MASTER'S THESIS TOPICS 2021 - 2022 - KU Leuven

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LEUVEN INTERNATIONAL AND EUROPEAN STUDIES

RESEARCH UNIT 1

LINES is the KU Leuven’s institute for the study of international politics and European affairs. It hosts research on a range of topics,

including the European Union’s foreign policy, the external trade policies of the European Union and the United States, climate change

and energy policy in Europe and China, the regional and multilateral dimensions of global governance, peace and development (in

close collaboration with the Centre for Research on Peace and Development), the politics of nationalism and minority protection, and

current affairs in Eurasia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.

CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ON PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH UNIT 2

CRPD is the KU Leuven’s Centre for Research on Peace and Development. Although there has been a decline in the number of violent

intrastate conflicts around the world since the mid-1990s, in a large number of countries (especially developing ones), violent

conflicts, communal tensions, and political repression continue to cause immense human suffering and to undermine development

efforts. The centre’s multidisciplinary team, therefore, conducts conceptual, empirical, and applied research with the aim of

improving their understanding of the causes of violent conflict, the solutions for violent conflicts and how to foster more peaceful

relations within and between communities, societies, and countries. Since research on conflict and sustainable peacebuilding is a

MASTER’S THESIS TOPICS 2021 - 2022

RESEARCH UNIT 1

LEUVEN INTERNATIONAL AND

EUROPEAN STUDIES

RESEARCH UNIT 3

CENTER FOR POLITICAL RESEARCH

RESEARCH UNIT 2

CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ON PEACE

AND DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH UNIT 4

PUBLIC GOVERNANCE INSTITUTE

https://soc.kuleuven.be/crpd/staff-researchers-and-visiting-fellows

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broad field of study, the centre has three main research clusters: 1) governance, 2) conflict causes and dynamics, and 3) challenges

of sustainable peacebuilding.

CENTRE FOR POLITICAL RESEARCH

RESEARCH UNIT 3

The research of the KU Leuven Center for Political Research focuses on the central institutions and processes of decision-making,

inherent in contemporary democracies. Therefore, four major domains are central in the research-strategy of the section: elections,

political parties and social organisations, parliaments and governments. In the analyses and publications both structural and cultural

determinants of the functioning of democracies and its patterns of decision-making are taken into consideration, as well as recent

dynamic developments along with the analysis of their historic roots. In this respect the Belgian political system is a privileged domain

of research, especially from the perspective of comparative research.

PUBLIC GOVERNANCE INSTITUTE

RESEARCH UNIT 4

The KU Leuven Public Governance Institute is an internationally oriented and interdisciplinary research institute that focusses on

different aspects of public governance from a public administration and political science perspective. Their mission is to gain

knowledge and insight regarding politics, administration and public policies on local, regional, federal, European and international

levels. They intend to make scientific contributions to an improvement in the policy-making, organization and management of public

administrations. In this process, special attention is given to the role of citizens, political parties and government officials. Within the

domain of public governance, they focus on four distinguishable but partly overlapping topics in the research clusters: 1) politics,

citizens and policies, 2) government organization and HRM, 3) management of public service delivery, and 4) multi-level governance.

https://soc.kuleuven.be/crpd/research

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SUPERVISORS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

PROF. DR. KATJA BIEDENKOPF ............................................................................................................................................................................ 5

PROF. DR. GEERT BOUCKAERT ............................................................................................................................................................................14

PROF. DR. MARLEEN BRANS ............................................................................................................................................................................... 19

PROF. DR. DAVID CRIEKEMANS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 24

PROF. DR. JOEP CROMPVOETS ..........................................................................................................................................................................27

PROF. DR. BEN DERUDDER ................................................................................................................................................................................ 30

PROF. DR. PATRICK DEVELTERE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 32

PROF. DR. EDITH DRIESKENS ............................................................................................................................................................................ 35

PROF. DR. STEFAAN FIERS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

DR. ELLEN FOBÉ .....................................................................................................................................................................................................41

PROF. DR. MARC HOOGHE .................................................................................................................................................................................. 44

PROF. DR. PETER HUPE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 47

PROF. DR. HUIB HUYSE ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 49

PROF. DR. BART KERREMANS .............................................................................................................................................................................51

PROF. DR. STEPHAN KEUKELEIRE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 54

PROF. DR. RIA LAENEN ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 58

PROF. DR. ARNIM LANGER .................................................................................................................................................................................. 61

PROF. DR. BART MADDENS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 65

DR. AXEL MARX .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68

PROF. DR. CHING LIN PANG ............................................................................................................................................................................... 70

DR. PIETER RAYMAEKERS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 73

PROF. DR. FRANKIE SCHRAM ............................................................................................................................................................................ 75

PROF. DR. TRUI STEEN ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 83

DR. DIETER STIERS .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 87

PROF. DR. EVRIM TAN ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 89

PROF. DR. HUUB VAN BAAR .............................................................................................................................................................................. 92

PROF. DR. STEVEN VAN DE WALLE ................................................................................................................................................................... 95

SUPERVISORS

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PROF. DR. STEVEN VAN HECKE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 98

MR. PETER VERLINDEN ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 102

PROF. DR. PETER VERMEERSCH ...................................................................................................................................................................... 106

DR. WOUTER WOLFS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 110

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Prof. dr. Katja Biedenkopf’s research centers on environmental and climate policies and politics at the

subnational, national and international level. She currently focuses on:

Carbon pricing policies: greenhouse gas emissions trading and carbon taxes

External effects of EU environmental and climate policy (in particular, chemicals and electronic waste

policy)

Climate diplomacy and international negotiations

Climate justice and just transition

The research topics described below are suggestions. Students are more than welcome to propose

other topics that fall within Prof. Biedenkopf’s area of expertise. Please visit the Sustainable Futures

website for more information: www.soc.kuleuven.be/lines/sustainable-futures-research-group

Topics

Topic 1 The Diffusion of the Green (New) Deal

Code KB_Diffusion of the Green (New) Deal

Programmes ☒ Master of International Politics

☒ Master of European Studies

☒ Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration

Description US Democrats published their Green New Deal in 2018. European Commission President Ursula von

der Leyen took over the idea and proclaimed the European Green New Deal in December 2019. South

Korea’s President Moon Jae-in announced his country’s Green New Deal in early 2020. Those policy

developments seem to have inspired each other but how exactly and to what extent there has been

an influence has not been researched so far.

Students can analyse research questions such as:

• Why and how has the concept of Green (New) Deal diffused?

• How is concept of Green (New) Deal localised in different countries?

• What are the differences among the different Green (New) Deals? How can we explain the

PROF. DR. KATJA BIEDENKOPF

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http://www.soc.kuleuven.be/lines/sustainable-futures-research-group

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differences?

Topic 2 The Role of Technology Policy for a Just Energy Transition in Europe

Code KB_The Role of Technology Policy for a Just Energy Transition in Europe

Programmes ☐ Master of International Politics



Counselor Valeria Zambianchi

Description Halting climate change requires socio-technical changes in our modes of consumption and

production. Technology policies have gained relevance in the policy arena by, among others, re-

directing our socio-technical systems towards sustainability. The “normative turn” of policymakers

in spurring innovation via technology policies (e.g., R&D programmes, renewable energy technology

deployment schemes, etc.) meets underlying systems of inequalities.

Students can look at how energy policies intersect unequal societal structures, and assess the

potential (and risks) of such policies in pursuing a just energy transition in a jurisdiction (e.g. city,

region, state). Students can also look into the relationship between technology policies for the

residential sector and household inequalities within a district, e.g. do such inequalities impact the

uptake of certain technologies or the environmental effectiveness of the policy?

The studies can be either an in-depth case or a comparative analysis of more jurisdictions. The

preferred regional focus is Europe.

Topic 3 Reconciling Carbon Pricing with Climate Justice

Code KB_reconciling carbon pricing with climate justice




Description Carefully crafted and ambitious carbon pricing policies can be powerful tools for transitioning to a

low-carbon economy. They capture the external costs of carbon emissions and increase the price

of high-carbon products and services, which makes low-carbon products and services financially

more attractive and competitive. Yet, increasing prices for certain products and services affects

poorer parts of the society more than richer people. For this reason, some carbon pricing policies

incorporate provisions that address and remedy inequalities and climate injustice.

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Students can analyse and compare different carbon policies with regard to the ways in which they

address climate justice aspects. They can analyse research questions such as:

• Why and how did a certain carbon pricing policy with its specific climate justice provisions

come about? Why did policy-makers select their specific policy design?

• How and why do different carbon pricing policies differ with regards to their climate justice

provisions?

Topic 4 Making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement goals

Code KB_Making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement goals


☐ Master of European Studies

☐ Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration

Counselor Martin Rabbia

Description The Paris Agreement, Article 2.1 (c) refers to making finance flows consistent with a pathway

towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. This conceptualization

goes beyond the developed countries’ commitment to mobilizing USD 100 billion annually by 2020

and comprehends a wider universe of finance flows. In order to better understand how countries

are working to align financial flows towards this objective, students can employ a two-level analysis:

one addressing the international negotiations at the United Nations Framework Convention on

Climate Change; and another targeting domestic actions of particularly interesting countries

identified from the international analysis. While drawing lessons in establishing the 2020 goal (since

COP 15 in Copenhagen), students can analyse the long-term finance goal negotiations for

establishing a new target by 2025. They can consider research questions such as:

• How are countries conceptualizing the long-term finance goal? Why is this the case?

• How are developed countries complying with its obligations under Article 4.3 of the

Convention? Is this consistent with Article 2.1 (c) of the Paris Agreement?

Topic 5 Perceptions of Sustainable Development

Code KB_Perceptions of Sustainable Development


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Description The concept of sustainable development is defined in a multitude of ways. Different countries and

actors perceive and define sustainable development in ways that are shaped by their interests,

cultural backgrounds and norms. This multitude of perceptions and definitions can sometimes

enable consensus among actors since they interpret sustainable development in a way that is

compatible with their interests and norms (constructive ambiguity). Yet, in other cases it explains

why policies are ineffective and consensus is impossible. Understanding the various perceptions of

sustainable development can thus explain many instances of political success or failure.

Students can analyse the perceptions of sustainable development in different countries or by

different actor groups. Such a perception analysis could explain certain instances, activities or

policies. Students can analyse research questions such as:

• How do selected countries define and perceive sustainable development? (How) does this

impact on international cooperation?

• Why do different countries perceive sustainable development differently?

• What cultural/historical/political etc. factors can explain divergences in perception?

Topic 6 Institutional Perspectives on an Emerging EU Green Deal Diplomacy

Code KB_Institutional Perspectives on an Emerging EU Green Deal Diplomacy




Advisor Franziska Petri

Description In December 2019, the European Commission (EC) presented its new ‘European Green Deal’ (EGD)

agenda, which has gradually taken shape in legislative initiatives such as the European Climate Law.

One aspect of the EGD proposal, which has received comparatively less attention, is the ambition to

‘develop a stronger “green deal diplomacy” focused on convincing and supporting others to take on

their share of promoting more sustainable development’ (EC 2019, p. 20). While the EU has

previously developed diplomatic strategies on issue areas related to the EGD, for example in the

realm of climate and energy, it remains unclear how the new Green Deal Diplomacy will take shape

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and what areas of diplomacy it will cover. This thesis proposal suggests to analyse and compare

how different EU institutions have perceived the development of a Green Deal Diplomacy since 2019,

thereby uncovering the inter-institutional dynamics of influencing the EU’s diplomatic ambitions.

Topic 7 Integrating Climate Policy Objectives in Conflict Resolution

Code KB_Integrating Climate Policy Objectives in Conflict Resolution




Advisor Lien Bomans

Description Many of today’s violent inter- and intra-state conflicts have an important resource or environmental

dimension, in particular, in Africa. Climate change is often recognized as a “threat multiplier” since

it risks undermining human security and increasing the impacts of other drivers of conflict and

fragility.

The practice of Climate Policy Integration (CPI) aims to overcome such challenges of climate

insecurity by integrating climate objectives in other policy areas. In the European Green Deal, the

importance of CPI is strongly emphasized with increased CPI in EU policy areas such as energy and

transport policy as a result. However, CPI as part of EU conflict resolution policy and activities has

been observed to a much lesser extent.

Students working on this subject can conduct research on the drivers of and barriers to CPI in

selected EU policy areas with regards to a single case study or a set of countries. The results of

this research cannot only lead to an important theoretical contribution, but also guide EU policy

makers.

Topic 8 Electronic Waste Policy in Africa

Code KB_Electronic Waste Policy in Africa




Description Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing waste stream in most countries and regions,

including Africa. In the past, e-waste problems in Africa often occurred as a result of (il)legal

exports from Europe and other high-income countries. Yet, in recent years domestic e-waste

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generation has increased tremendously. The environmental and health problems that result from

improper e-waste dismantling and recycling are severe. Policies to address this problem are absent

or in their infancy. Students can conduct research on e-waste policy in selected African countries

(single or comparative case study), investigating the drivers and barriers to setting the political

agenda and designing and implementing effective e-waste policies. Students can analyse research

questions such as:

• Why are there so few e-waste policies so far?

• Why is diffusion from Europe to Africa challenging? To what extent and how do e-waste

policies diffuse from Europe to Africa?

• What role does policy localization play in the diffusion process?

Topic 9 Capacity Building for Carbon Pricing

Code KB_Capacity Building for Carbon Pricing




Description Capacity building can be an important vehicle to diffuse and promote carbon pricing policies by

equipping jurisdictions with the necessary knowledge and expertise they need to adopt effective

measures. Despite this potential, capacity building is an under-researched aspect of global policy

diffusion. Capacity-building projects are not exclusively driven by external experts, governments

and organisations. Instead, the receiving jurisdiction's leverage to steer project design and content

can be a crucial factor, shaping the process of infusing external expertise into domestic policy-

making. They are crucial parts of the carbon-pricing capacity-building network. The types of

interactions between the demand and supply of policy expertise can influence the degree of

capacity-building effectiveness.

Students can analyse why and how a certain capacity building provider or financier tries to spread

carbon pricing policy. They can conduct a network analysis of the capacity building actors in a

certain country or region. Students can analyse research questions such as:

• How and why do a number of capacity building providers interact? Do they mutually support

each other’s activities? Do they counteract and undermine each other’s activities?

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• How does capacity building foster policy diffusion?

Topic 10 The Evolution of Negotiating Coalitions Over Time

Code KB_The Evolution of Negotiating Coalitions Over Time




Description To reduce the complexity of international climate and environmental negotiations and increase

their influence, countries form negotiating coalitions. Those coalitions vary significantly in terms

of membership, coherence and institutionalization. Some have existed for a long time while others

are recent developments. Examples of such negotiating coalitions are: the Alliance of Small Island

States (AOSIS), Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC) and the G77 + China.

Students can analyse aspects such as the evolution of negotiating coalitions over time, their

cohesiveness, their importance for individual countries and within the negotiations and their

internal organisation. They can analyse research questions such as:

• How have negotiating coalitions evolved over time? Which coalitions have persisted and which

were short-lived? Why is this the case?

• Why and how do individual countries use negotiating coalitions in international negotiations?

What role do negotiating coalitions play in national negotiating strategies?

• Why are some negotiating coalitions more influential than others?

Topic 11 The Role of Individuals’ Characteristics in International Negotiations

Code KB_The Role of Individuals’ Characteristics in International Negotiations




Description Countries’ interests and characteristics have been analysed in multiple studies to explain

negotiating outcomes. Yet, countries are represented by individuals who have their own specific

characteristics and personalities. Those individual characteristics can be an important factor in

negotiating processes. Entrepreneurship, expansive networks, experience, empathy etc. can explain

why certain individuals, even if they represent small countries, can exert significant impact on

negotiations. Such factors have not received much academic attention so far.

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Students can analyse research questions such as:

• Why are some individuals more successful negotiators than others? What characteristics and

strategies are deemed as beneficial for negotiation success?

Topic 12 Technology and International Negotiations

Code KB_Technology and International Negotiations




Description Not only the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the use of technological solutions to enable international

negotiations. Other technologies such as the use of chat groups, track-change modes and large

screens facilitate negotiations in a way that was impossible a few decades ago. Such technologies,

for example, enable easy contact with home governments and other negotiators. This seems likely

to have changed the negotiation process.

Students can analyse the evolution of how technology has changed international negotiations over

time. This can include archival research. Students can analyse research questions such as:

• How has technological progress changed international negotiations over time? What

practices are used? How and why?

Topic 13 Evaluating the Impact of Technology Projects in the Global South

Code KB_Evaluating the Impact of Technology Projects in the Global South




Description Dutch-speaking students are invited to consider selecting the following topic, which is part of the

so-called Wetenschapswinkel: Welke sociale en ecologische impact hebben onze

technologieprojecten in het Zuiden en hoe kunnen we die verbeteren? (Humasol). This research will

be conducted in collaboration with the organization Humasol.

https://databank.wetenschapswinkel.be/vraag/welke-sociale-en-ecologische-impact-hebben-onze-technologieprojecten-i

https://databank.wetenschapswinkel.be/vraag/welke-sociale-en-ecologische-impact-hebben-onze-technologieprojecten-i

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Master’s thesis proposal

Consultation days Prior to the meeting, students are encouraged to think about possible research questions and foci

as well as the ways in which they want to address their research.

The conversation will take place on Blackboard Collaborate (see Toledo-course Master thesis

MIP/MEPP/MAES).

Master’s thesis proposal Students are invited to submit a short, written proposal that discusses the research question, focus

and approach that they wish to pursue

Estimated quotum 14 - 15

Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of:

• One group meeting in the beginning of the process,

• Frequent individual appointments throughout the academic year according to the schedule

that will be provided to students in November, and

• A writing clinic on one Saturday in April.

Students are responsible for their own progress and the quality of their thesis, including correct

references and appropriate use of academic language.

Students are strongly encouraged to follow the course Global Environmental Politics and/or the

course Europe’s Climate and Energy Policy: Internal and External Dimensions.

During summer break In June supervision will cease. Students who plan to submit their thesis during the third exam period

should take this into account. Submission in May is strongly encouraged.

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Geert Bouckaert’s research concerns performance management, financial management, public sector

reform and -trust.

He currently focuses on:

- Performance-oriented reforms of financial systems

- Administrative trust

- Local benchmarking

- Monitoring of administrative power

Topics

Topic 1 Administrative trust

Code GB_Administrative trust




Description Today, several public management and public service reform agendas are directed towards the

improvement of trust in public organisations. Political science trust research has mainly focused

on societal trust in government and other societal actors. In a public administration context,

however, administrative trust in society and administrative internal trust (i.e. interorganisational

trust) are of particular interest.

Examples of topics are:

- Managing administrative trust: research on non-trust eroding or trust building

instruments;

- Politico-administrative regimes and administrative trust: (comparative) research on

institutional explanations of administrative (dis)trust;

- (Dys)functional effects of (dis)trust: research on the effects of (dis)trust within the public

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sector.

The topics mentioned above are mere suggestions. Students are encouraged to propose their own

(comparative) research topic on administrative trust in one or more European countries.

Topic 2 Managing performance

Code GB_Managing performance




Counselor Tom Cottem & Mattias Stepman

Description Performance has been one of the most important dimensions in public sector reform and is at the

core of contemporary public management. Performance measurement has become more intensive,

extensive, international and institutionalized. It is, however, important to look beyond performance

measurement by focusing on the broader concept of performance management. In that regard,

attention to the incorporation and use of performance information and to the (behavioural) effects

of managing performance is crucial.


- Actors steering performance management (reforms): stakeholder analysis of the agenda-

setting, policy formulation and/or implementation phase;

- Managing performance from the perspective of different management functions / cycles:

incorporation and/or use of performance information in financial cycles, contract cycles,

HR management, strategic management, etc.;

- Institutional and/or other factors affecting performance management reforms.

The topics mentioned above are mere suggestions Students are encouraged to propose their own

(comparative) research topic on managing performance in one or more European countries.

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Topic 3 Public Management Reform

Code GB_Public Management Reform




Counselor Tom Cottem

Description Public management reform has become prominent since the 1970s. Countries worldwide have

attempted to change structures, processes and cultures within public sector organizations in order

to achieve better performance. Despite the general nature of this phenomenon, there is a high

degree of international diversity: different models, menus, trajectories and drivers of reform can

be distinguished. Moreover, debates on the results of those reforms are still ongoing.


- Comparison of trajectories, models or menus of reform within or between European

countries;

- Institutional, political and other drivers of reform;

- Discrepancy between rhetoric/ambitions and reality/implementation;

- Results of a public management reform programme in a European country.


(comparative) research topic on public management reform in one or more European countries.

Topic 4 Financial Management

Code GB_Financial Management




Counselor Tom Cottem & Mattias Stepman

Description Financial management is a core management function in the public sector. Budgeting, for example,

is the spinal cord of public organizations, since public entities cannot function without the approval

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of resources. During the last decades, many countries have been reforming their financial

management cycle by changing the format of financial documents and the nature of budgeting,

accounting and auditing processes. Those shifts have implications for accountability and the focus

on performance.


- Modernization of budgeting systems, with particular attention to the linkage between

financial and non-financial (i.e. policy and performance) information: trajectories, drivers,

role of stakeholders, rhetoric vs implementation, etc.

- Modernization of accounting systems, with particular attention to accrual and cost

accounting: trajectories, drivers, role of stakeholders, rhetoric vs implementation, etc.

- Modernization of auditing, with particular attention to performance audits: selection of

audit topics, norms used in auditing, trajectories, drivers, etc.


(comparative) research topic on financial management in one or more European countries.


Consultation days Prior to the meeting the student thinks about possible research questions or themes and the way

in which (s)he wants to answer them.

The conversation takes place via Blackboard Collaborate (see Toledo-course Master’s thesis MEPP).

Master’s thesis proposal The student submits a written proposal that contains an indication of the focus and approach:

problem definition, research question, scientific and social relevance, data collection and analysis

techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision consists of a series of individual contact moments, according to the needs of the

students. Students are responsible for their own progress and the quality of the end product,

including correct references and academic language use.

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During summer break In July supervision will cease. Students who plan to submit their thesis during the third exam

period should take this into account. Submission in May is strongly encouraged.

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Prof. dr. Marleen Brans’ research subjects are related to policy analysis. She currently focuses on:

- Political advisers and ministerial cabinets

- Politico-administrative relations in the Napoleonic and Westminster tradition

- Public policy and policy capacity

- Policy advisory systems and policy advice

- Science-Policy Nexus

Topics

Topic 1 Ministerial advisors working in ministerial offices

Code MB_Ministerial advisors working in ministerial offices




Counselor Arthur Meert/Tom Bellens

Description Political systems featuring ministerial cabinets include Belgium (federal, regional and community-

level), France, EU (Commission), Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal. Comparative analysis can be

conducted within Belgium (across level of governance) or across country/ political systems.

Students choose from the following topics:

- Comparative analysis of any political system featuring ministerial cabinets. Comparing

role/ size/ budget/ regulation/ reforms.

- Understanding ministerial cabinets reforms. (Comparative) analysis of ministerial

cabinets reform(s) in a given political system: what did it consist of? Why was it launched?

Was it effective? Why is it so?

- Understanding ministerial advisers profile and professional career. The analysis is based

on individual level data (personal, education, professional and partisan) of advisers

collected from publically available sources. Example RQ: What explains the recruitment of

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ministerial advisers? (H: political party, expertise,…) How did the experience in a

ministerial cabinet impact the career of an adviser (H: private sector move? Springboard

towards a political career? Promotion in public services?)

- Conducting a systematic literature review on ministerial cabinet reforms in a given

country. This literature review would have to be conducted both in English and in the

language of the country analyzed.

- How are ministerial advisers portrayed in the media? Review print and TV news media and

analyse how advisers are portrayed – favourably, neutral, unfavourably.

- How are ministerial advisers portrayed in popular culture? Review TV series or movies

with advisers and analyse how they are characterised. For example: L’Exercice de l’État

(France) Les Hommes de l’ombre (France).

- Ministerial advisers and scandals: How and when do ministerial advisers get involved in

scandals? How are they in those cases portrayed in the media? How are they held

accountable for their actions?

Topic 2 Politicization and Political Elites

Code MB_Politicisation and Political Elites




Counselor Heath Pickering

Description Students can choose a thesis topic that examines the concept of politicization and political elites in

the Executive Triangle (e.g. the behaviour and personalities of ministers, political advisers, and

senior civil servants at the heart of government). The topics mentioned in the detailed list below

are recommended.

We primarily conduct comparative research often in Westminster countries (e.g. UK, Australia,

Canada) and other European countries (often the Low countries and Scandinavia).

- Example thesis #1: A systematic review of politicization: What does it mean? And what

types exit? This thesis would conduct a literature review comparing the concept of

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politicization. The study would first systematically retrieve literature on the concept from

major public administration textbooks and journal databases and then map the different

types of politicization.

- Example thesis #2. Comparing political elites. This thesis would produce a biographical

survey of political elite actors (such as ministers, political advisers, and senior civil

servants) to highlight variations in the personalities of these actors and their career path.

Example studies and questions:

- Comparing permanent secretaries (e.g. how many top civil servants have

experience working in ministerial offices?)

- Comparing political advisers (e.g. how many political advisers are experienced

civil servants and how many have experience working in political or media related

roles?)

- Comparing ministers (e.g. where do former politicians work after leaving

parliament?)

- Example thesis #3: Comparing regulations. This thesis would examine regulatory

measures that govern the behaviour and functions of political elites (e.g. lobbying laws,

anti-corruption laws, coded of conduct, etc). An example study would compare the

strength and weakness of lobbying laws in 5-6 Westminster and European countries. A

potential research question would ask: How do lobbying laws differ across countries?

Note: In all three options, the assessor Heath Pickering already has a large body of literature and

several datasets that can be used for the master’s thesis. You are encouraged to contact Heath via

email to express your interest in a topic. Heath can provide more details on these topics.

Topic 3 Policy success and failure

Code MB_Policy Success and Failure




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Counselor Arthur Meert, Heath Pickering, Tom Bellens

Description Students can choose a thesis topic that examines the success and failure of policies at the domestic,

European or international level. They compare the results of policies with the intended policy

outputs and outcomes. Students can choose any policy that is operational and that shows evidence

of success or failure. The study may also adopt a comparative approach where policies are

compared crossnationally or crosstemporal. To facilitate their research, students receive guidance

on how to analytically approach success and failure on the ground.

Some examples

- The success and failure of vaccination campaigns (within Belgium, within Europe, globally)

- The success and failures of peace keeping operations

- The success and failure of renewable energy policies

- The war that would not end: the success and failure of US presence in Afghanistan.

Topic 4 Care-taker and technocratic governments in Europe: causes and consequences

Code MB_Care-taker and Technocratic Governments in Europe




Counselor Arthur Meert, Tom Bellens

Description In the past 20 years, crises of varying nature have increased the incidence of care-taker and

technocratic governments in Europe, with varying opportunities for and limits to policy changes.

Students will study the causes or consequences of these out-of-the-ordinary government in one or

more countries in Europe. Students can choose among the following topics:

- Mapping of care-taker and technocratic governments in the past two decades

- Comparison of the prerogatives of decision-makers between care-taker governments and

technocratic governments

- Comparison of decisions between technocratic and ordinary ministers

- Comparision of Covid 19 decisions between care-takers and full government

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The conversation takes place via Blackboard Collaborate (see Toledo-course Master’s thesis

MIP/MEPP).



techniques.


Supervision


- One initial group meeting in November 2021,

- Frequent individual appointments throughout the academic year according to the

schedule that will be provided to students in November,

- A writing clinic on one Saturday in March or April 2022.

Students are responsible for their own progress and the quality of the end product, including

correct references and academic language use.

During summer break Apart from feedback to a final draft to be submitted on 31 July 2022, supervision will cease after

the second examination period. Students who plan to submit their thesis during the third exam


24

Prof. dr. David Criekemans’ research is located at the crossroads of three scientific subdomains in

international relations; geopolitics, foreign policy analysis and diplomatic studies.

Topics

Topic 1 Applied Geopolitical Analysis

Code DC_Applied Geopolitical Analysis




Description Students can analyse a geopolitical problem; via an explanatory research question and research

design, they zoom into the intentions of one of the actors involved. Thematically they can choose a

problem of security, geo-economics, energy, etc. It is suggested to analyse a question in a region

where different ‘spheres of influence’ meet, such as the buffer areas between the Russian and

Western spheres of influence (e.g. Belarus, the Ukraine, Georgia, the Caucasus), the Middle East

(e.g. Iraq, Syria, Lebanon), Northern-Africa (the case of Libya), the South China Sea or the Arctic

region. To find some inspiration, watch the ‘Geopolitical Situation Room’ on the YouTube-channel

“David Criekemans”: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RQBOdnoUzfkT7uNNNgpM7HhFfZkZojc

Topic 2 Applied Foreign Policy Analysis

Code DC_Applied Foreign Policy Analysis




Description Students can analyse the foreign policy of a country, a non-state territorially embedded actor (e.g.

a region or a city) or the European Union, around a problem within one specific functional theme

(e.g. security, economy, energy, environment or climate). They start from the toolbox of Foreign

PROF. DR. DAVID CRIEKEMANS

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http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RQBOdnoUzfkT7uNNNgpM7HhFfZkZojc

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Policy Analysis. Through an explanatory research question and research design, they will try to

explain either the foreign policy decision-making or the foreign policy goals/output. It is strongly

advised to demarcate your topic, both in space and time.

Topic 3 Analysis of the Diplomatic Strategies of Actors in International Politics

Code DC_Analysis of the Diplomatic Strategies of Actors in International Politics




Description Students can analyse the diplomatic strategies of actors in international relations, such as the

European Union, a specific country or a non-state, territorially embedded actor such as a region.

Their research question will investigate the policy choices made in terms of the chosen diplomatic

instruments and their effectiveness (e.g. economic diplomacy, public diplomacy, energy diplomacy,

special envoys, etc.).




The conversation takes place via Blackboard Collaborate (see Toledo-course Master’s thesis MIP).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of individual appointments throughout the year. The supervision will be

organized through Skype (Skype name = David Criekemans). However, first email to

[email protected] to make an appointment.



During summer break In July supervision will cease. Students who plan to submit their thesis during the third exam period

mailto:[email protected]

26


27

Prof. dr. Joep Crompvoets’ research subjects are related to:

E-Government, location data and public values

This research domain focusses on the relation between e-government and location data. The starting

point of the research is led by the observation that the combination between e-government and

location data can be very useful to improve the functioning of public administrations and their

services. In addition to the extensive possibilities, there are also a number of challenges, such as the

impact on public values (see next section), the impact of an open data policy, changing legislation with

respect to privacy and the role of the public sector and the private sector in collecting, consolidating

and delivering (location) data.

There is also growing focus regarding the influence that the use of (geographic) data and e-services

has on the relationship between government and society, within the framework of e-government

developments. It is becoming increasingly clear that technological developments have a crucial impact

on public values that we consider important as a society and that the government must realize. Not

only, however, is there an impact on public values and the balance between these values, but also on

the 'governance' that is created in this process. This in turn will affect the delivery of services.

E-Government, e-governance, big data, open data

The public administrations in Belgium are undergoing a digital transformation. The federal and Flemish

governments attach great importance to e-government. In addition to a reorganization of the internal

administration and the introduction of new technologies such as distributed ledger, AI and machine

learning, a great deal of effort is being made by the current governments to implement a government-

wide digital government, so that citizens, businesses and organizations can get access to public

services in a user- centric and simple way. The main focus is on the reuse of digital building blocks,

the exchange of information via authentic data sources and the integration of services via service

integrators.

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This research domain focuses specifically on coordination within the digital government, taking into

account the success and failure factors of coordination of the digital government: government-wide,

within specific cases, with regard to new technologies and/ or focused on public values.

Topics

Topic 1 Public Values and e-government

Code JC_Public Values and e-government




Description Public policy is driven by a number of factors, e.g. current policies, political preferences, the impact

of other governments and their policies, and the public values that public administrations and their

civil servants value to be important. This master’s thesis topic focusses on the importance of public

values in the development and the execution of e-government policy: What are the most important

drivers? Which public values are most favorited? What is the relation between public values and the

use of coordination instruments?

The student can, in consultation with the supervisor/counsellor, also determine the direction of the

topic and the methodology.

This topic aligns with current research of the supervisor regarding public values and e-government.

Topic 2 The Relationschip between Location Data and COVID-19 Data

Code JC_The Relationschip between Location Data and COVID-19 Data




Description In light of the global pandemic and given the importance of location data in the fight against COVID-

19, this topic in included. Research will be conducted with regards to the importance of data-

governance in the fight of pandemics, with a focus on COVID-19. The focus can be on the local,

29

regional, national and/or European level. The goal is to conduct research from a public

administration perspective, with a very limited technical approach.

The student can, in consultation with the supervisor/counsellor, determine the direction of the topic

and the methodology.







techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of individual meetings, supplemented with a restricted number of

collective meetings (common agreements and preparation of the defence).



During summer break Limited supervision is provided during the summer break. Students who plan to submit their thesis

during the third exam period should take this into account. Submission in May is strongly

encouraged.

30

Prof. dr. Derudder’s research focuses on changing urban and regional patterns and processes. His

research mainly centers on the following set of themes:

- Cities and regions as supra-national actors

- Polycentric urban structures

- Region-formation and metropolitanization

Topics

Topic 1 Cities as Transnational Political Actors?

Code BD_Cities as Transnational Political Actors?




Description Worldwide, the urban scale increasingly operates as a relevant and independent policy arena. A

major epitome of this is the emergence of urban governance networks that start from the vantage

point that cities participating in these networks are confronted with similar policy challenges. An

example of such an urban governance network is C40, which presently brings together around 100

cities that collectively represent around 10% of the global population and around 25% of global

economic output. There are myriad possible topics for master’s theses within this overarching

theme, ranging from the identification of the nature and objectives of such urban governance

networks to analyses of their governance and relationship with other policy levels.

TopiC 2 Governing Polycentric Urban Regions

Code BD_Governing Polycentric Urban Regions

Opleidingen ☒ Master of International Politics



Toelichting Polycentric urban regions are morphologically and/or functionally highly integrated regions built

around several urban cores (for example the Dutch Randstad or the Flemish Diamond). They have

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https://www.c40.org/

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been argued to be of particular salience in a European context. These regions’ agglomeration power

is often comparable to that of megacities, but in practice their governance is more complicated

because of their administrative fragmentation. Several master's theses are possible on this theme,

ranging from comparative analyses of how polycentric urban regions are administratively

organized to governance issues in border-crossing settings (for example in the so-called

Eurometropolis Lille-Kortijk-Tournai).



in which (s)he seeks to answer them.



problem definition, research question, scientific and social relevance, data collection and analytical

techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of a collective meeting at the start of the first semester (general

guidelines after decision on promotor/topic) and at the end of the second semester (preparation

of the defense). In addition, there is the possibility of individual feedback via personal meeting (by

appointment) and comprehensive drafts (via e-mail). However, students themselves are

responsible for the progress and presentation of their thesis: feedback needs to be requested in

due time and will center on content rather than basic competencies such as correct referencing

and scientific writing skills.

During summer break During the holiday periods there are only limited possibilities towards supervision. Feedback

remains possible, but only after clear prior agreement.

32

The research of Prof. dr. Patrick Develtere focuses on civil society, social economy and cooperative

enterprises in developing countries. His other domain of research is about the evolutions in the field

of international development cooperation with special attention for the European level, the NGDO

community and the so-called fourth pillar.

Topics

Topic 1 The Cooperative Movement in Africa: State of Play

Code PD_The Cooperative Movement in Africa: State of Play


☐ Master of de European studies


Description In 2008 the reader “the renaissance of the African cooperative movement” was published. The book

was based on research in 17 African countries. On the basis of literature review and reliable sources

(such as the International Labour Organisation and the International Cooperative Alliance) students

can trace the evolutions that since then have taken place.

Topic 2 Grameen Bank and BRAC: still prominent in fighting poverty?

Code PD_Grameen Bank and BRAC


☐ Master of European studies


Description Grameen Bank and BRAC are two organisations with origin in Bangladesh. They were pioneers in the

field of micro-finance. Via scoping reviews of existing research and literature student scan discover

whether or not they still generate important economic and social impact.

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Topic 3 European studies in Africa: how does Africa look at Europe?

Code PD_European studies in Africa


☒ Master of European studies


Description In 4 African countries (South-Africa, Ghana, Tunisia and Egypt) students can follow European studies

at their university. In this way an image of and a perspective on Europe is being created. By

analysing the curricula students can get insight in these image(s) and perspective(s).

Topic 4 Team Europe Initiatives: opportunities and problems with joint programming and implementation of

development projects

Code PD_Team Europe Initiatives


☒ Master of European studies


Description The current European Commission introduced a new approach to stimulate cooperation between

Member States and European Institutions in the field of development cooperation: the Team Europe

Initiatives. Students can study some cases of this experiment via document analysis and interviews.





MIP/MEPP/MAES).



techniques.


34

Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of individual meetings.



During summer break Limited supervision is provided during the summer break. Students who plan to submit their thesis

during the third exam period should take this into account. Submission in May is strongly

encouraged.

35

Prof. dr. Edith Drieskens’ research centres on the regional dimension of global governance. She

currently focuses on:

- International organisations (multilateral and regional organizations, with special focus on

the EU)

- Theories of international relations

- Sanctions as a policy instrument

- The EU as an international actor (UN, actorness, Normative Market Europe)

Topics

Topic 1 Regional Actors in/and Global Governance

Code ED_Regional Actors in/and Global Governance




Description Students can explore the limitations and opportunities of regional actors (like, but not limited to,

the EU) in global governance (in organizations, negotiations, etc.). A solid conceptual/theoretical

framework is a must.

Topic 2 Great Powers in/and Global Governance

Code ED_Great Powers in/and Global Governance




Description Students can explore the limitations and opportunities of regional actors (like, but not limited to,

the EU) in global governance (in organizations, negotiations, etc.). A solid conceptual/theoretical

framework is a must.

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Topic 3 Private Actors in/and Global Governance

Code ED_Private actors in/and global governance




Description Students can explore the limitations and opportunities of private actors in global governance (in

organizations, negotiations, etc.). A solid conceptual/theoretical framework is a must.

Topic 4 Sanctions in/and Global Governance

Code ED_Sanctions in/and Global Governance




Description Students can explore the limitations and opportunities of sanctions as a policy instrument (UN

sanctions, EU sanctions, etc.). A solid conceptual/theoretical framework is a must.







techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of a limited number of group meetings (introduction and closing session,

with focus on start report and thesis defence) and a limited number of individual appointments (4

per academic year: December, February/March, March/April, May).


37


The supervision will be organized through Skype. Subscription modules for individual appointments

will be made available through Toledo. Please come online 10 minutes before the meeting, send me

a message (Skype name = edith drieskens) and I will call you when the previous appointment is

finished.



38

Prof. dr. Stefaan Fiers conducts research in the policy areas of comparative politics, political elites,

and public affairs. Recent research focusses on:

- Comparative politics: elections, institutions, decision-making processes in West-European

countries

- Political elites: turnover, selection, socialisation

- Public Affairs and lobbying

Topics

Topic 1 Public Affairs and Lobbying

Code SF_Public Affairs and Lobbying




Description Students can conduct research on public affairs and lobbying at large. These can be a) case studies

(e.g. countries that recently adopted stricter lobby regulations); b) general research on the

interactions between public officials and public affairs officials, with a focus on changes in

regulation, habits, the position of advisory boards in policy design; c) the functioning and

governance of trade unions of public affairs officials (case studies, or comparative studies); d)

NGOs and lobbying; e) the impact of COVID-19 of the nature of lobbying (limited networking, digital

lobbying, … ); f) lobbying at municipal level; and g) topics brought forward by students.

Topic 2 Elections and Electoral Processes

Code SF_Elections and Electoral Processes




PROF. DR. STEFAAN FIERS

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Description Students can conduct research on the parliamentary elections in Germany, France, The

Netherlands, and UK; e.g. parliamentary turnover, composition of the electoral lists, socialization of

new MPs, comparative studies of electoral processes, and campaigns; the presidentialisation of

politics revisited; the phenomenon of cabinet reshuffles.

Topic 3 Political Parties

Code SF_Political Parties




Description Students can conduct research on the internal organization and functioning of political parties;

membership in 2021 (meaning, value, recruitment); youth departments of parties (mission,

organization, events, recruitment); ideological conferences; etc.

Topic 4 Parliaments

Code SF_Parliaments




Description Students can conduct research on the internal organisation and functioning of parliamentary

bodies: a comparative analysis; comparative research on the ‘external affairs’ departments of

parliaments; socialisation in politics (national MPs and MEPs); the MP and his local constituency

work; etc.




Students can consult the entire Centre for Political Research academic staff at a “Meet & Greet

meeting on Friday October 8th, 2021, 4.00 PM – 5.30 PM – room SW03.155 and online).



40

techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of four individual touchpoints throughout the year. At the individual

meetings we will review draft texts that’s students have submitted by email at minimum 3 days

beforehand. Next to that, the Centre for Political Research organizes a number of collective

sessions in the course of the first semester. These collective sessions are mandatory.



During summer break Early July a final meeting is planned to discuss the activities over Summer in order to submit the

text in a timely manner. There is no other supervision touchpoints in Summer, apart from an

occasional telephone call or video conference.

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DR. ELLEN FOBÉ

Dr. Ellen Fobé specializes in research on policy analysis, policy advice and policy capacity in

governments. The topics for the master’s dissertation include:

- Evidence based policy making and policy advice

- Policy advisory systems

- Science-policy nexus

Topics

Topic 1 Policy Advice, Policy Advisory Systems, and the Science-policy Nexus

Code MB_Policy Advice, Policy Advisory Systems, and the Science-policy Nexus




Description Policy advice comprises opinions and recommendations regarding the definition of problems and

choice of solutions. A wide range of actors in the policy advisory system offer policy advice to

different governance levels. Some of these advisory actors are located close to policy-makers,

others are found at more distance, such as academics for instance. Students can choose from the

following topics:

Policy advice in the European Union

- The brains of the EU: an analysis of the science and expertise infrastructure of the

European Parliament’s Research Services and the European Commission’s Joint Research

Centre.

Policy advisory systems

- Variations of neo-corporatist policy advisory systems: this thesis entails a comparative

analysis of the policy advisory systems in Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany.

42

Experts and policy-making

- A comparative analysis of the relationship between experts and politics during the Covid-

19 pandemic.

- A comparative analysis of expert bodies in countries x, y, z., in specific policy domains.

- The graveyard of policy advice: the non-take-up of expert advice (during the pandemic, or

in environmental policy-making)

- A comparative analysis of advisory bodies –Education policies.

- Political Scientists speaking to Power: what have they got to say and are they being

listened to?: Based on recent survey material, and content analysis of written and

television media, an analysis is made of the reach and content of political scientists in

current public debates in one or several countries (Covid-19, Brexit, Migration,

Constitutional Reform).

- An uneasy relationship: collaboration and conflicts between experts and policy-makers?

Based on an analysis of media-coverage and interviews you study the tensions between

academic expertise and policy-making. You interview academics who have been involved

in conflicts over their expertise. The causes of conflicts are sought in increased

politicization and polarization, post-truth policy-making, and conflicts within science itself.





MIP/MEPP).

Master’s thesis proposal The student submits a written proposal of at least 500 words that contains a very short indication

of the reason for the topic and subsequently a lengthy description of their focus and approach. E.g.

“describing and explaining x or y” (expand on what this will be), “via survey research” (expand on

where, what).


43

Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of individual appointments throughout the academic year. Students are

expected to contact their supervisor themselves (save for one introductory meeting that will be

initiated by the supervisor). This means that students regularly send an email to ask for feedback

on a text or to ask for an appointment to discuss their progress.


correct references and academic language use. The promotor provides substantial feedback to

achieve this goal.

During summer break It is strongly encouraged to submit the master’s thesis in May. Students who plan to submit their

thesis during the third exam period should take care to submit their final document for feedback to

their supervisor by 31 July at the latest.

44

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PROF. DR. MARC HOOGHE

Prof. dr. Marc Hooghe conducts research on social capital, political participation and political

socialisation. The focal point of his research is the evolution of political participation patterns

throughout the time, and more specific amongst youngsters, and the effect these trends may have on

the quality of a representative democracy.

Topics

Topic 1 Electoral Research

Code MH_Electoral Research




Description Students can conduct research on different elements of electoral research. Based on national or

comparative elections studies, it can be investigated what determines political party preferences.

Elements like political trust and efficacy play a key role in the theoretical framework for this kind

of analysis. Also role of environmental attitudes and anti-immigrant sentiments functions as

important determinants of a preference for a specific political party (logistic regression).

Furthermore, previous research has also shown strong gender differences especially with regard

to the preference for specific parties. Comparative data can be used to investigate party families

in various political systems (multilevel analysis).

Topic 2 Political Psychology of Political Decision-Making

Code MH_Political Psychology of Political Decision-Making




45

Counselor Emma Turkenberg, Hannah Werner or Lala Muradova

Description Students can conduct research within the domain of political psychology, and more specifically into

the psychology behind citizens' political decision-making. Are citizens' political choices mainly

determined by motivated reasoning? When is this mainly the case? To what extent do (affective and

ideological) polarization play a role and influence the political decisions of citizens? These are some

directions that students can take in their master's thesis. This can be investigated on the basis of

both qualitative and quantitative research.

Topic 3 Flemish Environmental Education and its Effect on Attitudes

Code MH_Flemish Environmental Education and its Effect on Attitudes




Description This project builds on previous research on the evaluation of an environmental education project in

the schools of the Flemish Community. Based on a panel study, students can investigate what has

been the effect of this effort on the environmental attitudes of the pupils in this schools.

Consultation days







techniques.


46

Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision consists of a series of individual contact moments, which are pre-arranged via email.





47

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PROF. DR. PETER HUPE

Prof. dr. Pieter Hupe (usually known as Peter) is interested in government-in-action. The major part

of his research regards the theoretical-empirical study of the policy process, particularly policy

implementation and street-level bureaucracy. His research focuses on political-administrative

craftspersonship and the work of professionals in public service, as embedded in institutional

environments. And how do these phenomena relate to government performance?

Topics he currently is studying are street-level implementation, modes of measuring, comparing and

enhancing public service professionalism and developing a feasible approach to comparative policy

analysis with a cross-national and bottom-up character. The latter is central to ongoing research of

the supervisor; see the Research Handbook on Street-Level Bureaucracy (2019) he edited. It is also

the theme on which he is offering supervision to students doing their master’s thesis. He does so

under the heading of Comparative Public Task Performance.

Topics

Topic 1 Comparative public task performance

Code PH_Comparative public task performance




Description Curing people from a contagious disease (cf. Covid-19), enforcement of anti-pandemic measures,

teaching mathematics to children, managing traffic in metropolitan areas, flood control, food

security, disaster management - these are, among many, activities contemporary societies across

countries deem important enough to consider them as public tasks. Despite the common

characteristics of such a public task, the ways it is being fulfilled in practice may differ. Also when

the focus is on one delineated task, the aggregated results of the task fulfilment concerned may

vary from country to country. Only ‘unpacking the throughputs’ via cross-national and

48

contextualized comparison may reveal what explains such variation.


Consultation days Prior to the meeting the student thinks about a possible subject and research question and the way

in which (s)he wants to seek answers to the latter.


Master’s thesis proposal The student submits a written research proposal that contains an indication of the focus and

approach: problem definition and central question, theoretical perspective, scientific and social

relevance, data collection and analysis techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year In consultation with the supervisor, small groups of students may form a research team studying

a particular public task, in a specified number of countries (with a maximum of three). Students do

their research individually, but in relation with the overall research project of their team. Hence

the comparative dimension of their research can be strengthened. In a range of meetings - in

principle on a monthly basis - the supervisor discusses draft-chapters of the students’ theses.



During summer break Before the summer break the supervisor and the students decide about the next moments to

discuss the progress made.

49

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PROF. DR. HUIB HUYSE

Prof. dr. Huib Huyse is head of the research group on sustainable development at the Research

Institute for Work and Society (HIVA-KU Leuven). His research and evaluation work deals with

emerging trends in global development and development cooperation. In recent years, he has

specialized in labour governance within international value chains, the decent work agenda, the role

of civil society in developing countries, the SDGs, citizen science, and monitoring and evaluation

processes. He is co-titular of the Chair of Decent Work and the SDGs.

Topics

Topic 1 Universities and Sustainable Supply Chains

Code HH_Universities and Sustainable Supply Chains




Description The student can do research on how universities in Belgium or in other European countries deal

with human rights in their supply chains. The analysis can zoom in on a specific product (ICT, food

chain, or other products) or service (software, etc.), or involve an overarching analysis of one or

more universities.

This topic is in line with ongoing research by the promoter on how universities deal with human

rights in their supply chains.

https://hiva.kuleuven.be/sites/sustainablesupplychains

https://hiva.kuleuven.be/sites/sustainablesupplychains

50

Topic 2 Belgian Companies and Human Rights

Code HH_Belgian companies and human rights




Description The student can research the (alleged) involvement of Belgian companies in different types of

human rights violations. The analysis can focus on questions such as: what do we know about the

nature of the violations; the type of companies involved; through which mechanisms did they come

to light; the sectors where they mostly take place; the extent of legal consequences, etc.?







techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of individual contact moments based on written documents.



During summer break During summer break only limited supervision is provided. Students who plan to submit their thesis

during the third exam period should take this into account. Submission in May 2021 is strongly

encouraged.

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PROF. DR. BART KERREMANS

Prof. dr. Bart Kerremans is a specialist in the field of American politics, international political economy

and history of international relations. His current research includes:

- International trade and the role of the US

- Trade agreements between states, international organisations and non-state actors

- International trade and the role of the WTO

Topics

Topic 1 International Trade and the Role of the US

Code BK_International Trade and the Role of the US




Description The US is an important player when it comes to international trade. Since the start of the Trump

presidency, it seems at first sight that the political debate on trade inside the US has shifted

dramatically in the direction of mercantilism, even protectionism. But is that really the case? And

if so, does the Biden Presidency move in another direction or not? Why or why not? Through the

study of different trade-related topics such as specific bilateral negotiations, the US position and

behavior in multilateral trade negotiations, unilateral trade measures taken by the US, or a

comparison between these, students are encouraged to find the answer through thorough

qualitative and/or quantitative empirical analysis, or rather, to find the factors that may explain

the answer.

Topic 2 International Trade and the Role of the EU

Code BK_International Trade and the Role of the EU


52



Description The EU is an important player when it comes to international trade, but it is a peculiar one. Indeed,

it has to reconcile the preferences of its twenty-seven member states in order to fully exert its

market power in bilateral and multilateral negotiations with trading partners, with the European

Parliament as an increasingly vocal gatekeeper. In addition, the EU operates from a norm-setting

ambition. Students are therefore, invited to empirically analyze the interaction between the EU’s

internal challenges and its ability to exert its market power. Why is the EU able or unable to yield

its market power? The “why-question” is fundamental here. Depending on the research question,

qualitative and/or quantitative empirical research designs are welcomed.

Topic 3 The World Trade Organization at a Crossroads?

Code BK_The World Trade Organization at a Crossroads?




Description The WTO currently experiences a deep crisis. Its role as a negotiating forum seems paralyzed and

its Dispute Settlement function is undermined by the inability of its Appellate Body (AB) to operate,

this due to U.S. opposition to the appointment of the necessary AB-members. But how to understand

these developments? Students are invited to dig deeper into them through rigorous research. Why

is it that the WTO’s negotiating role is paralyzed and can a comparative analysis of negotiations in

the GATT/WTO since 1947 provide an answer? To what extent does the current blockage of the WTO’s

Appellate Body reflect contemporaneous factors such as China’s rise, or the ongoing political party

realignment on trade in the U.S., and to what extent old unsolvable problems with which members

are already struggling for a long time? Students are particularly invited to use a political-economic

prism to analyzing the problems in ongoing negotiations such as TiSA (Trade in Services

Agreement), E-Commerce, and fisheries subsidies. To what extent does the cleavage between

developed and developing economies matter here and to what extent domestic political-economic

cleavages in the developed world? Depending on the research question, qualitative and/or

quantitative empirical research designs are welcomed.

53





MIP/MEPP).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Students are intensively guided throughout the academic year. Even if a student remains

responsible for his/her own work and the choices made therein, guidance is aimed at helping and

advising in that work and these choices. As such, frequent meetings are to be preferred and

expected. For that reason, at the end of each meeting a date for the subsequent meeting is set. It

is also expected that as the academic year progresses, meetings take place on the basis of written

texts and written accounts of the results of empirical research. Texts and accounts have to be

handed in through e-mail at least three days before the scheduled meeting. Only then is it possible

to discuss the research through a well-prepared reading of the material by all parties concerned.

For the first meeting, an appointment has to be made by e-mail: [email protected].

Meetings can take place in person or by Skype. Students have to be prepared to have meetings early

in the morning (from 7:00 am on). In case an early in-person meeting takes place, a nice cup of hot

coffee will be provided.

During summer break Guidance is also provided during the summer recess, or at least part of it. The day at which this

guidance ends is Thursday July 21, 2022. Students are advised to organize their vacation and thesis

work accordingly.


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PROF. DR. STEPHAN KEUKELEIRE

Prof. dr. Stephan Keukeleire’s research focusses on the foreign policy of the European Union and on

the analysis of (European) foreign policy from a non-European or non-Western perspective.

Topics

Topic 1 European Foreign Policy

Code SK_European Foreign Policy




Counselor Depending on the topic: Lien Bomans / Raquel Vega Rubio

Description Students can conduct research on (non-exhaustive):

- Informal division of labour and specialisation between EU member states and institutions: case

studies (see Delreux & Keukeleire in JEPP 2017).

- The role of the EU and member states in multi-donor trust funds and donor conferences in the

framework of conflict resolution and peace-building (possible case-studies include Syria, Horn

of Africa, Central African Republic, etc.)

- The EU, EU member states and external actors (incl. Gulf states, Egypt and Libya) in the dispute

between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey over boundaries and offshore resource rights in the

Mediterranean.

- The EU’s CSDP missions, conflict management and climate change in the Sahel Region - An

example of the EU’s ‘integrated approach’?

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13501763.2016.1216151

55

- European foreign policy, ‘de-Europeanisation’ and the growing number of vetoes by Hungary,

Poland, the Czech Republic and other member states in EU foreign policy making (cases include

decision-making on sanctions against China or Russia, the condemnation of Israeli policies, or

the promotion of gender equality and LGTBQI+ rights in the EU’s external relations, etc.).

[knowledge of the language of these member states is required].

- The EU, human rights and new forms of slavery.

- …

Topic 2 Decentring European Foreign Policy Analysis

Code SK_Decentring European Foreign Policy Analysis




Counselor Sharon Lecocq

Description Analysis of the foreign policy of the EU from a ‘decentred’ or non-western perspective: students

can examine one or more dimensions of the analytical framework, focusing on a particular country,

region or policy. For the conceptual framework, see Keukeleire and Lecocq in S. Keukeleire and S.

Lecocq in Cooperation and Conflict (2018) and Decentring European Foreign Policy Analysis (2021)

and related literature in the syllabus, and video lectures on www.eufp.eu/decentring. For examples

of norm decentring and polity decentring in the analysis of the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, see

Decentring European Foreign Policy Analysis (2021), JCMS (2021) and Global Affairs (2018). Students

can also link the decentring framework to recent theoretical literature on de-/post-colonialism,

critical literature, Global IR, the ‘practice turn’, etc. This topic is related to ongoing research of the

supervisor and counsellor on decentring European foreign policy analysis, ‘polity decentring’ (cf.

hybrid non-state actors) and ‘norm decentring’.

Topic 3 Multinationals and European Foreign Policy

Code SK_Multinationals and European Foreign Policy



http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/metrics/10.1177/0010836718766394

https://www.macmillanihe.com/page/detail/the-external-action-of-the-european-union-sieglinde-gst%EF%BF%BDhl/?sf1=barcode&st1=9781352012125

http://www.eufp.eu/decentring

https://www.macmillanihe.com/page/detail/the-external-action-of-the-european-union-sieglinde-gst%EF%BF%BDhl/?sf1=barcode&st1=9781352012125

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcms.13121

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23340460.2018.1532307

56


Counselor Raquel Vega Rubio

Description The role and impact of powerful European business groups and related national economic interests

is one of the less researched themes in the analysis of European foreign policy. Students can

analyse their role and impact in specific cases of European and national foreign policy, including:

- The involvement of European companies in projects of Gazprom, such as Nord Stream II

- The role of energy companies in the dispute between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey over

boundaries and offshore resource rights in the Mediterranean

- The role of energy companies and energy interests in the position of member states (such as

France and Italy) in the conflict in Libya (or in other conflicts)

- The impact of European armament and aviation industry and related economic interests on the

EU’s and relations with Gulf states and Egypt

- [suggestions regarding other major business interests are welcome].



in which (s)he wants to answer them. They also try to find some academic sources and/or official

sources from the EU (and EU member states, if relevant).


MIP/MEPP/MAES).



techniques, and a short list of references (including both academic sources and sources of the EU

and if relevant also EU member states).


57

Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision will mainly consists of individual meetings. All individual meetings will take place based

on working documents prepared by the student and emailed to the supervisor (or counsellor) well

before the meeting.

Prof. Keukeleire only supervises theses of students who are formally registered for the course

European Foreign Policy.



During summer break Early July supervision will cease. Students who plan to submit their thesis during the third exam


58

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PROF. DR. RIA LAENEN

Topics

Topic 1 Elections in Eurasia: the democratization process 30 years after the end of the Soviet Union

Code RL_Elections in Eurasia




Description The student analyses one or more election cycli that took place in one or more of the former Soviet

states (excluding the Baltic states and Russia itself). Three decades after the break-up of the Soviet

Union it is clear that the democratization process in Eurasia did no go as anticipated at that time.

They are flawed democracies at best. How can the current regime types in Eurasia best be labeled?

What are the perspectives for the democratization process in Eurasia and which role can

international actors play to support the democratization process in Eurasia? These are some of the

questions that can be addressed in this master thesis research.

Topic 2 The role of international actors in the “frozen conflicts”

Code RL_The role of international actors in the “frozen conflicts”




Prof. dr. Ria Laenen is an area studies specialist on Russia and Eurasia (the former Soviet states).

Her research focuses on:

- Russia’s domestic and foreign politics and policies

- Russia as a global actor

- Geopolitical development in Russia and Eurasia

- Conflict zones in the post-Soviet space

59

Description Students can analyze the role of international actors (state actors and/or international

organisations) in one or more of the so-called “frozen conflicts” in Eurasia (Nagorno-Karabakh,

Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria, the Donbas region): which role did these international actors

already play; which potential role do they have in the negotiation process and in the creation of a

sustainable conflict resolution.

Topic 3 Moscow’s interests in Minsk

Code RL_Moscow’s interests in Minsk




Description After protests erupted in the Summer of 2020 in Belarus, Russia kept supporting the Lukashenko

regime in spite of previous tensions in the bilateral relationship between Moscow and Minsk. What

are the main motives for Russia’s support to Lukashenko? In this master thesis the student makes

an analysis of Russia’s policy towards Belarus in an attempt to explain Russia’s main interests in

Minsk.

Topic 4 Russia’s policy towards Afghanistan

Code RL_Russia’s policy towards Afghanistan




Description What attitude is Russia taking towards the Taliban? Which opportunities and/or challenges have

been created for Russia by the US withdrawal from Afghanistan? These are some of the questions

that can be addressed in this master thesis. The students makes a foreign policy analysis of Russia’s

policy towards Afghanistan taking into account the historical context of the Soviet debacle in

Afghanistan and the broader geopolitical context of Russia claiming the role of great power in global

affairs.

60

Topic 5 Geopolitical issues related to energy politics in Eurasia

Code RL_Geopolitical issues related to energy politics in Eurasia




Description The student analyses the geopolitical dynamics/tension between oil or gas producing states in

Eurasia on the one hand and one or more other international actors that import that oil or gas on

the other hand, eg. The evolution of the energy relationship between Turkmenistan and China.





MIP/MAES).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout the academic

year

The supervision guidance consists of one collective starting session, followed by individual feedback

appointments throughout the academic year based on written text submitted by the student before

the appointment is scheduled.

Students have to take the course “Russia and Eurasia in the Global Context”.


correct references and the use of academic language.

During the Summer break Students who submit their master thesis in August have only limited feedback opportunities in the

period between June and August. Students should take this into account when making their planning

and are strongly encouraged to submit their master thesis by the May deadline.

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PROF. DR. ARNIM LANGER

Prof. dr. Arnim Langer is an expert in the field of peace research and conflict management. His recent

research has focused on a range of topics, including:

- Peace education in post-conflict countries and fragile states

- Policies of nation-building in ethnically divided countries

- Measuring and conceptualizing social cohesion

- Policies towards social cohesion building

- Dynamics of radicalization and de-radicalization processes

- Horizontal inequalities as a cause of violent conflict

- Determinants of the perceptions of horizontal inequalities

Topics

Topic 1 Multicultural education in Indonesia

Code AL_Multicultural education in Indonesia




Description The first topic focuses on multicultural education (MCE) in Indonesia. As part of this topic, students

can conduct quantitative research concerning the way Indonesian teachers perceive issues of MCE

and how far they apply the principles and practices of MCE in their classrooms. The research will

be based on a large-scale perceptions survey conducted among Indonesian teachers in 2019. Two

students can work on this topic.

Topic 2 Conceptualizing and measuring religiosity in Indonesia

Code AL_Conceptualizing and measuring religiosity in Indonesia



62


Description As part of this topic, students can conduct quantitative research on religion in Indonesia. More

specifically, students can use survey data collected among a large group of Indonesian teachers

concerning issues and practices of religion. An interesting possibility would be the development of

a religiosity scale.

Topic 3 Social cohesion building in South Africa, India, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana

Code AL_Social cohesion building in South Africa, India, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana




Description As part of this topic, students can decide to analyse social cohesion building challenges and policies

in the following five countries: i.e. South Africa, India, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. Five students can

work on this topic.

Topic 4 Post-conflict peacebuilding: trajectories, obstacles and successes

Code AL_Post-conflict peacebuilding: trajectories, obstacles and successes




Description As part of this topic, students can analyse the peacebuilding processes in different post-conflict

countries. A range of interesting issues and questions can be researched in this regard, including

for example:

- What were the main obstacles to achieve durable peace? How were these obstacles and

challenges tackled?

- How successful was the post-conflict peacebuilding process?

- To what extent have the underlying causes been addressed in a constructive and

systematic manner in the post-conflict phase?

63

Topic 5 The causes and consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency

Code AL_The causes and consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency




Description

Topic 6 Peace education in post-conflict countries

Code AL_Peace education in post-conflict countries




Description

Topic 7 The study of horizontal inequalities in diverse societies

Code AL_The study of horizontal inequalities in diverse societies




Description As part of this topic, students can analyse different aspects related to the concept and phenomenon

of objective and subjective horizontal inequalities. A range of interesting issues and questions can

be researched in this regard, including for example:

• What determines people’s perceptions of the prevailing horizontal inequalities?

• How can horizontal inequalities best be managed and/or reduced?

• Why are horizontal inequalities so persistent?

64





MIP/MEPP/MAES).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision will consist of individual feedback and guidance meetings. Please note however that

students remain solely responsible for their own progress and the quality of the end product they

will submit, including correct references and academic language use.

During summer break No supervision will be available during the summer break (i.e. July and August). Students who plan

to submit their thesis during the third exam period should particularly take this into account.

Submission in May is therefore strongly encouraged.

65

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PROF. DR. BART MADDENS

Prof. dr. Bart Maddens did research on voting behavior and party strategy, national identity, the

attitude towards the monarchy, and the organisation and strategy political parties in multilevel

systems. Current research projects deal with :

- Party- and campaign finance

- Political carreer patterns

- Legislative and candidate turnover

- Elections in Latin America

Topics

Topic 1 Parliamentary elections in Latin America

Code BM_Parliamentary elections in Latin America




Language A basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese is required.

Description Student can conduct research on:

- Analysis of preferential votes in parliamentary elections.

- Political-geographical analysis of election results.

- Analysis of quota rules in elections and their impact on women representation..

- Analysis of campaign- and party finance legislation, single case or comparative.

- Influence of OAS on the organization of elections.

This topic is in line with ongoing research by the supervisor on parliamentary elections in Colombia.

66

Topic 2 Presidentialism in Latin America

Code BM_Presidentialism in Latin America




Language A basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese is required.

Description Student can conduct research on:

- Power of the president, constitutionally and in practice, comparative or single case study

- Political-geographical analysis of results of presidential elections.

- Analysis of one or more presidential campaigns.

This topic is in line with ongoing research by the supervisor on politics in Latin America.

Topic 3 Referenda

Code BM_Referenda




Description Students can research:

-The instrumentalization of referendums: research into how referendums are used strategically by

(political) actors. The student can focus on the motives behind triggering a referendum.

-Campaign financing: students can study the income and expenditure of campaigning actors, as well

at the regulatory framework (if present).

-Additional possibilities are (comparative) studies of referendums in different political systems

(democracies vs. authoritarian regimes, presidential vs. parliamentary) and referendums in the

United States of Latin-America.

This subject relates to ongoing research of the assessor (Toine Paulissen) into (regulation of)

referendum campaign financing.

67







techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision will consists of individual meetings.


correct references, academic language use and scientific integrity.



68

Supe

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DR. AXEL MARX

Dr. Axel Marx conducts research on global governance, international trade and sustainable

development. Topics include:

- Effectiveness of voluntary sustainability standards

- Trends in Global Governance

- Sustainable Development Goals

Topics

Topic 1 Adoption of Voluntary Sustainability Standards

Code AM_Adoption of Voluntary Sustainability Standards




Description Voluntary sustainability standards such as eco-labels and certification systems have become a

significant transnational sustainability governance instruments. Students can conduct research on

the emergence and development of specific certification systems such as the Forest Stewardship

Council in specific countries. The purpose of the research is to identify factors that influence the

uptake/adoption of certification schemes.





MIP/MAES).



techniques.

69


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision will consists of individual meetings at the request of the student.





70

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PROF. DR. CHING LIN PANG

Prof. dr. Ching Lin Pang is an expert in the area of China and Global Politics. Her research interests

include:

- South-South Migration: Chinese in Africa and Africans in China

- Recent developments in Hong Kong at the political and social level

- The Belt-and-Road-Initiative

Topics

Topic 1 Chinese in Africa and Africans in China

Code CLP_Chinese in Africa and Africans in China




Description Students can conduct research on the presence of African migrants in China or vice versa Chinese

in Africa. What influence does this people mobility have on Sino-African relations?

This topic aligns with the research of a doctoral student of Professor Pang on African students in

the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Topic 2 Hong Kong in transition

Code CLP_Hong Kong in transition




Description Students can conduct research on the changing identity and identification of Hong Kong people

towards PRC, the rise of the three political families, the entanglement of social problems and

political polarization, Hong Kong as deployment of the new Cold war, etc.

71

Topic 3 Migration and Refugee Policies in EU and East Asia (Japan, South Korea, China)

Code CLP_Migration and Refugee Policies in EU and East Asia




Description Within this larger topic several more specific research projects are possible. Students are invited

to suggest, within this domain, their own research question.

Topic 4 Migration and Gender Issues: EU and East Asian Perspectives

Code CLP_Migration and Gender Issues: EU and East Asian Perspectives






Topic 5 Divergent Perceptions of the Belt-and-Road Initiative (BRI) in the EU

Code CLP_Divergent Perceptions of the Belt-and-Road Initiative (BRI) in the EU






Topic 6 Analysis of Case-studies related to the BRI in the EU (also at the level of intercultural exchanges)

Code CLP_Analysis of Case-studies related to the BRI in the EU





72






MIP/MAES).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision is based on individual meetings. Except for the first meeting, all other meetings

students need to send the promoter a concise written text via email, preferably one week before

the meeting.



During summer break Supervision during the summer break will be limited. Students who plan to submit their thesis during

the third exam period should take this into account. Submission in May is strongly encouraged.

73

Supe

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DR. PIETER RAYMAEKERS

The research of dr. Pieter Raymaekers is situated in the field of Behavioural Public Policy an

Administration. How do policy makers and citizens make choices, and which factors and techniques

have an effect on the decision making process? His main research focus is on the use of behavioural

insights and nudges as a policy instrument. More specifically he studies the effectiveness and the

legitimacy of these innovative paths of policymaking.

Topics

Topic 1 Mapping and comparing behavioural policy capacity to fight COVID-19

Code PR_Mapping and comparing behavioural policy capacity to fight COVID-19




Description In the absence of an effective medical treatment or vaccine, containing this pandemic demands a

drastic change of human behaviour, both individually and collectively. Students can analyse how

insights and expertise from the behavioural sciences support and improve the policy response to

COVID-19. This topic is related to ongoing research of the supervisor into the mobilization of

behavioural policy capacity across Europe.

Methods: literature review, desk research, interviews with key actors, survey, etc.

Topic 2 Nudging as a policy tool for sustainable behaviour

Code PR_Nudging as a policy tool for sustainable behaviour




Description Students can choose a thesis topic that is related to nudging as policy tool for sustainable

behaviour.

74

Students can look at the design and effectiveness of so-called green nudges in different policy

domains such as energy use, food, mobility and recycling.

This topic can be related to the sustainable transition roadmap of Leuven 2030.

Methods: literature review, scoping review and meta-analysis (optional)







techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of frequent individual meetings throughout the academic year according

to the progress of the master’s thesis. The supervisor gives feedback and support. The student

demonstrates an autonomous and conscientious way of working.





75

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PROF. DR. FRANKIE SCHRAM

Prof. dr. Frankie Schram is mainly researching:

- The relationship between citizen and government (public administration, complaint

management, re-use of government information, obligation to state reasons)

- The functioning of public authorities (exchange of information between authorities,

regulatory management)

- Rights and duties of officials including whistleblowing arrangements, right of officials to

speak, integrity management

- The protection of privacy and the processing of personal data

- Administrative enforcement, i.e. the municipal administrative sanctions

Topics

Topic 1 Legitimacy, democracy and the rule of law

Code FS_Legitimacy, democracy and the rule of law




Description Legitimacy, democracy and the rule of law are very complex concepts on which there is not even

agreement as to what exactly should be understood. On the one hand, there are normative models,

which prescribe what is supposed to fall under these concepts and in which it can be ascertained

for a concrete state or supranational organisation to what extent it meets the requirements. On

the other hand, an empirical approach is also possible, in which the interpretation of the concepts

within a concrete state is examined.

The Legitimacy Monitor as elaborated by F. HENDRIKS et al. provides a useful framework to further

analyse legitimacy in a country. The same can be said of the concept of the rule of law which can

be guided by the framework of W.J.M. VOERMANS or that of the Commission of Venice of the Council

of Europe. In both cases, a comparison between two Member States of the European Union could be

76

examined. Democracy and the rule of law are complex concepts and require indicators to examine

them further. The availability of data for these indicators should then be sought. A student can check

which indicators are common to two countries and which are not and then check the availability of

data sources to determine whether figures can be linked to these indicators and finally, for some

indicators, to check their evolution.

Topic 2 Promoting democracy and the rule of law within the EU

Code FS_Promoting democracy and the rule of law within the EU




Description Democracy and the rule of law are pillars on which the EU is built. The European Union wants to see

these principles realised in the phase of the accession of new member states to the EU. Because

certain Member States affect certain aspects of democracy and the rule of law, the EU also has a

policy to strengthen these principles within the EU itself. Students can investigate how the European

Union does this or how these principles are realised in the different member states of the EU.

Topic 3 Public accountability

Code FS_Public accountability




Description The student can analyze how governmental organizations account for their functioning or

investigate which accountability mechanisms apply to mandate positions in local governmental

organizations. Students with a background in legal studies can also investigate how different public

sector organizations implement the accountability principle in Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2006 on the protection of individuals with regard

to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive

95/46/EC.

77

This topic is related to ongoing research of the supervisor. An (observation) traineeship is possible

on this subject. You can discuss this further with the supervisor.

Topic 4 Consultation, participation and interactive policy

Code FS_Consultation, participation and interactive policy




Description Students can analyse a concrete application of consultation/participation/interactive policy or

evaluate new forms of consultation/participation possibilities. They can also take a closer look at

one particular form of new participation, namely regional research. Finally, this topic offers the

opportunity to investigate the elaboration and implementation of target group policy within a certain

policy domain.

This topic is related to ongoing research of the supervisor.

Topic 5 Management of regulation

Code FS_Management of regulation




Description Policy instruments are used to conduct and implement policy. The choice of policy instruments is

very important, because the way they work is very different. In the development of regulations,

which is one type of policy instruments, many stakeholders are involved, who may or may not play

a role in the creation of new regulations. To develop high-quality legislation, instruments such as

the regulatory impact analysis are used.

Within this theme, a student can investigate how the regulatory impact analysis is used in the

development of new regulations at a certain administrative level. Another possibility is to evaluate

the efficiency and effectiveness of legal policy instruments in the implementation of concrete policy.

78

Topic 6 Privacy policy and policy regarding the processing of personal data within the EU and the Council

of Europe

Code FS_Privacy policy and policy regarding the processing of personal data within the EU and the Council

of Europe




Description Europe plays an important role in a specific interpretation of the protection of privacy and the

processing of personal data. This concerns not only the elaboration of legal frameworks, but also

of institutions and mechanisms.

A student can research which institutions are active in the development and implementation of a

privacy policy and a policy on the processing of personal data. In addition, it is possible to research

the mechanisms used by the European Union in the context of its privacy policy. Finally, a student

may choose to research the policy regarding the processing of personal data by the Council of

Europe.


Topic 7 Policy implementation

Code FS_Policy implementation




Description Policy implementation research is rather limited in Belgium but in other countries it is a common

practise. In the context of this topic, a student can research the instruments, processes and

structures used to implement a specific policy. There is also the possibility to analyse and evaluate

coordination mechanisms between different authorities to implement a certain public policy.

Furthermore, this topic offers the possibility to analyse the role of different actors in a concrete

implementation process. Those who wish to focus more on the relationship between the European

79

and the national level can study the transposition and implementation process of a European

directive in Belgium or study the transposition and implementation process of a European directive

within Belgium/between Belgium and another EU

country.

Topic 8 Transposition and implementation of EU directives and regulations

Code FS_Transposition and implementation of EU directives and regulations




Description Directives are legal instruments of the European Union to shape many of its policies. Directives

require transposition and leave a certain degree of discretion to the Member States. Member States

not only have to transpose directives, but they also must set up an implementation process. The

transposition and implementation process begins not only after European policy has been designed,

but also during the process itself. The differences in approach between the various Member States

are significant. Increasingly, regulations are designed that both require transposition by the

Member States as well as an implementation process.

Within this theme, students can carry out research into the various factors that explain the

differences in the process of transposing and implementing certain directives in different EU

Member States or identify and analyse the actual process of transposing and implementing a

specific directive. The student can also choose to investigate the process of transposition and

implementation of a specific regulation. It is also possible to conduct research on the monitoring of

the transposition process and its enforcement by the European Commission and by the Court of

Justice.

Topic 9 Enforcement of policy through administrative sanctions

Code FS_Enforcement of policy through administrative sanctions



80


Description More and more, several EU Member States are enforcing their legal rules through administrative

rather than criminal law. In this context, a student can carry out a comparative study on the use of

administrative sanctions between 2 Member States or on the possibilities of administrative

enforcement.


Topic 10 Integrity policy within the EU

Code FS_Integrity policy within the EU




Description With the introduction of the New Public Management, attention to integrity gained importance.

Integrity is not entirely new in government, however. This is proven by the presence of deontological

provisions in the Staff Regulations. New challenges, the introduction of economic values within

government and the often broad discretionary powers available to civil servants have put integrity

more at the forefront and the sense of urgency to pursue an integrity policy. The development of a

fully-fledged integrity policy does not always run smoothly however and is not always fully-fledged.

As part of this theme, the student can examine the integrity policy and its implementation within an

EU Member State or compare the implementation process of integrity policy within a certain policy

domain/sector. In addition, the student may choose to investigate the integration policy pursued at

the level of the European Union and within the European institutions and bodies. Within the

framework of this theme, the student can also compare the whistleblowing system or the anti-

corruption policy between two Member States.

81

Topic 11 Re-use of public sector information and open data policy

Code FS_Re-use of public sector information and open data policy




Description Information from the EU is mainly economically oriented. Legislation on re-use has been developed

and an open data policy has been designed. Both have as main purpose to create an 'information

economy' that benefits the private sector in particular. This is a very one-sided approach as the

development of an optimal re-use framework of open and big data goes hand in hand with enormous

investments: in short, the development of benefits for the private sector at the expense of the

community (the taxpayer). A responsible policy, however, requires the community to be able to

reaps benefits from this new trend as well.

The student can investigate the challenges that open/big data policy poses for government or how

the development of an open and big data policy makes a positive contribution to a government. In

addition, the student can also choose to analyse the implementation of the open data policy at

various levels of government.


Topic 12 Complaint management within the EU

Code FS_Complaint management within the EU




Description Citizens are not always satisfied with the way the government and semi-government treat them. It

is important that this dissatisfaction of citizens is considered. Complaints handling and management

systems have therefore been developed in various countries and inspired by the New Public

Governance introduced in government and semi-government.

82

The student can make a comparison of internal complaint handling between two comparable

government departments in two Member States of the European Union or make a comparison

between ombudsman services at national/federal/regional level in two Member States of the EU. It

is also possible to compare the frameworks of standards and their implementation by ombudsmen

at the national level in EU Member States, or to examine the functioning of the European Ombudsman

or the implementation of its framework of standards.






MIP/MEPP).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision consists of individual contact moments, possibly supplemented with a limited number

of collective meetings insofar as there are common elements in the master's thesis topics.



During summer break During the summer break the supervisor can always be contacted via email. If necessary, individual

contact moments can be arranged in Leuven or Brussels, upon request.

83

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PROF. DR. TRUI STEEN

Prof. dr. Trui Steen is interested in the governance of public tasks, the role of public service

professionals therein, and their collaboration with citizens. Her research includes diverse topics, such

as:

- Citizen co-creation and co-production of public services,

- E-democracy and e-participation,

- Government - civil society relations

- Local public sector reform, and innovation in local (participatory) democracy

- Public sector innovation through collaboration, open innovation

- Public sector reform in a non-western context

Topics

Topic 1 Public sector reform in a non-Western context

Code TS_Public sector reform in a non-Western context




Counselor Denitsa Marchveska

Description Can we simply transfer our Western or European models for public sector reform (organizational

reform, quality management, performance management systems) to a non-Western context? What

are the specific challenges that non-Western governments are facing in terms of modernizing

public management? What is the impact of conditionality on engagement for reform? In how far are

local structures and culture taken into account when transferring reform programs?

A critical analysis is needed of the importance of specific factors for introducing public

management reform in a non-Western context, such as:

- Political and administrative leadership

84

- (Lack of) financial resources and dependence on donor aid

- Institutional structures, e.g. decentralizing public service delivery

- Human resources management

- Citizens’ and service recipients’ involvement

- The role of civil society in public service delivery

Method: literature search, analysis of secondary data, own empirical research based on interviews

with key actors, etc.

Topic 2 Open innovation in the public sector

Code TS_Open innovation in the public sector




Counselor Charlotte Van Dijck

Description Nowadays, Public Sector Innovation is high on government agendas across OECD countries.

Innovations refer not only to qualitatively changing the form, content, and repertoire of goods and

services (service innovations), but also to transforming the underlying problem understanding,

policy objective and program theory (policy innovations) (Sorensen and Torfing, 2011).

The ability of public organizations to engage and set-up collaborative interaction within and across

governmental levels and with societal actors determines their innovative capacity. Government can

set up collaborative governance arrangements by engaging with other departments and agencies

within government as well as across governments. Yet, government can also engage individual

citizens, (for profit and non-profit) organizations and organized interests through co-production or

other forms of participation.

Despite the growing awareness of the need for collaboration, there is a lack of knowledge about

how such collaborative governance arrangements result in meaningful innovations regarding

policies and services. Also it is unclear what organizational conditions need to be present within

governments to foster collaborative governance.

85

Students are invited to tackle these research topics with qualitative and/or quantitative methods

and may include both local and global case studies.

Topic 3 Co-creation and co-production in the public sector

Code TS_Co-creation and co-production in the public sector




Counselor Paulien Lingier, Paula Rodriguez Müller, Charlotte Van Dijck, Kato Van Speybroeck

Description Co-creation and co-production refer to the collaboration between public servants or professionals

and citizens in delivering public services in different policy fields such as education, city

development, health care, mobility, …. Research topics include, but are not limited to:

The effects of co-producing public services: Does co-production help to improve efficiency and

quality of public service delivery? Does it enable citizens’ empowerment and access to services?

What are the unwanted effects of co-production?

Sustainability of co-production: How can the positive effects of co-production be sustained over

time, even when a specific collaborative project has ended? What lessons can we draw from ongoing

co-production initiatives to build long-term capacity for initiating and implementing co-production

projects?

Digital enabled co-production: What are the risk and opportunities of using digital tools and social

media in citizen participation? How can we take into account the ‘digital divide’? What is the impact

of Covid-19 on the implementation of online co-production projects?

The roles and motivations of citizens: What (international) variations are seen in involvement of

citizen-users? How does co-production influence the notion of ‘citizenship’? What are the

motivations of users to take part in co-production? What characteristics distinguish active users

from passive service recipients? How can we make sure to engage difficult to reach citizen groups

such as elderly, migrants, persons confronted with poverty? How important is trust, both of citizens

in government and, vice versa, of government officials in citizens for professional-citizen

collaboration?

Managing professionals in co-production: What is the impact of co-production on the roles, job

86

content and competencies required of civil servants and professionals in public service delivery?

How can HRM support professionals?

International comparison of coproduction: To what extent does the broader political-administrative

context determine the degree of openness of governments to civic involvement across different

policy sectors or in different countries? Specific attention may be paid to a critical analysis of the

importance of co-production of public services in improving public services in a non-Western

context. For example: to what extent can co-production provide broader access to education, health

care, city development, drinking water, sustainable agriculture, ... in developing countries?

Students are invited to tackle these research topics with qualitative and/or quantitative methods

and may include both local and global case studies.





MIP/MEPP).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision will consists of individual meetings.



During summer break Mid-July supervision will cease. Students who plan to submit their thesis during the third exam


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DR. DIETER STIERS

Dr. Dieter Stiers’ research focuses mostly on elections and voting behaviour. The type of questions

he investigates are the following:

- To what extent do voters hold incumbent parties accountable for their performance in

office?

- Why do voters switch party choice between elections?

- Is casting a vote an effective way to represent the interests of the electorate?

He mostly investigates these questions from a comparative perspective, but also focuses on Belgium.

On the methodological level he mostly uses survey data and quantitative methods.

Topics

Topic 1 Electoral behaviour

Code DS_Electoral behaviour




Description Students can formulate their own research proposal about voting behaviour in a broad sense. This

could be linked (but is not limited) to topics such as economic voting, electoral volatility, congruent

voting, voting for specific parties (e.g. radical right/left or populist parties), etc.

Topic 2 Voting at the age of 16

Code DS_Voting at the age of 16




Description Student scan conduct research on lowering the legal voting age to 16 years old in Belgium. They can

formulate their own research proposal. Examples of questions:

- What are the consequences of lowering the voting age to 16?

88

- For which parties do/would adolescents vote?

- Do 16- and 17-year-olds want to vote?

Topic 3 Elections general

Code DS_Elections general




Description Possible topics are not limited to the examples discussed above. Students are encouraged to

formulate their own proposal related to elections and voting behaviour.s








techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Students receive individual feedback on their progress and text, but are expected to work

independently and proactively.



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PROF. DR. EVRIM TAN

Evrim Tan’s work focuses on intergovernmental arrangements in public governance, local

government, governance capacity and factors affecting governance performance. His current

research interests are on following areas;

- Decentralization

- Public governance

- Governance capacity

- Central-local government relations

- Blockchain-based systems in public governance

Topics

Topic 1 Decentralization of public services

Code ET_Decentralization of public services




Description Decentralization refers to the transfer of competences and authority from central government to

lower tiers of government or to non-state actors. Decentralization is a popular policy instrument

in both developed and developing countries to improve public governance and the efficiency and

effectiveness in the delivery of public services. However, empirical studies show that

decentralization does not always lead to improved results in public services. Some countries

adopted in return recentralization policies, or asymmetric forms of decentralization. Students are

invited to tackle this issue and to research decentralization practices in different country cases

(not limited to European countries) with qualitative and/or quantitative methods.

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Topic 2 Governance capacity and effective public governance

Code ET_Governance capacity and effective public governance




Description It is presumed that an adequate capacity is an important precondition in local government for

successful public governance. However, we have limited knowledge on which capacities are

important for different governance styles (e.g. hierarchical, market, network), how different

managerial, organizational and institutional capacities co-vary with each other and whether they

are in congruence or conflicting with each other. Students are invited to tackle these research

topics with qualitative and/or quantitative methods in single or comparative case studies.

Topic 3 Blockchain-based systems in public governance

Code ET_Blockchain-based systems in public governance




Description Blockchain is a global hype, and blockchain applications have a great potential to radically change

the way public governance takes place. Recently, dozens of new initiatives around the world are

kicked-off to explore the potential applications of blockchain-based systems in the public sector.

This is an emergent area in public administration, and students are invited to research empirically

how blockchain-based public governance may look.

Research topics may include, but are not limited to;

- Current global initiatives on blockchain-based applications in public governance

- Strategies of adaptation of blockchain-based applications in public services

- Potential barriers to the transformation of public services to blockchain-based public

governance

91





MIP/MEPP).



techniques.


Supervision


- Frequent individual appointments throughout the academic year according to the schedule

that will be agreed upon jointly in November. Students are expected to stick to the

schedule until the submission deadline;

- Regular feedback sessions on the thesis progress until the submission date.

Students who wish to benefit from his supervision are strongly encouraged to follow the course

‘Comparative Public Administration in Europe’.





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PROF. DR. HUUB VAN BAAR

Prof. dr. Huub van Baar is a specialist on migration politics related to migration to and within Europe,

on European border politics, on the security-development nexus, and on protection and deportation

regimes in Europe. His work is mostly related to European migration and border politics and focuses

on:

- The securitization of migration in a global context

- The EU’s external border regime and refugee politics

- Humanitarianism and European borders and migration

- Anti- and pro-migrant/refugee movements in Europe

Topics

Topic 1 The securitization of migration in a European and global context

Code HVB_Securitization of Migration






Topic 2 The EU’s external border regime

Code HVB_ The EU’s external border regime






93

Topic 3 EU migration and border management in Africa

Code HVB_ EU migration and border management in Africa






Topic 4 Migrant and Refugee activismin global perspective

Code HVB_ Migrant and Refugee activism









The conversation usually takes place via Blackboard Collaborate (see Toledo-course Master’s thesis

MIP/MEPP/MAES).



techniques.


94

Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision consists of individual consultation sessions. Students can make a couple of consultation

appointment s throughout the academic year.



During summer break During the summer break supervision cannot be guaranteed.

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Supe

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PROF. DR. STEVEN VAN DE WALLE

Prof. dr. Steven Van de Walle’s research focuses on the functioning of public services, and in particular

their organisation and the interaction between public services and citizens. Special attention goes to

public service failure and the way in which citizens react to such failure. A second area of research

concerns public sector reform, and structural reform in particular. Preferably, students come up with

their own thesis topic. The topics below are just general suggestions. He does not offer ready-made

research questions as supervisor, unless you already have certain advanced methodological skills

that allow me to link your master’s thesis to an ongoing research project.

Topics

Topic 1 The organization of public services

Code SVDW_The organization of public services




Description Students are encouraged to suggest their own master’s thesis topic with a focus on the functioning

of public services. Examples are issues related to the allocation of public services, financing

arrangements, outsourcing, centralisation or decentralisation, service collaboration with private

or non-profit partners, street-level interactions with citizens/clients, service delivery failure,

citizen exit- and voice behaviour, or service delivery modes. Thesis topics should have a strong

empirical component (own data collection or use of publicly available data). A good starting point

when choosing a topic is to focus on things that inspire or surprise you or current events you read

about in het press.

Topic 2 Structural reform in the public sector

Code SVDW_Structural reform in the public sector



96


Description Students are encouraged to suggest their own master’s thesis topic with a focus on structural

reform in the public sector. Examples are mergers, the establishment or abolishment of public

organisations, centralisation and decentralisation, privatisation, nationalisation, changes in the

structure or statute of public personnel, or in the role and position of top civil servants.

Thesis topics should have a strong empirical component (own data collection or use of publicly

available data). A good starting point when choosing a topic is to focus on things that inspire or

surprise you or current events you read about in het press.

Topic 3 The effects and use of performance information in the public sector

Code SVDW_The effects and use of performance information in the public sector




Description Students are encouraged to suggest their own master’s thesis topic with a focus on performance

information and indicators. Information about the performance of public services is increasingly

presented and visualised in a comparative manner, locally, nationally, and internationally. Examples

are benchmarks or rankings of ‘best performing’ countries or organisations. What are the effects

of such performance information on users of this information (citizens, civil servants, managers,

politicians)?







techniques.


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Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision is individual. Should several students be working on similar topics, the first few

supervision sessions could be group-sessions. If the topic aligns with ongoing PhD research in my

team, one of the researches in my team may join in as thesis counsellor.

You are responsible for the planning of the writing process, and for making a supervision

appointment. Supervision is always based on a text or document to discuss. I need a minimum of

48h to read your texts.

Please give emails a clear subject line, and give attachments a distinctive name (not thesis.docx or

version3.docx) and date. Please send documents as a word document, and use line spacing of min.

1.5. Do not forget page numbers and put your name on each document.



During summer break I expect my supervisees to submit before summer. Time-management is an important skill for your

future professional life. You are of course free to dedicate your last long summer before starting

your working life to writing your master’s thesis, but please be advised that supervision is limited

during summer because of my own writing projects.

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PROF. DR. STEVEN VAN HECKE

Prof. dr. Steven Van Hecke’s main research focus lies on European political parties and EU institutions,

particularly the European Parliament, at the crossroads of comparative politics, EU studies and

European integration history. Current research topics are:

- Covid-19 and crisis management by the EU

- Europarties, democratic deficit, EU-related referenda and European elections

- EU institutions: European Parliament, European Commission , European Council, Council of

Ministers (rotating presidency)

- History of the European integration process

- Political party think tanks (at EU and national levels)

- Political parties in non-EU-countries (Western Balkans and EaP countries)

Topics

Topic 1 Covid-19 and crisis management in the EU

Code SVH_Covid-19 and crisis management in the EU




Description Students can conduct research on the EU’s crisis management of Covid-19 and the role of the

European Commission, the European Parliament, the agency ECDC, the member states etc. about

different topics of the pandemic.

This topic fits with recent publications of the supervisor.

Topic 2 European political parties and the European parliament

Code SVH_European political parties and the European parliament


99



Description Students can conduct research on the statute, organisation and development of Europarties,

political groups and national delegations (from different member states) in the European

Parliament, voting patterns in the European Parliament, European elections, European political

foundations, politicization of the European Commission and the Council of Ministers, Spitzen-

kandidaten, hearings/appointment Commissioners (compared with the USA), etc.

Topic 3 Democratic deficit and involvement of citizens

Code SVH_Democratic deficit and involvement of citizens




Description This topic fits with the mission of the KU Leuven Fund involvEU that looks for best practices and

missing links with regard to bringing the citizens closer to the EU (and vice versa), particularly the

evaluation of local, national and international initiatives.

Topic 4 Rotating council presidency

Code SVH_Rotating council presidency




Description Students can conduct research on policy areas and issues (agenda) of the rotating Council

presidency, comparison between pre- and/or post-Lisbon Council presidencies, relations between

the European Council, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of

Ministers, etc.

Topic 5 Political party think thanks at national and EU levels

Code SVH_Political party think thanks at national and EU levels



http://www.kuleuven.be/involvEU

100


Counselor Britt Vande Walle

Description Students can do research about the functions of study centres (or research departments/political

foundations), development, historical evolution, cross-national and cross-political family

comparison, etc.

This topic fits with the ongoing PhD research of Britt Vande Walle about the functionality of political

party think tanks in Belgium, France and the Netherlands.

Topic 6 Political parties in non-EU-countries (Western Balkans and EaP)

Code SVH_Political parties in non-EU-countries (Western Balkans and EaP)




Counselor Teona Lavrelashvilli

Description Students can do research on the development of political parties in the countries of the Western

Balkans and the Eastern Partnership (EaP).

This topic fits with the research project European Party Monitor and the PhD thesis of Teona

Lavrelashvilli.

Topic 7 European Economic Policy

Code SVH_European Economic Policy




Counselor Gertjan Muyters

Description What explains compliance of Member States with Country Specific Recommendations in the

framework of the European semester? Students can explain (process tracing) the process towards

the ‘fiscal compact’ (i.e. TSCG), and its impact on the current European Economic Governance or

the possibilities to alter the institutional set-up, etc.

https://soc.kuleuven.be/io/english/european-party-monitor/european-party-monitor

101

Topic 8 Referenda versus parliamentary democracy in the EU

Code SVH_ Referenda versus parliamentary democracy in the EU




Counselor Toine Paulissen

Description Students can conduct research on the following topics: instrumentalisation of referenda,

legislation, financing and referendum campagins. Interesting cases: Brexit, the Ukraine

referendum in the Netherlands, accession referenda, constitutionally required referenda in the

Irish Republic and referenda about the European Constitution.





MIP/MEPP/MAES).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of frequent individual appointments throughout the academic year with a

limited number of collective meetings (general rules and the preparation of the oral defense).





102

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MR. PETER VERLINDEN

Topics

Topic 1 The representation of the Syrian civil war in mass media

Code PV_The representation of the Syrian civil war in mass media




Description Students can conduct research on the representation of the Syrian civil war (2011 - …) in the mass

media of the stakeholders (countries). Different focuses are possible (not limitative):

- Comparison between US and Russian mass media

- Comparison between French and Chinese mass media

This research concept can as well be applied on another intrastate conflict with involvement of third

parties (countries) with each stakeholder having a similar or different media landscape (e.g.

Venezuela, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Sudan, etc.).

Guest lecturer Peter Verlinden is specialised in the relationship between mass media and international

conflicts. The role of political decision making and public opinion are very often preponderant in this

research. Though social media do not belong to the mass media, research on the role of social media

in the development of international conflicts could be welcomed as well. In addition, he has a special

interest in research on political decision making and conflicts, in relationship with the role of mass

media, in Central Africa, where he built up a broad journalistic field experience during more than 30

years.

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Topic 2 New media and the representation of (international) conflicts

Code PV_New media and the representation of (international) conflicts




Description Student can conduct research on the role of new (‘social’) media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) in

international (or intrastate) conflicts. Cases could be (not limitative): Syria, Egypt, Sudan, Central-

African countries, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, etc.

On student’s proposal, also a national conflict (in the political, social or economic field) can be

chosen as a case and how social media are instrumentalized in the development of that conflict.

This is, by definition, a very young research field with quite some links to the communication

sciences. Students should be aware that conflict theories in the field of political sciences should be

handled with inclusion of the role of mass media.

Topic 3 The position of ‘Peace Journalism’ in the (political) battle field

Code PV_The position of ‘Peace Journalism’ in the (political) battle field




Description This research field based on the concept of ‘Peace Journalism’ (Galtung, 1993/1996) offers many

possibilities for own proposals: a specific international conflict and a selection of mass media can

be chosen. Existing theories on the role of mass media in conflicts (mediatized conflicts) can be

implied in connection with the concepts of Peace Journalism and War Journalism.

Topic 4 Radio as an instrument of conflict in Central-Africa

Code PV_Radio as an instrument of conflict in Central-Africa




Description Student can conduct research on (not limitative):

- Radio Mille Collines and Radio Muhabura in Rwanda (1993-1994)

104

- The role of radio in the conflicts in Eastern-Congo

- Radio as catalyst factor in the political conflict in Burundi (2015)

Comparisons with other mass media (and social/new media) are recommended as well.

Topic 5 De Rwandese refugee crisis in Zaïre/DR Congo (1996-1997)

Code PV_De Rwandese refugee crisis in Zaïre/DR Congo (1996-1997)




Description The Rwandese refugees crisis in Zaïre/DR Congo (1996-1997) – The Timisoara-syndrome 2.0?

Students can conduct research on the gap between the mass media representation of this world

event and the facts, based on academic and other research post-factum.

This research could also be focused on another period of the whole crisis (1993-2003) in the Great

Lakes Region, as covered by the Mapping Report (2010).

Topic 6 New media in the newest political continent

Code PV_New media in the newest political continent




Description Student can conduct research on the use of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. in African countries.

Different focus points are possible: the use of social media by African leaders; the use of … by

opposition movements/civil society; the use of social media in political and other conflicts; etc.

Different cases can be proposed by the student, e.g. Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Sudan, Benin, Mali,

etc.

105





MIP/MAES).



techniques.


Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision will consists of individual meetings at the request of the student, in combination with

communication via email and/or Skype/Facetime or on campus.



During summer break Supervision during the summer break will be limited. Students who plan to submit their thesis

during the third exam period should take this into account. Submission in May 2021 is strongly

encouraged.

106

Supe

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or

PROF. DR. PETER VERMEERSCH

Topics

Topic 1 The attitude of East-Central European and Balkan states in relation to refugees

Code PV_The attitude of East-Central European and Balkan states in relation to refugees






Topic 2 Memory politics and right-wing populism in East-Central Europe

Code PV_Memory politics and right-wing populism in East-Central Europe






Prof. dr. Peter Vermeersch is a specialist on minority politics, nationalism, democratization, and, most

recently, restorative justice. His work is mostly related to Central and Eastern Europe and focuses,

among others on:

- EU enlargement and cultural diversity

- Democratization and reconciliation in the Balkans

- Nationalism, minority protection and ethnic mobilization

- Memory politics and commemoration practices

- Restorative justice and deliberative democracy

107

Topic 3 Political party competition and electoral campaigns in Eastern Europe revolving around the topic of

LGBT+ minorities

Code PV_Political party competition and electoral campaigns in Eastern Europe revolving around the topic

of LGBT+ minorities






Topic 4 The role of protest movements in democratization processes in Eastern Europe

Code PV_The role of protest movements in democratization processes in Eastern Europe






Topic 5 International strategies for conflict reduction in East Ukraine

Code PV_International strategies for conflict reduction in East Ukraine






Topic 6 Analysis of the international responses towards protests in Belarus

Code PV_Analysis of the international responses towards protests in Belarus




108



Topic 7 Chances for deliberative democracy in post-conflict states in the Balkans

Code PV_Chances for deliberative democracy in post-conflict states in the Balkans






Topic 8 Populism and minority activism: comparative research

Code PV_Populism and minority activism: comparative research










MIP/MEPP/MAES).



techniques.


109

Supervision

Throughout academic year Supervision consists of individual consultation sessions. Students can plan the meetings on an

online calendar.



During summer break During the summer break supervision cannot be guaranteed.

110

Supe

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DR. WOUTER WOLFS

Dr. Wouter Wolfs’ research interests are at the intersection of legislative research, party politics, and

EU studies. He focuses on:

- Eurosceptic parties and pan-European cooperation

- Political finance at the European level and in comparative perspective

- Codes of conduct for Members of Parliament and Members of the Executive

- Campaigns and campaign (finance) regulation of the European elections

- Policy support and policy capacity in parliaments and parliamentary administrations, in

particular the European Parliament

- Budget of the European Union

- National parliaments and the European Union

Topics

Topic 1 Eurosceptic parties and pan-European cooperation

Code WW_Eurosceptic parties and pan-European cooperation




Description Students can conduct research on pan-European cooperation of Eurosceptic parties in het

European Parliament or in European political parties focusing on their internal organisation,

activities and (social media) communication.

Topic 2 New pan-European movements

Code WW_New pan-European movements




111

Description Students can conduct research on new pan-European movements such as Diem25 and Volt Europe,

focusing on the internal organisation, activities and (social media) communication.

Topic 3 Finance and organisation of political groups in the European Parliament

Code WW_Finance and organisation of political groups in the European Parliament




Description Students can conduct research on the differences between the political groups in the European

Parliament regarding their internal organisation, decision-making and use of funding and political

advisors.

Topic 4 Policy support in parliaments

Code WW_Policy support in parliaments




Description Students can conduct research on policy support to members of parliament by personal assistants,

political group advisors and the central parliamentary services.

Topic 5 Codes of conduct for Members of Parliament and Members of the Executive

Code WW_Codes of conduct for Members of Parliament and Members of the Executive




Description Students can conduct research on the evolution of codes of conduct for Members of Parliament

and Members of the Executive, in particular at the European level, or examine cases of breaches of

misconduct.

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Topic 6 National parliaments and the EU

Code WW_National parliaments and the EU




Description Students can conduct research on how the European Union as a political issue is dealt with in

national parliaments (debates, organisation, control, legislation).

Topic 7 EU Budget

Code WW_EU Budget




Description Students can conduct research on budgetary politics in the European Union, including the Multi-

Annual Financial Framework, the annual budgetary cycle, and the internal budgeting process in the

EU institutions.





MIP/MEPP).



techniques. The student should ask by email ([email protected]) the form on which (s)he

can prepare the proposal.



113

Supervision

Throughout academic year The supervision consists of frequent individual appointments throughout the academic year with

possibly a limited number of collective meetings.





Documents

MASTER'S THESIS TOPICS 2021 - 2022 - KU Leuven