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Representation in Dutch Identity Politics: Exploring the Strategical Role of Political Parties
Van den Berg, Daan ; Astudillo, Javier (vedoucí práce) ; Shaev, Brian (oponent)
In recent years, Dutch identity politics has become a topic of increasing interest and scrutiny, as various political parties seek to represent and promote the interests of different identity groups. In this context, understanding the strategical role of political parties in shaping representation is crucial. This thesis explores how the strategy of Dutch political parties influence their ability to shape representation in identity politics. Using qualitative methods, including process-tracing and the analyses of relevant documents and media, this thesis examines the strategies employed by political parties in order to achieve political representation. Specifically, this thesis analyses the ways in which political parties impact the effectiveness of representation efforts, and identify key factors that contribute to successful political representation. The findings suggest that the approach of the political party is a critical factor in shaping representation in Dutch identity politics, and that an identity-based approach is necessary in order to effectively advocate for marginalised identity groups. This thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of Dutch identity politics and provides insights for policymakers, activists and scholars seeking to engage with the issue.
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To Emphasise or not to Emphasise? Green Parties' Performance and its Effect on Mainstream Parties' Environmental Agenda
Cherkashchenko, Anastasiia ; Astudillo, Javier (vedoucí práce) ; Stępka, Maciej (oponent)
While most of scholars agree that parties compete by emphasising particular issues and responding to the issues owned and used by their opponents in different ways and based on various factors, there is no compromise on the relationship between niche parties' electoral success and the strategy applied by established parties, particularly in the case of Green parties and environmental issues. This thesis addresses the existing puzzle by examining to what extent and under which circumstances green parties' performance affects environmental issues' saliency on mainstream left-wing parties' agenda. The study is centred around conducting the quantitative analysis of panel data that is based on the Manifesto Project and the ParlGov datasets and includes elections in 23 European Union member states covering the time period of 1980-2018. The findings demonstrate that Green parties' performance measured by share of seats which these parties acquire during elections has a negative effect on established parties' emphasis on environmental issues in the elections which follow. Moreover, different effects for old and new member states are observed. Thus, the results of this research contribute to the previous literature on party competition and issue competition as well as existing debates on relationship between niche...
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Political Parties as Institutions of a Civil Sphere of Solidarity: The Shifting German Perception of Eastern Europe
Pawelzik, Niklas ; Astudillo, Javier (vedoucí práce) ; Shaev, Brian (oponent)
Given political parties ́ crucial importance for modern democracy, for a long time there has been a striking lack of normative political theory on these institutions. Recent works have pointed out that the lack of a systematic understanding of the link between parties and the civil society constitutes thereby a particular pressing issue. This paper aims to contribute to narrowing this gap by incorporating an innovative conception of the civil sphere into a party theory frame that provides both: tools for empirical analysis and a benchmark for normative evaluation. Applying the developed approach within a case study of the shifting German perception of Eastern Europe during Neue Ostpolitik in the early 1970s, the paper examines the role of interparty conflict during the restructuration of the country ́s civil society. Conducting a critical discourse analysis, the paper shows that parties indeed contributed to a certain extent to a more inclusive civil sphere. How- ever, it also suggests that the party ́s abilities to do so were limited in a number of ways, for instance when it comes to expanding civil relations beyond national borders. These insights might constitute a promising alternative starting point for further research, for example on parties ́ potential contribution to a shared European civil sphere....
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