Investigation a Master Thesis
Studenteropgave: Kandidatspeciale og HD afgangsprojekt
- Henrik Skaksen Jacobsen
4. semester, Udviklingsstudier, Kandidat (Kandidatuddannelse)
This thesis is a problem based oriented one mainly within the field of international relations that explores the issue, and the problems it carries with it, or China and Tibet. It sets out to find possible answers, solutions and possible outcomes as to whether China and Tibet, as in the Exile Government of Tibet are able to reach a solution favourable to both parts. This is the essence of the problem formulation found in this report, and it is this question, of whether these two entities can agree on a solution, that guides the thesis throughout it and the purpose is to gain answers to this question. The case is that both entities have a different take on the history of Tibet and China. While Tibet claims that it does not belong to China, China claims that it does. This is the initial problem of the subject matter that the whole problem is grounded in. I have included in thesis what I argue is relevant background information that is meant to support the conclusions of the theoretical frameworks. I then make use of the international relations theory of social constructivism in order to assess the reasons for the different frames of thought and cultures and consequently their agreements. Furthermore, the theory of international relations, together with geopolitics, account for the power relations between the two state entities (I term the Exile Government of Tibet as a state entity in this matter for sake of simplicity and theoretical purpose. Realism investigates the reasons for why Tibet and China have done in relation to each other, the reasons for why they act as they do and both realism and social constructivism conclude on these finds. The theories, in support of the background information added, conclude that a solution is indeed possible, albeit perhaps not as likely as the Exile Government would hope. I explore the Middle Way Approach, a system in which Tibet would gain semi but not complete autonomy, put forth by the Dalai Lama and accepted by the Exile Government, and thesis show why China would be inclined to accept this approach, but most likely will not.
Sprog | Engelsk |
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Udgivelsesdato | 29 jun. 2012 |
Antal sider | 69 |